This black velvet great coat with its quilted effect that runs over the surface of the velvet from top to bottom is fantastic. This is the type of coat that the sixties made famous. It has a long and lean line that gives you height. The bodice is cut to be more fitted and closer to the body. At the waist it starts to flare outward and the skirt of the coat is a long A-line. The feeling is that of a Great coat. I love the double row of buttons that run down the front. These add a bit of detailing there. The collar is oversized and cut so that it sits almost shoulder to shoulder when it is done up. The coat is made form a black cotton velvet. This fabric choice helps it to the hold the shape that you see. The velvet is then top stitched with a diamond pattern and there is a layer of padding underneath so it has a bit of a 3D feel. This gives the fabric a depth and texture that really adds to it. The versatility of the black is wonderful. This is definitely a coat for a girl that wants to make an entrance. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black and closes with the buttons down the front as shown. The buttons on each cuff are decorative only. Pockets along each seam at the front.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C458

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

This is one of those instantly recognizable dresses from the time period when Karl Lagerfeld was the designer for the Chloe label. The twin of this dress was photoed by Tony Kent for the March issue of Vogue Paris on Sylvie Vartan and that same shot was also featured in the 60th anniversary exhibit ‘Chloe: Attitudes’ in 2012. It is also an important collection in that 1974 marked the year when Mr. Lagerfeld took over exclusively as designer. Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. Their place in fashion history is even more entrenched with his recent passing.

This dress is wonderful. In person it is even better then how it photoed, if that is possible. The skirt really has tremendous movement that is not conveyed in a still photograph. It is actually two separate pieces. A slim cut inner dress and a skirt overlay. The cut of the inner dress is kept simple. The dress is made out of a fine black silk crepe. The bodice is a cut straight across and the dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist is seamed and fitted and the skirt falls to the floor. It skims over the hips and flares out as it reached the hem. Over this is a silk organza over-skirt that has yards and yards of fabric in it. This makes it very full and when you move it is wonderful. You get an idea of the fullness that it has in the reference photo. Onto the silk of the bodice and completely covering the over skirt are hand applied silver sequins and glass tube beads. These are set in little abstract geometric designs around the top of the bodice and all the way around all of that fabric of the skirt. More sequins are scattered between and when the pieces are worn together the effect is fabulous. The inside is all finished by hand and to couture standards.  I love it so much and it is pure magic once on an actual body. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below

The dress fabric is self backed in sating and the bodice is additionally lined in a black silk. It closes with a side set fine painted metal zipper. Hand finished interior to couture standards and all hand work for the beads and sequins that is clearly seen on the back of the fabric. There are some small holes along the waistband of the inner dress. These are covered completely when the skirt is in place. I suspect they are from the hook snagging on the fabric when it was worn over the years. Perhaps the occasional sequin missing. 

Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Overskirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3409

Reference Photo: Sylvie Vartan in Chloe by Tony Kent, Vogue Paris, March, 1974

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

This fantastic dress is from Karl Lagerfeld's own label. He launched his self-named label in 1984 and I believe this one is from the early 1990s. The aesthetic of his namesake brand combined a Parisian feel with a touch of rock-chic. A look that perfectly describes this dress

The dress is made from a black synthetic crepe that is light in weight and falls well once on an actual body. The cut is long and lean. Through the body the cut is fairly simple with a long, full length skirt, a simple bodice and straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist is highlighted by a panel of the same fabric and it is gathered  for a cummerbund effect, a signature theme that you find in many of his pieces. It is through the upper shoulder sand sleeves that the dress really comes to life. Here the straps form a  cage effect around you and then wrap around the back of your neck. The sleeves are suspended from a strap and this leaves a wide cut out all around the upper shoulder. I love how the edge of the top of the sleeves perfectly lines up with the upper edge of the bodice. Each sleeve has a wide panel of rectangular silver paillettes circling around the elbows and then again at the wrist. The cuff that peaks out from under the lowest band of silver is set so that it flares out slightly. An extra high slit up one side is the perfect finish. This dress really showcases Karl's genius with fabric and cut and is a wonderful example of his earlier work. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined except for the front bodice panel which is lined in a black silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and buttons. The neck strap hooks to close behind the neck. Hidden set zippers in each cuff and boning through the bodice. I see one of the silver sequins missing and two that are cracked or broken. There is some light pilling on the fabric under each arm. Tagged a vintage 38

Sleeves: approx 25"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to dropped seam above hip
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Slit: 28" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3407

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

John Galliano was moved from Givenchy to Christian Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. The collection from about 2000 to 2011 are covered in full and I was able to spot the runway version of this dress in look 49 from Spring 2007. Women's Wear Daily said of the collection; "His spring message was concise: a smart, discreet suit for day and a beautifully draped dress for night." The collection is also noted as being highly successful at a retail level that season.

The dress is made from a feather light silk that has been dyed to the palest icy blue. The fabric and the way it is cut and draped allows it to hug the bust and then it balloons out in that massive volume that you get just a bit of a feel for on the dress form. On an actual body, once you start to move, the dress really billows and moves around you. The lightness and masterful draping of the fabric comes into play to give it the incredible, voluminous draping that you see. The dress is cut to fit and mold around the bust area on the interiors even though it appears from the outside to be simply draped over you. In reality there is a built in inner structure that hooks to close along the back inside and firmly keeps the dress and that extra low plunge in place. Over the bust area the fabric is pleated and hand placed draped. These eventually expands out into the skirt. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it and I love how it is draped around the sides for shape and volume. Once it is on, the innermost part of the skirt falls to the floor and just beyond, and it feels like it is a more true fitted skirt. It is hard to describe but once it is on, it just all falls into place perfectly and is unlike any other dress. It is really extraordinary and very beautiful. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The dress is unlined with a built in inner bodice that hooks to close with a series of lingerie hooks at the back. A panel of fabric snaps over this to hide the hooks and make it appear that there is no seam at the back once it is on. I see one tiny watermark and a small repair to the skirt. These are lost in the folds of the skirt and only seen if you lay it out flat and look for them. You might be able to get another inch or so out of the bust if you did not do up the inner hooks

Bust: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3405

Reference Photo: Spring 2007 Dior, Look 49. Model Kamila W.

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

This extraordinary dress by Marc Bohan for Dior is very well documented. A version walked the catwalk that season worn by none other than Ines de la Fressange and it was also photoed for the August issue of L'Officiel.

The dress is made from a pale silver grey silk taffeta. This fabric choice allows it to keep its bold silhouette and hold the shape that you see on my photos and the reference photos. This is the kind of dress that you can see just how much of an influence this shape is still having on our current catwalks. I feel that I have seen all the elements of the dress re-done in one way or another over the last few seasons. The shoulders and sleeves are particularly wonderful. They are cut on a slight curve to follow the shape of the arm. Pleats are set all around the shoulder to give them the height and volume that you see. They then narrow down to the wrists. You can see the Victorian era influence on this dress but it still feels fresh and modern. The neckline is high and buttons at the back and the bodice skims over the bust to the waist. At the back there is an open slit that runs all the way from the buttons at the neck to the waist. This sexy little flash of skin is unexpected and I love the contrast this detail has with the high level of coverage the dress has everywhere else. The waist is seamed and the dress has its original wide matching sash in the same silk that you can tie and cinch in the waist even more. I have tied it at the back in the same large bow in the way it was shown in the editorial photo. The skirt skims over the hips to the floor. On either side of the waist a large ruffle starts to form and this curves over the hips and then towards the back where it creates a gorgeous trained effect. A small ruffle peeks out from under there and finishes the front hem. It is gorgeous and I love when a piece is this well documented. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper set at the waist and silk covered buttons and loops at the back of the neck. A silk covered button and loop at each wrist. The matching sash is original. Note that it was a little small on the mannequin in the waist area and the opening is not that wide at the lower back when it is on a girl that it fits properly. There are some watermarks on the hem. Please see the photo after the label shot and before the reference photos.

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seams
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 46" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3406

Reference Photos: (1) Ines de la Fressange for Dior /  (2) Model in Christian Dior, L'Officiel, August 1981. Photographed by J-F du Sel des Monts.

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

A patterned version of this coat was photographed for The Daily Telegraph Magazine in September 1973 and featured Jean Shrimpton and Barbara Miller. I am very pleased to have an all black version of it for the shop as it is exceptional

The coat is wonderful. It has those fabulous Art Deco lines that Barbara Hulanicki favored. It is made out of a light black faux fur whose pile lays flat and has a textured feel to it. It is soft and supple and falls beautifully once one. The coat zips up the front to a high funnel neck. It is more fitted through the shoulders and then falls, swinging outwards with quite a good amount of fabric. The shoulders and sleeves are spectacular with that high capped cut Hulanicki became known for. From those wonderful shoulders each sleeve falls, gradually widening out as they near their cuffs. This is from the Big Biba store era. It is a wonderful piece of fashion history and very wearable and chic. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in black silk. It zippers to close at the front and has pockets on each side. Perhaps the lightest of matting to the inside collar (supersize label photo to see). A teeny bit of wear here and there along the edges of the cuffs. Really beautiful condition. Note that these fit high and tight across the shoulders so even though the cut is generous through the body I have added the size of the interior arm hole - its top will sit at the top of the shoulder almost. If that works it will fit a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 25"
Inset shoulders: exterior 13"
Interior arms holes: 14" around
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C467

Reference Photos: Jean Shrimpton and Barbara Miller (both in Biba) by Duffy, The Daily Telegraph Magazine, September 1973.

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

Bill Blass became the head designer at Maurice Rentner in 1959 and soon after that his name started to appear on the labels. In 1970 he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. These Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner pieces, are some of his earliest and you will find many of them, like the twin of this coat, in museum collections throughout the world. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of all the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seem to have a way of flattering the wearer even at their most extravagant

This early Bill Blass coat is particularly gorgeous with its bead and silver threaded fabric. The base of the coat is a deep dark brown velvet that has a rich feel. The brown and silver combination gives it more interest then if it had been a more basic black. Onto the velvet is an incredible and intricate design that has been created out of hand placed and sewn silver thread. The thread pops off the velvet base and has a lovely way of catching the light. The collar, ends of each cuff, down the front of the coat and the hem are padded and piped and this helps the coat to maintain its design and shape. It also gives the coat a neat and polished finish. The shoulders are structured but without any padding. The sleeves are slightly cropped and each one is cut to widen out as they hear their padded ends. It closes down the front with a series of silk covered, hidden snaps so that when it is closes there are no buttons showing to break the lines of the coat. This simple design allows that beautiful fabric to take center stage. Panels of silver tube beads set in a 'braid' pattern follow alongside all of the padded, piped parts of the coat for the perfect final detailing. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching brown cotton and closes at the front with silk covered hand set hidden snaps. Pockets along the seam on each hip. Hand finished throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 20.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C541

Reference Photo: 1968 Bill Blass coat from the Indianapolis Museum of Art Collection.

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

True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. This one, like several other of the Haute Couture pieces in the shop at the moment, are from one of my clients whose mother purchased the majority of her Couture pieces between 1973 to the mid and late seventies.

The dress is made of two layers. There is an inner silk dress that acts as the lining, and then an outer layer over that, made from a semi-transparent silk chiffon. The silk chiffon used on the outer layer is especially fine and it has a beautiful red floral design screened onto the black with a secondary print suggesting an exotic animal print. The straps of the inner dress are made of that same fabric as is the matching belt that cinches in the waist. When the two pieces are layered over each other the result is wonderful. The outer dress gives the dress a very light and airy feel that is very feminine. The dress is so well made that I could not decide which way it sat better. I decided to photograph it both ways. First with the buttons down the front and then with it turned around to have the buttons run down the back. The neckline is collarless and simply ties above the row of silk covered buttons that start a slit keyhole between them and the tie. The bodice is cut to sit looser over the inner slip and the sleeves are full, poufing up above their buttoned cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of soft pleat work all the way around the hips. Each individual pleat is done by hand and precisely spaced. These give the skirt it's flounced feel. The matching silk fabric belt hook and ties into place to cinch in the waist. As good as it is on the dress form, it will be even better on an actual body. It is entirely made by hand and has its Haute Couture tag and numbered tape behind the tag present on the interior dress. Excellent condition

The exterior dress is unlined and closes with a tie at the neck and silk covered buttons. It has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The interior dress act as the lining and closes with a handset side painted metal zip. Matching original belt. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Haute Couture label present with interior tape number 54878. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3010

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

This Valentino is very similar to the work he was doing for the 1977 season that was so beautifully captured by Deborah Turbeville for the Fall campaign. I have included several reference photos of the similar gowns from the Haute Couture season that year and you can see how this one would have evolved form those for the boutique line

The dress is made from a feather light silk crepe chiffon in his signature shade of red. The fabric choice allows for the sense of airiness that the dress has once it is on and that beautiful shape. The bodice is strapless and is kept very simple with a straight across cut and inner boning on the sides so it stays on place. Two rows of those silk ruffles run around it and they are set so that just a few inches at the waist is left to be seen. This gives you some shape through the waist and keep the dress from being one solid column of nothing but ruffles. The skirt falls to the floor from there, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. Here the ruffles take center stage and fully cover the skirt in horizontal rows that slightly overlap each other. These run fully down the length of the skirt from waist to hem. The lightness of the silk allows them to move with the slightest bit of movement on your part. The effect that this creates is wonderful. It is a beautiful and romantic dress and showcases the best of Valentino's work. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Light boning in the sides of the bodice. I see one very faint mark on one ruffle to the side of the waist at the front. Please review the photo after the label shot. Note the back will close completely on the right sized frame. It was just a touch small on my dress form.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of the bodice to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3403

Reference Photos: Valentino Fall/Winter 1977 campaign photographed by Deborah Turbeville. (Model in Photo 1: Malgosia Bela)

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

After emigrating to the US in 1933, Rudi Gernreich started working in theater as a costume designer. He worked under Gilbert Adrian for a few years and eventually started his own small independent label in 1948 while still working for various other labels through to the 1952. At this point he started to develop the basis of some of the knits he would become known for while working for  the JAX boutique and doing freelance for several department stores. In 1960, Gernreich finally launched his own company and in 1964 renamed it Rudi Gernreich Inc. He is best known for his own label's work and the work that he was doing for Harmon knits in the 1960s and 1970s. Pieces like this dress are now regraded as being highly collectible.

This dress is from the 1971 season and several variations of this print were done and documented that season. His fascination with this graphic check print seems to have consumed him full force during this time period. Here we see three variations of the check used to maximum effectiveness. The top portion of the dress is done in a small red and navy check. The sleeves are more red in feel with a slightly larger so;id blue check running vertically down them. This balances out the skirt which is cut to be more full. Here the checks are of the same size and are quite large. The original belt that comes with the dress has the same check as the top and it anchors the entire design. The bodice is cut to be fitted and the skirt is set so that is has volume. It is made of his signature light wool knit. It is very rare to see a piece that still has its belt so I am happy to have had that come with it. It is a magnificent statement dress and highly collectible. Excellent condition with some small notes below.

Unlined and closes with a painted back zipper. The belt is backed with leather. The fabric around the round buckle shows signs of separating from the backing but still presents well. I see two nicks out of the fabric that I have photoed. I had this cleaned and temperature treated and the fabric seems stable. Please review the photos after the label shot and before the reference photos. Tagged a vintage S.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3402

Reference Photos: (1) 1971 Rudi Gernreich Dress from the Indianapolis Museum of Art Collection.  /  (2-3) Peggy Moffitt in Rudi Gernreich, Fall 1971. Photographed by William Claxton.

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

This Hawaiian barkcloth style dress is exceptional. It has that gorgeous and flattering one shoulder silhouette and I love the extra wide width through the skirt. The fabric is a textured barkcloth that really lets the dress retain its intended shape once it is on. It is cut to be more fitted through the bodice and then skims over the hips and widens out as it nears the floor. The fabric choice makes it extremely comfortable to wear and easy to care for. One side of the bodice curves up and around the shoulder and then curves gracefully across the back. There is an attached bow made from the same fabric secured to the top of that shoulder. It still has its original tie belt in a matching fabric so that you can cinch in the waist as much as you wish. I love how the ends of it are rounded and shaped to mimic the ends of the bow on the shoulder. The waist nips in and then the skirt is tremendously full under that. In person the colors are far brighter and parts of the pink print are almost a neon. It is amazing. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Matching original tie belt. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little.

Bust: to 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: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem with 1.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3399

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

Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She had moved to the US from Paris in 1937 and her designs always have that bit of a French feel to them. By 1949 she had been awarded a Coty and won one again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She as a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening, In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use amply an African American model. The 1972 collection used variations of the floral motif all through it and I believe that this dress us from the spring of that year.

That gorgeous tulip print that has been done in a brilliant green set against a inky black backdrop is the first thing you see. The fabric is a fine semi-sheer cotton voile  that feels like it has a touch of silk in it as well. The fabric choice holds that brilliant color beautifully. The touch of transparency to it combined with setting it over the inner black lining gives it a bit of added depth and really allows the green to pop. The top is has simple lines with an almost box cut through the body. There is the subtlest of gathers along the shoulders for a little bit of detailing. The sleeves are a single unlined layer of the fabric and have elastics at each wrist. This allows then to have a slight balloon effect once it is on. It snaps to close down the front with hidden set snaps and they begin at about the bust area. This then tucks into the skirt whose front is cut in a kind of modified sarong. The front knot that you see is built into the front of the skirt's design and this leaves an little cut out above and below the ties. The skirt then falls from there in one long and lean line. A very high slit runs up the center of the skirt. This is one of those pieces that may look like nothing special off the body or on the dress form but once it is on an actual body it comes to life. It is an unusual design and quite forward for its time period. Excellent condition with one note to review below

Both pieces are lined with a semi-sheer black silk voile except for the sleeves. The top closes with a series of hidden set snaps at the front and elastic in each wrist. The skirt zips to close with a flat hook and eye on the waist band. There is a little tag that says front on the waist band and I believe that it is meant to flip in when on but could easily be worn like a normal band if you moved the little front tag. There is the teeniest of pulls to the fabric above the first snap of the top. With the print and where it is it is negligible. Please see the last photo after the shot of the label 

Top
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust-hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from waist to hem
Slit: 25" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3397

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

This Valentino set is wonderful and even better once it is on an actual body. All four of the original pieces are present which is rare. This is early Valentino Boutique when they were still hand writing out the fabrics on the tag. 

All of the pieces of the set are made out of the same fluid silk chiffon crepe that has a deep blue base with a Italian Roma tomato print. The pieces are all original. There is a cropped halter top, a long full maxi skirt, a sash and a huge shawl. The top is cut with a high neckline and a ruffled collar. The front is set on an angle that curves up towards the neck and leaves a hint of collar bone showing. It is slightly cropped in length and ends up sitting just at the waist with a ruffle detail that picks up the detail at the neck. This leaves the entire top portion of the back bare. This gorgeous little top goes with the long maxi length skirt that is incredibly full. It widens out to almost a full circle skirt when laid out flat with yards and yards of fabric there. A double ruffle circles the bottom hem and ties in with the ruffles on the halter top. When the top and skirt are worn together it gives the effect of a dress except for that sexy peek of skin at the waist. You can wrap the long sash around the waist or use as a head scarf. The shawl can be wrapped and styled around you any way you wish. The shawl is also finished with a ruffle around all its edges to tie everything together perfectly. The set is gorgeous and far better on an actual body them my dress form. This is Valentino at his best during this time period. Excellent condition

The skirt and halter top are fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the sash and shawl are unlined. The halter closes with a painted metal at the back and the skirt also zips to close at the waist. Hand finished throughout. Tagged a vintage Valentino 6

Neck: 13.5" from end to end
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 17"

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Sash: 16" x 72"
Shawl: 39" x 116"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3078

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was on of the great French couturiers in the grand Parisian style. He counted Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy as fans in his heyday and his work in the 1970s especially was wonderful. Opulence, hand beading and rich passementerie were his trademarks. He launched his own Haute Couture house after working at Christian Dior and stayed there until his dismissal in 1992. By that time period he had sold out all but 10% of his company. In 1977, the year that this gown was made, he was just reaching the top of his game as a couturier.

This dress, with its matching ruffled silk shawl, is tiny but perfect. I love the soft yellow silk organza that has been used for the skirt and the shawl. This choice of fabric allows it to have the volume that you see but without adding any weight at all. The skirt is cut to skim over the hips and that drops to that first extravagant ruffle. There are three ruffles in total that circle the skirt and each is wide and has yards of fabric in them. The skirt under the ruffles gradually widens as it reaches the hem. The movement and airiness the skirt creates in person is amazing. The shawl is made of the same silk as the skirt and is very long and finished with the same ruffled treatment we see on the skirt. It can be wrapped or just lightly held. Once this is removed that bodice of the dress is revealed and here is the true magic. It is strapless and fitted to the bust which balances against the volume of the skirt perfectly. Tiny sequins are hand placed to create that stunning floral design that you see. The edges of the green sequin leaves are done in the smallest glass tube beads. Little glass crystals edge other parts of the design and create a border across the top of the bodice. The workmanship is exquisite and the care and time to have created the design using only the finest, smallest of beads and sequins is astonishing. The entire dress is finished to Haute Couture standards and it is even more beautiful in person. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in the same silk organza that is used on the exterior. All of the work throughout is done by hand done to the edgings of the inner seams. It zips to close with a painted metal zipper and the exterior skirt snaps to close over the zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The bodice is lightly boned. It will of course close all the way but was small on my dress form. I see one tiny dot of a mark just under the bodice seam and a tiny repair near the base of the back closure. Numbered tag 002576

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Shawl: 9' long x just over 5' wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3393

Reference Photos: (1) 1976-1977 Fall-Winter Women's haute couture runway show.  /  (2) Jean Louis Scherrer with model, 1977.

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

This dress is insanely sexy. It is made out of one of there signature jerseys that is so light and fine that is feels and moves like liquid on the body. When you are standing still it is deceptive as to just how much fabric there is in the dress. There are yards of it, it is just so light and fine that it falls into a more sleek column until you move. The fabric is covered with a fine black and white dot pattern that gives it a graduated design when seen from a distance. They have cleverly played with the placement of the dots to create a secondary stripe feeling pattern with the pattern. This adds length to the wearer in a subtle, gorgeous way. It is unlined and simply ties at the neck which allows you to decide just how low the front triangles should sit. At the back it is cut very low and again the lower you tie it the lower the back dip will sit. However good it looks on the mannequin it looks and feels even better in real life. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Unlined, slips on and ties into place at the back of the neck. One side of the ties at the neck is slightly shorter then the other. There is the tinniest of yellowing to the white dots on both sides. You do not notice it all once on because of the pattern., Please review the last photo after the label shot. The fabric has stretch and should fit a variety of  sizes.

Bust: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: approx 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3392

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

Andre Courreges made these amazing little faux leather coats out of a coated vinyl starting around 1963 and into the early 1970s. The vinyl give it a more sporty look and was also considered to be a cutting edge fabric during this time period. It also features his logo prominently on the front which was also rather daring for this era. He was one the first designers to do this.

This can be worn as either a coat or a dress with something underneath. It is belted for definition through the waist and the big pockets at the front act as both a design feature and give it a sense of utility. His signature coated snaps do up the front and at the back there is a row hidden under the vent that allows you to close it for a more dress feel or leave them open so that the bottom skirting has more volume and functions more like a coat. It is cut to skim over the body and be more fitted through the top. Courreges himself once commented on the perfect fit saying that is “was somewhere between a youthful and optimistic inventiveness, and a concept of fashion embracing the platonic ideal of perfect form. What was needed was to apply new technical and aesthetic rules and to create a modern style that was easy to wear”.  This is one of the much rarer originals in one of the best and most coveted of the colors - the brilliant orange. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below

The jacket snaps to close at the front and it has its original belt that also snaps into place. More snaps close the back vent and each cuff. The pockets zipper as seen. Inside, the lining can be fully removed and snaps into place. It is tagged a Courreges size 0. There are a few tiny nicks out of the vinyl exterior and the slightest, tiniest bit of wear near the logo. Minor wear to the paint on a couple of the snaps and a touch of grubbiness to one pocket flap. Inside the lining has some small missing areas. The exterior flaws are normal wear and patina for this fabric and it presents as excellent. The interior issues are minor and the fabric is strong and stable.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14 3/4"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C539

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Courreges, L'Officiel c.1970s.  /  (2) 1963-69 Courreges Coat from The Met Collection.

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

Jacques Tiffeau was one of the vanguard designers whose clothes were designed with a young, more affluent and fashion-conscious costumer in mind. He was a trained tailor who turned down a job at the Dior ateliers and instead launched his own ready-to-wear label, Tiffeau-Busch,  in 1958 in partnership with Beverly Pruzan Busch where pieces were also produced, like this one, that only bore his name. Plaid became a bit of a signature for him and Lauren Hutton wore a similar cut coat to this one in 1967 for Vogue.

This set has two pieces, the coat and its original skirt in a matching fabric. The skirt is tinier through the waist but the coat is cut with a more generous size. This means a girl who fits the coat can buy it to wear on its own and just have the skirt as a bonus piece. Both pieces are made out of a textured fabric that feel like perhaps a wool silk mix. This style was called the Cardigan coat by Vogue dues to its easy cut and collarless design. It sits more sleek and flat at the front and then the back has a yoke under the shoulders and the fabric then is gathered into that and falls with more volume at the back. Big glossy brown buttons close it at the front and the sleeves are finished with a flat piping that matches the treatment at the neck. The skirt is cut slim and to just above the knee. Excellent condition

The coat buttons to close down the front with additional silk covered snaps. The skirt zips to close with a painted metal zipper. Both pieces are lined in an ivory silk. Proper buttonholes. They look to have been worn very little if at all. The skirt is an XS due to the waist but the coat should fit a bit wider range. It is priced based on the coat alone.

Coat
Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:-hips: open
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Skirt:
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C538

Reference Photo: Lauren Hutton in Jacques Tiffeau by Irving Penn, Vogue, February 1967.

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

Scott Barrie was one of a group of black designers and models based out of New York's Seventh Avenue in the late 1960s. He quickly became known for his sensual designs and in particular, his evening wear. Naomi Sims was a fan and often was spotted wearing his work. His label closed in the early 1980s. He then worked at Krizia, remaining there up to just before his passing in 1993 of brain cancer. This gives us a very small window for finding examples of his work. The earlier pieces especially were produced in very limited amounts. The very early pieces were made by him out of his apartment on a makeshift cutting table and domestic sewing machine. To me this makes each of his found pieces that much more special.

This dress is stunning and shows his range with fabric and the more romantic side of his work. He is best known for his work in stretch jerseys but I  love this silk chiffon example. This dress has the added bonus of having a all black version of it photoed for Vogue in 1973 so we know the exact date it is from. It is very sexy in a very pretty and romantic kind of way. It is made from a bias cut silk chiffon that is printed with huge pink and coral tropical flowers on a vivid green backdrop. The lightness of the fabric choice makes it feel like the silk floats around you when you move. The bodice is fitted at the front and each sleeve is a pretty flutter of silk. The back is left completely open and bare with a small ruffle of silk edging the opening. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Fully lined in a green tissue silk and closes with a low back zipper and ties behind the neck. There are some small marks on the skirt here and there - they do not detract because of the pattern but are present if you inspect it closely and flat with the fabric spread out. I photoed the ones I found and it is priced with this taken into account. The fabric is otherwise strong and stable. The zipper did not do up all the way on the dress form but does close properly on someone the correct waist size.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 11-11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 44" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD1262

Reference Photo: Apollonia in Scott Barrie for Vogue US, September 1973. Photo by Richard Avedon.

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 duo behind the La Mendola label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them one by one, piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop and women like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth become steadfast clients who were buying, and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. They were located in Italy and their atelier closed in 1974.

In the past I had a custom made La Mendola dress come in the shop and the original owner had kept the available fabric swatch options for 1972. The prints were done in house and were named. This dress is a version of the Paridiso print. The fabric is gorgeous. The dress itself is made from their classic silk jersey that took the color and print of their designs exceedingly well. It also has a matching skirt overlay in silk chiffon that uses the same peacock feather print. The pinks used on the print are gorgeous and it is even better on person then how it photoed. The drama and impact that it created once on an actual body is amazing and the skirt adds an extra dimension of lightness and movement. The dress has a high neck and a simple cut through the bodice and sleeves. It skims over the waist and then gradually widens out as it nears the hem. At the back, it closes with their signature, tightly spaced buttons that they always covered in the same fabric as the garment. Over this is goes a silk chiffon split paneled skirt that ties into place. The skirt is a single layer of silk chiffon and is set along its waist band with spacing between the two panels. This leaves a long slit on each side of the dress underneath to show through. Together the are absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with that row of tightly spaced, silk covered buttons. The over skirt ties onto place as you wish. The fabric has stretch and this combined with the easy design of the dress will allow it to work on a variety of sizes. Hand finished throughout. The measurements given are the comfortable stretch when laid out flat. The over-skirt waist is adjustable with the ties. The photo of the swatches is from that previous dress. The actual swatch card is not included 

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Over-skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3389

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

Emilio Pucci is one of my favorite designers and every single dress is a work of art in its own right. His colors and prints are mixed with a masterful hand and when you get a good piece of Pucci, it is a piece that you can wear for a lifetime. This one is quintessentially Pucci and is done in one of his beautiful blue color palettes. The dress is made out of his signature lightweight silk jersey, a fabric that he preferred because of the way it moved and took color. It is screened with one of his custom prints that depicts a lattice pattern that runs over the entire dress and then has leaves and vines twining around and through that lattice. The pattern runs over the long sleeves and over the bodice that skims over the bust with a scooped neckline. The neckline and cuffs are defined with a border piece of the same pattern that only has the leaves and vines. There is a detailing seam that runs just under the bust and then the waist and skirt flows from there to the floor. I love the wide band of print that runs up the back of the dress and circles the hem as well. The skirt itself is surprisingly full through the lower portion. When you are standing it falls in perfectly little rounded drapes but when you move you really get a sense of the fullness. The entire dress weighs ounces and is just wonderful to see. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back hidden, painted metal zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. Note that the color is more intense in person - better then how it photoed. Hand finished. Tagged a vintage Pucci 8

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3382

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

This beautiful two piece set shows what a master Yves was with print. The top and skirt share the same floral print and instead of that being overwhelming it only serves to give the illusion that it is a dress instead of the two pieces. Yves was a master at taking fine silks and simple designs and then adding romantic, feminine elements to create something uniquely Laurent in feel. Both pieces are made from a high quality silk. This allows them to move and drape wonderfully once on the body. You will see a lot of his pieces made from this silk during this time period and for good reason. The top has an easy to wear cut and sits loose on the body. It buttons at the front neck so that you can leave it open or close completely to create a higher neckline. There is an attached tie belt at the waist that allows you to add shape. Each sleeve has a pretty amount of volume over the 3" cuff. The skirt hooks and zips to close. It is cut to flows over the hips and ends just past the knee. It is more fitted around the hips and then the pleats opens to create some volume. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined. The top buttons partially down the front and has three buttons on each cuff. The skirt zips and hooks to close. Has its original tie belt attached lightly to the top. Both pieces are tagged a 36

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from waist to hem

Top
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3379

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