During the 1950s, Yma Sumac was a singing superstar. She was known for her extreme vocal range, which was said to be 'well over five octaves'. She had tremendous style and combined the look of traditional Incan clothing with the high 1950's glamour of Hollywood for a look that was uniquely her own. When she passed away in 2008 most of her clothing ended up in the hands of her long time assistant Damon, and he eventually released most out for sale. Those were immediately snatched up by collectors and fans worldwide and her pieces have become harder and harder to find as time passes because they are squirreled away in private collections around the world. I am very pleased to have this beautiful and extremely well-documented robe for you in the shop.

This is a stunning robe or evening coat that is extremely well documented. It is from Saks Fifth Avenue and would have most likely been a design collaboration between Yma and Sophie Gimbel who was in charge of, and designed for, the couture salon during this time period. Yma was photoed in this robe and she also sat for a portrait in the robe. It was obviously a favored piece of hers to have been worn for two occasions like that. The robe is made of a pale green silk of a good weight, with a matching silk lining on the interior. The sleeves are finished with wide cut, black velvet cuffs, that I have rolled down so you can see just how wide the are. In the reference photo and the photo of her portrait, Yma has worn them folded up and you could wear them either depending on how long you want the sleeves to hang. The front edges of the robe are finished with the same black velvet. I love the way it widens dramatically as it nears the hem as this gives the robe tremendous movement and a sense of drama as you walk. It is truly extraordinary and it is a privilege to have a piece in the shop from a woman that in in 2010 'V' fashion magazine voted as one of the 'Top 5 World Muses'. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching heavy silk. It has no closures. Perhaps a touch of grubbiness to the edge of the hem and there is a scuff on the inner silk near a seam. All extremely minor and do not detract. The open cut allows this to fit a large variety of sizes

Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 19.5"
Bust: 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2648

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

Christian LaCroix was the master at creating the most fantastical gowns imaginable and I am immensely pleased to have this example of his work in the shop. It is just a masterpiece and truly a work of art. The body of the dress is strapless and fitted, cut and shaped to curved around the body. like a sculpted draping The sweetheart bodice is peaked higher on one side and the fabric is hand draped and shaped across the bust. The right side is a soft curve and the left side is set to sit higher and more pronounced. The fabric on that side is actually wired along its inner edge so you can create the shape you wish. It allows you to shape it to extend high up and be more dramatic, or push it to flare more outward, or shape it to lie flat against you at the height you wish. A curving, swirling appliqué of leather that has been top stitched and embroidered trails down the front and into the lower skirting. The lower portion of the gown is fitted to hug your curves and at one side has a high slit that runs right up the upper thigh. This slit is kept from being completely scandalous by the way the gown is shaped and the fabric is wrapped around the body. The skirt opposite to the slit cascades to the floor with gathered poufs and a large bow. It trails out and past the floor to create a train. The contrast of the purple that you see under the olive of the outside silk perfectly emphasizes and highlights every line of the design. It is magnificent. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a purple silk and the outer skirts and dress are self backed in purple. There is a full bra/corset built into the bodice and it is lightly boned. There is also some type of stiffening fabric through the bodice for structure and shape. It closes with a two zippers  - an exterior one and an interior one that closes the inner corset. Tagged with the mainline demi-couture LaCroix tag.

Bust: to 16" flat across the back with upon to a B cup built in, maybe a small C
Inner corset waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length to shortest portion: 33" from top to hem
Length of the shorter of the two skirt: 49.5" from top to hem
Length to the hem of the train: 65.5" from top to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2429

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 stunning dress is based in the 1985 Haute Couture collection. You can see the similar lines in the dress I have included here as a reference from that show. He also used a similar color palette in several pieces from that collection and seems to have combined that and the silhouette of the other to make this stunning dress. It is made from layers of a light silk voile that has a stunning print done in purples and green that covers its surface. The body of the dress is strapless and gathered in soft pleats from the top of the bodice to just below the hip. The skirt floats out from under that to be quite full and is cut slightly longer in the back then the front so you get a beautiful curving swoop of fabric. Around the hip is an attached panel of fabric that I have tied in a large, soft bow to one sie the hip and then ends of that penal trail down in such a pretty way. It is stunning in person and even better then how it has photoed. One of my favorite pieces. Excellent condition

Fully lined and layered in the same fabric. There are two small repairs to the inside lining in the bodice that do not affect the integrity of the gown or the outside at all. Closes with a zipper at the side.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS=SML

Item# DD2831

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 1950s silk dress is made from a very fine, high end Asian silk. The silk has a beautiful design os sprays of feathers done in a red thread woven through it. In addition tot hat are little deep grey medallions scattered over the entire surface. The fabric itself is marked along the inner salvage and I would not be surprised to learn that this was a high end designer piece. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color overall is even richer and more true. The bodice has a pretty low V with gathers along the inverted V at the band of the waist. The banding gives you a tiny nipped in waist silhouette and then the skirt flares out into a gentle A-line. The skirt has a very unusual cut. Where you slip into is actually a slim fitting pencil skirt at the front with a very full pleated, almost bustled back. The inner skirt has a lining front and over this is a second panel of fabric that wraps around you to the back and gives you even more fullness. It is so clever and unusual. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in an ivory silk organza and black silk in parts. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made. The fabric is marked along the salvage. The skirt has ribbon edge finishes and the entire dress is wonderfully made.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E642

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

For the Vogue review of the Spring 2016 Vetements show, Sarah Mower stated: The entity that goes under the name Vetements has caused quite a quake through fashion—bottom-up, from nowhere. Just when—by looking at mainstream corporate luxury-goods norms—it seemed that cool was dead and buried and nothing “alternative” could ever again survive, along came a couple of brothers, Demna and Guram Gvasalia, and their collective of friends, to prove skeptics wrong....At top speed, Demna Gvasalia and his co-conspirators confirmed everything their following likes about their off-kilter, elegant, giant-jacketed tailoring and clunky romantic dresses, and then bettered it all. ...Then came the dresses, in a stunning number of new, colorful, and punchy-sophisticated ideas....Demna Gvasalia himself learned the ropes at Maison Martin Margiela, before setting up Vetements and getting on with proving that there can be a different way of doing things. Apart from their stylistic insights into what people really want to wear, it feels like the beginning of something else, too—perhaps something like the power of niceness and friendship in an industry that could do with a lot more of that."

This dress was one of the favored among the street style set and was photoed endlessly it seemed for various editorials. It sold out world wide and was wait listed. It is impossible to find even now I am very pleased to have sourced one that has never been worn and is absolutely perfect. It feels as fresh and avant garde as it did then and will absolutely be a future collectible. The color is a deep red and the cut is oversized. The body of the dress is made of layers of a chiffon and the sleeves and all the ruffles are made out of a heavier, stiffened fabric that gives them shape and structure. The shoulders are cut wide and are meant to be prominent. You can see the beginning of their signature asymmetrical setting of the skirt that carries through to present collections. It is remarkable and a true piece of fashion history that will only increase in value as time passes. Excellent condition with original tags attached. 

Lined in the same chiffon and slips on to wear. Tagged an XS but is meant to be worn over-sized. It will fit a range of sizes because of this.

Sleeves: 29"
Shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2830

Reference Photos: (1) S/S 2016 Vetements, Look 34.  /  (2) Vetements Outfits Photographed by Inez + Vinoodh, Vogue, March 2016.  /  (3) Bella Hadid in Vetements, ELLE US, February 2016. Photo by Dan Martensen.

This garment has never been worn and is in its original new with tags condition. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is just an amazing piece of art-to-wear. Hand made in Mexico in the late sixties, maybe early seventies, this is the epitome of hippie chic and is very easy to wear. The design is based on a classic caftan with wide cut sleeves and a body that widens as it nears the hem.  It is made of a  light, raw feeling cotton with a linen like finish. The base color is a orange that is striped in different hues and over that are sewn different color ribbons that run down the length of the dress. with an explosion of color and movement with those strands of multi-colored ribbon applied to the front. These are hand sewn into place, as are the little rounded corner squares of fabric that are scattered over the caftan. Each of those are done is different color stripes and each has some whimsical little bug, or plant hand embroidered in its center. It is wonderful. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The cut will allow for a variety of sizes to wear it.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2828

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

Annacat is a label that is very hard to find and rare. When you do find one and it is as sexy and delicious as this one is you really feel like celebrating. In its day, Annacat pieces were often featured in editorials for Vogue UK and Harper's. The label was a heavy favorite of the fashion insiders at the time and worn by the "it girls" and rock stars of the day. This full length maxi dress is an amazing example of the best of what they were producing and why there were wait lists to get your hands on their dresses back then. The bodice is gathered along the center halter piece that ties up and around the back of the neck. Then, each side of the bodice extends into a long fabric tie that you wrap and tie around the waist or tie at the back and leave trailing down. This design leaves the back completely open and bare so it is insanely sexy. The waist nips in with the front halter extending into a wide panel right down the front - it almost acts like a huge pendant or neck piece. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric and it moves wonderfully as it is all cut on the bias. It is made of a cotton fabric that is wash and wear and I love the pretty floral pattern that covers the surface. It is a very rare and very fabulous vintage piece that still feels shockingly modern and sexy. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper at the back waist. The front extends on either side and ties in the back and then the halter buttons at the back of the neck. Also if you love this one you may want to see this one as well - its the twin in cut but made of silk.

Bust: variable as it ties
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2824

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

There is just a certain cut and line of a seventies halter that once you find you look for variations of it endlessly. This is that dress. It is super chic and one of those easy to wear pieces that you can just throw into a suitcase and it works for day or night, and at the beach, the country, or the city, and you always feel like a million bucks in it. It is made out of a wash and wear cotton and that stripe gives it a fabulous feel. It's got a element of sexiness to it with that low bare back but still feels sweet at the same time. The front has a halter/bikini cut and ties around the back of the neck. This leaves the back virtually bare with the front is cut low and deep so you get a sexy expanse of skin. The skirt cascades to the floor in a widening sweep of fabric and I love how the stripes are set on an angle on the skirt. Excellent condition.

Unlined and ties to close at the back neck and zippers at the low back waist.

Bust: adjustable
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: Approx 15" from neck to bottom seam of 4" band at waist
Skirt: 42" from bottom band at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D580

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

If you are looking for a dress in a bright shot of color this is it. The rain bow palette travels down the dress in bands of pleated chiffon. Bright pastel [ink, green, yellow and blue are set side by side all the way around the dress for maximum color impact. The dress is a touch too small for my mannequin and will sit better on a smaller girl. It falls in a sleek column of pleats that travel the full length of the dress. The bodice is sleeveless and set in a low V at both the back and front. A piped and braided belt in the quartet of colors is attached and circles the waist. The skirt falls from there in a sweep of pleats that give it a pretty movement when you move. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude chiffon. The chiffon used feels like a synthetic but a good one. Closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The attached belt hooks to close at the back.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust: 13"
Natural Waist: open
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to under bust
Skirt: 45" from under bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E641

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 Spring 2005 Prada show is one of the label's most iconic and recognizable. In her review of the show, Vogue's Sarah Mower stated: Just when the whole fashion world has turned ladylike—thanks, of course, to Miuccia Prada—she's tossed it all in the air, looking for a certain freedom. "A vague idea of birds; birds of vanity, like peacocks, parrots, and swans," was a starting point in her restless search for change, she explained. "I also wanted to move toward something more young and sporty, tall and narrow.... In broad terms, the news from Prada included a different silhouette (short hemlines, worn mostly with flat sandals), a return to one of her favorite palettes (brown-ochre-rust), and as always, lots of artful eccentricity (peacock feathers, flowerpot hats, Bakelite digital watches). There was also a Jamaican dance hall vibe, with reggae on the sound system, Rasta stripes in the knitwear, and Caribbean crochet in the raffia hats and cardigan coats. The birds really took flight for night, in the form of skirts overlaid with peacock feathers, dresses covered with digitalized feather prints, and pretty chiffon gowns whose fan-like pleats hinted subtly at dove's wings."

This is Look 22 from the show and is absolutely infused with that Prada vibe pieces. Here we see her masterful hand at mixing colors. The top of the dress is a combination of eggplant, brown and a startling strip of red, and the skirt is a soft combo of brown and green. It is cut very short with a swingy little silk chiffon skirt and a fabulous one shoulder cut to the bodice. The skirt is just gorgeous. It is made from a pleated silk chiffon and has two rows of horizontal stitching to give it shape over the hips and than flares and swings under that in a light cascade of silk. The top is a light weigh wool and I love the contrast of fabrics. It is fitted and the unusual color combination is fabulous and flattering.  Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep brown, fine silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a Prada 40

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 16.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2820

Reference Photo: Prada Spring 2005 Runway Show, Look 22. (Model: Kim Noorda)

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 combination of fabric and textures with that beautiful floral print is wonderful. This masterful mixing of textures and finishes that result in a pretty and romantic feel is what Oscar excelled at and that his later work was built upon. The fabrics he chose to use for this dress is a mix of a light weight, textured silk chiffon for the bodice and sleeves anchored with a beautiful silk with a sheen, matte satin finish. Through the silk of the bodice, a fine gold lurex thread has been worked through in a floral design to highlight the soft print on the chiffon and give upper portion of the gown a subtle shimmer. The bodice is cut to just skim over the torso with a high scooped neckline. The sleeves are fuller and end just above the elbow. You can cinhc in the waist for more shape and then the skirt flows to the ground in a sleek column with just a touch of fullness to balance the bodice. I love the floral print screened onto the skirt that has the feeling of a fine watercolor painting and anchors the gown with a romantic, pretty splash of flowers. Excellent condition

The dress is lined in a nude silk, with the sleeves left unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal & nylon zipper. There is a purple net sash that came with the dress that is most likely not original but will be sent with the dress. Each cuff snaps to close.

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2819

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 Spring 2005 Prada show is one of the label's most iconic and recognizable. In her review of the show, Vogue's Sarah Mower stated: Just when the whole fashion world has turned ladylike—thanks, of course, to Miuccia Prada—she's tossed it all in the air, looking for a certain freedom. "A vague idea of birds; birds of vanity, like peacocks, parrots, and swans," was a starting point in her restless search for change, she explained. "I also wanted to move toward something more young and sporty, tall and narrow.... In broad terms, the news from Prada included a different silhouette (short hemlines, worn mostly with flat sandals), a return to one of her favorite palettes (brown-ochre-rust), and as always, lots of artful eccentricity (peacock feathers, flowerpot hats, Bakelite digital watches). There was also a Jamaican dance hall vibe, with reggae on the sound system, Rasta stripes in the knitwear, and Caribbean crochet in the raffia hats and cardigan coats. The birds really took flight for night, in the form of skirts overlaid with peacock feathers, dresses covered with digitalized feather prints, and pretty chiffon gowns whose fan-like pleats hinted subtly at dove's wings."

This is Look 48 from the show and one of my personal favorite pieces. It is in that color mentioned above, a brown-ochre-rusr, with a slight sheen to the silk wool mix fabric. It is cut short and simple with a little A-line cut skirt and that fabulous one shoulder shilhouette. Black insets define the shape and cut and the front middle panel of the skirt is heavily embellished with cut out shapes, beads and crystals anchored over black lace shapes cut to match each embellishment. The fabric choice allows for that wonderful shape to stay true when it is one the body and the jeweled appliques are striking. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep brown, fine silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand set boning through the sides. Tagged a Prada 40

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2818

Reference Photo: Prada Spring 2005 Runway Show, Look 48. (Model: Querelle Jansen)

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 fabulous Azzedine Alaia knit dress is one of his classics. The silhouette and fabric and the pleats he used to create the shape are all instantly recognizable as his work. This is the type of dress that is a mainstay in any Alaia collector's closet. The dress is made from one in his signature ribbed stretch knits. The fabric is has a decent thickness to it and once on acts like a slimming corset and shapes and molds the body into curves you did not even know you had. The dress has three distinct textures. The shoulders and upper bust are a solid knit and then through the waist you see raised rows. These are used to create that hug and shape you inwards. These then flare out and turn into sharp knife pleats that allow the skirt to flare out with amazing fullness. It is fabulous and a classic for a reason. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but these do fit a touch small. The fabric does have stretch so will accommodate a range of sizes

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2817

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 stunning dress that dates to the late forties, early 1950s combines a beautiful print and color combination with sequins and a pretty feminine feel. The entire dress is stunning and made of a beautiful black cotton voile with a pretty floral print scattered over its surface. The fabric choice helps it to keep its shape and volume and really show off those ruffled tiers perfectly while still keeping it light and summer feeling. Three full tiers make up the skirt and are layered over each other with each getting wider as they near the hem. This creates incredible volume and movement. The top is fitted around the bodice and has a pretty pleated and draped detailing that highlights the bust.Two tiny straps curve over the shoulders. The best part is the finish of green sequins that are hand set everywhere you see the flower print. These early dresses are harder and harder to come by and this one is exceptional. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. Hand finishes and hand applied sequins. Note that there is no tag present but the owner passed onto me that it did have a Fred Perlberg label originally.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D578

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

I also have listed a second, similar pant suit set that has a Micheal Novarese label and I was told by my client that that this one was also by him although it no longer has a label. (see the other one here). The fabric is signed on the inner hem salvage "Summer Day" by Boll Poole for Onondaga Silk - who were a US based silk mill that provided custom fabric for couture and high end design houses as far back as 1933.

This particular set is wonderful. The cut of both pieces is based entirely on the design that covers the fabric. The fabric itself is amazing. It is a rich, heavy silk with green base. Onto this is screened an intricate and detailed print that depicts a full meadow scene. Dragonflies and flowers adorn the surface of the silk. Both the dragonflies and flowers are completely made of sequins. The cuffs, hems and bottom of the pants are circled in green sequins that make the grass over which they fly. It is magical. The pants are flat fronted and have a slightly flared leg. The tunic sits over the pants, skimming the torso and flaring out at the hip. It has a high neck and long sleeves and how they pick up that same sequin pattern as the pants. I love that it is two pieces that you can break up and wear them separateif you want. Michael Novarese designed gowns for many of the stars during the 1960s through to the 1980s including Jane Russell, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore and Elizabeth Taylor.  I love his work and this is one of the best pieces I have seen of his. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in an off-white silk. The tunic closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and the pants close with a hand set zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Hand finished throughout. Made to demi-couture standards.

Tunic
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2210

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 amazing Pauline Trigere set is the absolutely stunning. It really is one of my favorites pieces by her that I have had come through my hands so far. It feels shockingly modern and I have seen similar pieces walking the runways recently. The skirt is supermodel length and has the perfect amount of fullness to it. The fabric has a fine ribbed texture to it and has been hand dyed a brilliant green. The silk has enough weight to it that it almost has the feel of like a light canvas type fabric. This allows it to hold the intended shape and fullness that you see but at the same time not be stiff or unwieldy. The skirt wraps over itself and closes with attached ties that wind through the waist band. The front of the skirt has a beautiful pleating detail and pockets sit along each seam at the hip. The halter top wraps up and around the neck and is cut to leave the back bare. I love the intricate seam and stitch detailing that runs over the front and follows the plunging neckline. It is gorgeous and a real statement piece. The set has its original hang tags and also has an envelope with an extra button for the halter neckline. Worn together it looks like a dress but the two pieces give you the extra versatility to wear it as separates. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the top lined in a matching color polished cotton. The top closes with a fabric covered button at the neck and hidden flat hook and eye at the back waist. The skirt wraps and ties to close with a hidden hook & eye along the wrapped edge. Pockets on each side of the skirt. Note the the hook of the closure at the waist is set in just under 2" so you could adjust this easily to get more room. The  potential adjustments will allow it to fit a broader range of sizes.

Top
Bust: no true side seams so variable
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam (if you move the hook you could get to 14")
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: ties so adjustable - approx 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2292

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 an exquisite late 1920s, perhaps early 1930s sequin and net gown. The exterior of the dress is entirely covered with tightly spaced, hand applied sequins in cream and a gold. It is one of the most spectacular gowns from this period I have ever seen.The estate that it came out of was packed full of very high end and couture clothing. The original owner and her husband had strong ties to The Met Museum. I am almost reluctant to post this as I feel that it very well may be an early Haute Couture piece; Chanel or someone else of that era. It was entirely done by hand and despite its heavy covering of sequins, it is almost weightless. It is a true piece of art and a remarkable example of this time period. Rarely do you see dresses of this caliber from this time period anymore, especially when you consider that it is still string and wearable with care.

Sequin adorn every inch of its surface and each has been meticulously applied by hand. the hours put into this dress to do this is mind boggling. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did it would be at Haute Couture level pricing. The dress goes from a solid cream sequin at the top to gold swirls that go to full density on the lower skirting. The sequins cover the entire dress on both the front and back. The cut is very simple with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. These suspended the dress as it falls in a sleek, slightly fitted  sheath, flaring out as it passes the waist and falls to the floor. The back is cut longer then the front for a slight trained effect and the back itself plunges to a low and sexy deep V. It is so well made that I suspect that you could easily wear the V at the front if you wished. The gold sequins are a rich muted tone with just the hint of an underlying green to the gold. I love how the sequins are set in curving patterns even in the solid colored portions. Normally you only see patterns made form rows. These curving sequin patterns would have added hours of planning and execution to the gown. It is a remarkable example of the fined hand work being done during this time period and is really a treasure. All the work is done by hand which you can clearly see on the back side of the fabric. Excellent, museum quality condition.

It is fully lined in a silk organza and slips on to wear with no closures. Hand finished and all the sequin work is hand done. There are a couple areas of sequins missing that I photoed. There are thousands up thousands of sequins and the small areas affected in no way detract. The lining is torn in places. with some repair work that loos older. I considered removing the lining altogether - it would be as stable without the lining as with - but have decided to leave it as found for the purists, and in case this in indeed an important designer couture piece as I suspect. At some point the hem was let down and there is a slight crease that circles the hem. I have left it at its full length. The edge is finished nicely so it works. So it is sent entirely original and as found. Carefully stored. For a piece that is almost 100 years old is it to be considered in outstanding, museum quality condition.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

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
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E637

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 the best Geoffrey Beene gowns that I have seen in some time and is really an outstanding example of his work. My client had this looked at by someone that actually worked closely with Beene and even they said it was one of the best Beene pieces they had seen. I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. It also has a very refined look to it which is a feat in itself considering how many details and separate elements have gone into its design. It is made form a combination of a gold backe, silk lurexy mixed with netting and chenille velvet yearn embellishments. The prints are a mix of pattern, lines, stripes, dots and  animal prints with a lurex trim detailing.

The body and skirt of the dress is made of a fine metallic silk lurex, with striped netting used  for the sleeves. This same striped netting curves around the back waist and up into the inset bodice. . The bodice has a silk muslin with velvet chenille dot embellishments covering it. It is cut full through the bodice so just skims over the bust and out into the sleeves. The extensive detailing work and lurex piping that details all the design is amazing. From there the skirt floats over the hips to the hem where it is finished with a fine band of black netting set just under the hem line. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Note that the dress also comes with a short lurex sash that you can tie around the waist or neck. I chose not to photo it ties around the dress so you could fully see the amazing detail at the waist and neckline. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed in gold and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at the cuff. I see one small stitch where there was a break on the net at the top of one shoulder.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2807

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

Made of a beautiful pink silk chiffon mixed with a pink silk satin for the bodice this pretty pink dress has beautiful lines and very feminine feel. It is very well made and the quality of the silks are very good making me feel certain that it must be a designer piece. It does still have its Bonwit Teller department store tag but no other clues as to who originally designed it. I can only tell you that it is definitely a higher end piece. The bodice of the dress is fitted with a high, corset feel to it, and I love how the fabric twists at the front for extra detail. From under that bust detail, yards and yards of pink silk chiffon flow to the floor in a cascade of fabric. This exterior skirting lies over a more fitted sheath underskirt so when you move you really get a fantastic movement of the silk. It has a matching shawl that is very large and when it is worn over the shoulder it cascades almost the floor. It is made of a wide panel of the same silk chiffon with silk satin bands anchoring each end. The color is person is a far better pink then how it photoed - it is softer pink and has a more pastel pink feel to it then how the camera captured the color. It is very pretty and romantic in person. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined with an interior silk crepe skirt in a matching pink. The bodice is lined in the same silk satin as the bodice. It closes with a back painted metal zipper

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior skirting hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Shawl: 144" x 36"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2272

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

These were all the rage in the early 1970s and the Biba versions are the best out there. This one is amazing. It is an original Biba sequin vest done in bold stripes. I have a few variations of this in the shop right now and each is as fabulous as the last. This one has bold vertical stripes done in a vivid pink and deep royal blue. The entire top is completely covered in tightly spaced sequins so that every square inch is covered.  The base the sequins are on is a stretch elastic that stretches to fit. It is sleeveless and has a V neckline. You can easily wear on its own or slip it over something else. It's a piece that you can style this a million ways and add an instant touch of 70s glitz and glamour. It is iconic Biba at its best and a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It is elasticized so stretches to fit. The measurements are the approx comfortable range but it would give a touch more if needed

Bust: approx 17-18" flat across the back from side to side
Waist: approx 15-16" flat across the back from side to side
Total length: 17" from the top of the shoulder to bottom

Modern size equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S227

Reference Photos: (1) Biba City Girl, 1973.  /  (2) Biba Ensembles, c1970s.

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

These were all the rage in the early 1970s and the Biba versions are the best out there. This one is amazing. It is an original Biba sequin vest done in the prettiest baby blue. I have a few variations of this in the shop right now and each is as fabulous as the last. This is a very rare baby blue and the entire top is completely covered in tightly spaced sequins so that every square inch is covered.  The base the sequins are on is a stretch elastic that stretches to fit. It is sleeveless and has a deep plunging neckline. It crosses over itself and buttons at the front center waist. You can easily wear on its own or slip it over something else. It's a piece that you can style this a million ways and add an instant touch of 70s glitz and glamour. It is iconic Biba at its best and a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the front with fabric covered buttons and a snap inside - the row of buttons down the one side are decorative only. It is elasticized so stretches to fit. The measurements are the approx comfortable range but it would give a touch more if needed

Bust: no defined side seams
Waist: approx 14-15" flat across the back from side to side
Total length: 17" from the top of the shoulder to bottom hem

Modern size equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S229

Reference Photos: (1) Biba City Girl, 1973.  /  (2) Biba Ensembles, c1970s.

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