I sold a white cotton pique version of this dress last year that ended up being a part of a wedding for my client, Paulina. I have included some of her photos here so you can get a sense of how these dresses look like on the body. This one is slightly different from the white - it is a smooth cotton fabric and the skirt is even all the way around. Because of that you can add a crinoline for a fuller look. They do share a similar sculpted bodice and this one is even more elaborate then the white was.

I love this dress by Thierry Mugler with its sculptural bodice that gives it a sense of high drama. That is in direct contrast to the cotton fabric that it is made of and I think that it is this contrast between the lines of the dress and the fabric choice that make the dress so fabulous. The amazing bright color is an added bonus. In real life that bright orange color is slightly more saturated and richer then how it photoed. It is a wonderful summer piece that still feels fresh and of this season despite its vintage heritage. The bodice is fitted and sculpted with that fabulous curving cut that loops over itself to form a keyhole. The other side curves up and around the shoulder for the perfect one shoulder silhouette. The interior of the bodice is finished with a stiffening fabric to keep its shape. This helps it to mold it to your frame and create shape. The waist is cinched in and then the skirt below is cut to be extremely full with yards and yards of fabric in it and the sweep extends to a full circle skirt. I have shown it without and without a crinoline underneath in the shots here and you can see how full it can get. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Lined through the bodice with the same fabric and stiffened and molded with the seaming for support. It closes with a series of  snaps offset up the back. Pockets on each hip. Note that it did not close all the way on the mannequin and of course will close properly on the correct sized person. Crinoline not included

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3446

Reference Photos: Paulina Ortega (@paulinapaige) in Thierry Mugler from Shrimpton Couture.

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 came with an old hang tag that was dated as being from the 1974 season and that makes sense given his heavy use of sequins for that years collections. It is a stunning piece and a wonderful example of his work during this time period.

This beautiful sequin covered dress is absolutely stunning. It is also insanely sexy once on the body and beautifully made. It is entirely covered with glossy black sequins that give the dress an almost liquid feel once it is on the body. Not a single inch of it is left uncovered. Thousands of hand applied, glossy black sequins have been tightly placed side by side to completely cover the surface of the fabric. This gives the fabric the suggestion of liquid and when you move the light catches the sequins and creates the most sensual and magical effect. It curves up and over one shoulder and leaves the other completely bare. It is cut to curve over the body with no seam at the waist to break the line. The bottom follows the same angle as the neckline so that one side is longer then the other. He then finished the entire hem with fringe so that when you move this creates beautiful movement around you. It is extraordinary and really wonderful once on the body. A superb and early Bill Blass that packs a tremendous impact once on. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with an offset back zipper. Hand set sequins and hand finishes. Maybe the occasional sequin missing. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 16.6" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3444

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

Throughout various collections during the eighties Yves did several variations  of these draped wrap dresses. They were made in a variety of vibrant beautiful colors and different fabrications. The best ones had the deep plunging front that you see on this one. This particular design also has amazing sleeves that are very full just above their cuffs. This gives the dress a bit of a forties feel to it that I love. For this one he used a red crushed velvet hat has a wonderful drape and feels very sensual once it is on. It also has a beautiful texture to it that really adds to the impact the dress has. So wear it, you simply slip it on and it wraps around you at the front where it hooks into place to close. It come with its original matching fabric sash that ties at the waist so that you can cinch it in as much as you wish. The nod to the 1940s is self-evident, a theme that you see so often in pieces designed by Yves, yet it does not feel dated, even now. The details are gorgeous. There is light padding inside the shoulders, the cuffs are full and the front curves up slightly at the hem. I love the front plunge and how the light catches the velvet with your slightest movement. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with a large flat hook on the interior waist and one on the exterior. Each shoulder is lightly padded and the fabric tie belt is original. Pockets on each hip. There is elastic in each cuff. Tagged a vintage YSL 36.

Sleeves: 25"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam where the hooks are set now - you could adjust/move these by at least 2 inches up or down.
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3442

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 April issue of Vogue in 1973, Lauren Hutton was photographed in a similar jersey dress by Bill Blass. The one that she wore was done in a black rather then the red that this one is. By 1973, Blass was only three years into running his own company after buying Maurice Rentner Ltd in 1970 and re-labelling it under his own name, making this a wonderful example of his earlier work

The choice of a silk jersey gives the dress a wonderful drape. It also keeps it remarkably light in weight so it is very comfortable to wear once it is on the body. There is a definitive Grecian feel to it created by the addition of that long piped tie. The ties are made from the same fabric as the dress and are meant to be wrapped around the upper body and waist. They are long enough that you could extend that down and over the hips if you wished. The neckline is high and the bodice is seamed horizontally so that you don't get any bunching of the fabric when you tie the ties over it. The waist is defined by a seam and the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of jersey. I love the sleeves in particular. Each is cut extra long and with a tremendous fullness at the cuff. This gives them a bit of an Old Hollywood feel. It will fully zip up at the back - it is just a little small on my dress form. Excellent condition overall with one small note to review below.

Unlined and closes with a back set zipper. The waist stay inside the waist closes with hook & eye. Elastic at the end of each cuff. The ties can be tied as you wish. There is a faint watermark at the hem and it has photoed darker then it is in real life. Once on this does not detract at all. Hand finished, rolled edges. The red has a slightly more blue undertone in person. The fabric has stretch but the waist measurement is firm

Sleeves: 28"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:  to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2991

Reference Photo: Lauren Hutton in Bill Blass. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, April 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.

This is a beautiful knit and sequin detailed jacket by Adolfo. Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston, was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house in 1962. He initially focused on hats but in in just a couple of years added a full clothing line. By 1969 he was presented with a special Coty Award for his contribution to design from head to toe. He became know for his Chanel inspired clothing and many of his pieces are on par and perhaps even more relevant in feel then their inspirational equivalents of the time.

This dress is gorgeous. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan and this dress feels like it is done at the quality of one of his custom pieces. I love his work and am very pleased to have this exceptional dress in the shop today. It is made of a jet black knit that has a slight ribbed texture to it. The cut is very simple as it is one long sheath of knit that is suspended from the tiny shoulder straps. The dress is cut to skim over the body, gently widening out as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one leg for a flash of skin. The straps curve around the shoulder and each is finished with a silver lame braiding and silver sequins. The straps are set into the neckline that is cut straight across and has an elastic running through it so that it is very easy to wear and very comfortable on. Onto the dress are four separate and gorgeous sprays of sequins that have a bird of paradise, or perhaps a firework feel, with their brilliant sparkle and combination of color. Each is finished with a a crescent of red rhinestones that give the designs a more 3D feel. It is just gorgeous and even better in person. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slip on to wear. Elastic through the neckline. The fabric has some stretch so should fit a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

The top of the neckline will stretch from 12" to 18" flat across
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 22" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3440

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 Pucci butterfly print is one of my favorites. He designed and drew all of these early designs himself and this one in particular feels like you are wearing a piece of art with those huge butterflies that cover the surface of the silk. The combination of print with that unusual color is wonderful. This is the kind of vintage Pucci that is instantly recognizable. The base color  of the silk chiffon pretty deep yellow with a touch of a green undertone. Onto that are those butterflies that you see. These are done primarily in a mix of purples with shots of other colors used to highlight the design. I love the use of his signature, contrasting borders that define and anchor the waist and hem. The dress is made from a light, scarf weight silk that makes it very easy to wear and it feels lovely and light once on. It is cut in a simple column that gently flares as it nears the hem. This simple cut allows that beautiful butterfly print to shine. A wonderful example of the more sophisticated side of Pucci. Excellent condition with a small note below to review.

Fully lined in a neutral silk and closes at the back with a hand set, hidden set zipper. The fabric is signed throughout. I see two tiny storage spots on the front of the dress. These are both extremely minor. Tagged a Pucci size 8

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2529

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 Gibb was one of the most influential designers in 1970s Britain and his clothes were sought out and worn by the rich and famous. His work has a high fantasy element to it and he was crowned Designer of the Year in 1970. Much of his work verged on couture and he was unrelenting in striving for perfection.Every piece I bring into the shop is very special and I love this one especially as it truly shows the range of his work.

Gibb had a great fondness for history and exploring the far corners of the earth for inspiration. This set has obvious Asian roots with the fabric choice but he has taken the lines and extended and manipulated them to make a new silhouette. I also love how he has combined the Cherry blossoms with Roses on the woven fabric to further emphasize his respectfully combing cultures. The set consists of two pieces. A very long, slim cut skirt and the more voluminous jacket that sits over it. The skirt is very slim and cut in a very linear line from the hip. It has very high slits running up each leg that allow you to walk in it. It is very fitted around the hips and meant to fall in a long straight line. Over this is a more generously cut jacket. The jacket has no front closures and simply slips on. I love how the top of the collar is set so that it kind of flares open at the very top of the neck and how the shoulder seams are set into the neck in a straight line which creates an interesting angle there. The sleeves are long and straight cut and again you have those long lines created. The fabric is a beautiful bright red silk satin with little cherry blossoms woven through it. This runs over both pieces from the top of the shoulders to the hem of the skirt. All of the seams are finished with a flat black fabric that anchors both pieces perfectly.  This is a rare and absolutely amazing set that is even better in person and falls far far better on a real body then on my dress form. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Both pieces are fully lined in a red silk. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper. The jacket has no closures. Note that it was a bit tiny on my dress form and will fall even better on the proper sized girl. There is a tiny touch of foxing on the back of the skirt and a tiny pen mark on the jacket. Please review the two photos after the label shot. Tagged a vintage UK 8

Jacket
Sleeves: 24.5
Shoulders: 15" across
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 13" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem
Slits up both sides: 20" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3436

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 and rare Donald Brooks Boutique set is an early example of the pieces he was doing for his main couture line. He launched his self-named label in 1964 and only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He also designed costumes and stage wear and that love of exuberance and high glamour was also seen in his own label and in pieces like this.

This set is incredible and is such a glamorous and distinctive design. The pants have an unusual harem cut to them and this will give them a slightly cropped feel to them depending on your height. Each leg ends in an elastic and this allows the pant leg to pouf over the inner elastic and gives it that wonderful harem feel. They are slim cut through the hips and the waist is set higher. Over this is the long tunic dress that is cut to skim over the bust. The waist is cinched in with a seam and there is the matching, original tie belt that allows you to add even more shape if needed. Below that the skirt falls past the knees so that when worn together the pants just peak out under. The longer length of the top gives you the extra versatility to wear it as a dress on its own and of course you can mix the pants up with other pieces from your wardrobe. I love the edging of big gold pailettes that dangle from the edges with little looped seed beads. These go all the way around each cuff, the neckline, and the  hem of the skirt. When you move they will move as well and create a fabulous added feel to the set. The fabric is a beautiful printed silk chiffon over an inner lining of silk and there are big gold dots created by gold metallic thread. The combination of the bright turquoise, the print and those metallic dots is killer. Excellent condition with a small note below

Both the top and skirt are lined in a bright matching turquoise silk. The tunic closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the back and hook & eye at the neck. Each cuff snaps to close. The pants zip and hook to close and have elastic at each hem. Note that there are a couple of the gold pailettes missing on each cuff. I have photoed them for you to review. One pant leg seems to fall slightly differently then the other I would have it adjusted to where they sit perfectly on you. Note that the back does close all the way - it was just small on my dress form

Tunic/dress
Sleeves: 27" with the pailettes adding another 2"
Shoulders: 15'
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from shoulder to hem
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem including the pailettes

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: approx 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3427

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

Surprisingly, this Azzedine Alaia dress is from one of his more recent collections despite its nod to some of his more classic work. He actually did a very similar dress to this in the 1990s with a slightly different woven pattern. It is made from ribbed and patterned knit in a stark white. This lies over a nude colored inner sheath so that it appears that you are wearing the knit over your bare skin. This inner lining is a stretch knit that hugs and molds to your body to help hold things in place and create a smooth line for the dress to fall over. As with all Azzedine Alaia pieces, this dress is cut to hug and highlight your every curve. The workmanship and the fabric is the best you can get and I love the saucy, flippy little skirt at the hem that finishes the dress with its feminine ruffle. A V neck at the front and no sleeves are the perfect balance to the long, supermodel length. This still has part of a Barney's tag attached and has never been worn. This is classic Alaia and a play on an earlier design he made famous in the nineties. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a nude lingerie weight jersey. It slips on to wear with no closures. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but has lots of stretch so should accommodate a range of sizes.

Bust: will stretch to about 18" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Waist: will stretch to about 15" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Hips: will stretch to about 18" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Length: approx 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3423

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

Mollie Parnis is one of my favorite American designers who dressed numerous first ladies and was very well known for her designs. She started a label with her husband in 1933 and by the 1940s was designing solely under her own label. The boutique label launched in 1970 and the fabrics used for this label were targeted to a younger audience and the fabric tend to be brighter and bolder like in this dress.

I absolutely love the bright and happy feel of this dress. I also love that it mixes two silks. A silk chiffon for the top and a silk twill for the skirt. Both fabric use the same print but feel different because of the change in transparency. The colors used are a bright combination of a pinks, purple, blues green and red and this is all set onto a white base. The bodice is more fitted tot eh waist and each sleeve balloons out with some volume above their cuffs. The sleeves are left unlined so add yet another layer of interest. The collar is gorgeous an d made of layers of the silk chiffon to create a a 'ruffle' effect around the neck. The skirt falls to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. A feminine tie belt circles the waist and this is made out of three pieces of velvet ribbon done to bring out the colors n the print. The dress has a fantastic romantic, pretty and light feel but is still regal and beautiful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a white silk and the sleeves are unlined. The skirt is lined in a muslin with ribbon edge finishes at the hem. It closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. Each cuff snaps to close and the snaps could easily be moved to perfectly fit your wrists. The belt is original to the dress.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3419

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 incredible Emanuel Ungaro dress is a personal favorite. The fabric and color are amazing. It is a metallic silk that blends a vivid coral with gold lame thread and if you love it the photos you will love it even more in real life. This fabric catches the light and intensifies the coral color. The fabric itself is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear. Inside the dress is quite structured for support which means that despite the lightness of the actual fabric the intended shape is held in place. The bodice is cut with a strapless, modified sweetheart neckline and hugs the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This was an Ungaro signature and really made his pieces flattering once on. On this one the gathers and shape run from the bust right down and over the hips so your shape is very emphasized. Under that the skirt is set with panels of fabric, each individual set on an angle to achieve that explosion of volume that you see. This technique also allows each piece to move freely so that whenever you move it does as well. A little box at the back is the perfect sweet detail. It is incredible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a coral silk and closes with a back zipper and the bow snaps into place over the top of that. The bodice is boned. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 6 It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3417

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many, many more. Tina Turner in particular was a huge Loris Azzaro fan and ordered a ton of pieces from his atelier that she then wore onstage for numerous appearances. She made this particular style of top an instant iconic piece.

There are several variations that Azzaro did of this piece. Some slip over the head and others, like this one, snap to close down the front much like a cardigan/sweater style. This top has the extra bit of rarity in that it is done in a combination of purple and silver. I have not seen another one of these in purple before and I love it. It is made out of a combination of a purple and silver lame that has been crocheted. The knit portions make up the body of the top and then circle each elbow and wrist. The arms between the knit parts are made up of silver and purple aluminum chain link so you get that wonderful open feel. More chains loop all around the cuffs and then finish the hem with a fringe of chains. The use of aluminum was cutting edge at the time and it keeps the top amazingly light in weight. It also allows the chain and fringe to have amazing movement when you move. Made by hand and looks like it has been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the front with hidden set snaps. The knit has some give. The measurements below are the comfortable range of the give when the top is lying flat.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from shoulder to bottom of fringe

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S902

Reference Photos: Tina Turner in Loris Azzaro, 1971. (Two separate performances)

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

In 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements (that was to happen in 1983) that would be the beginning of his downfall. In fact, at this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable.

Halston was still personally choosing the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his main line collections. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This top is from that collection and is one of the heaviest, most densely beaded and sequined pieces I have ever had from him in the shop. It is drop dead gorgeous. The base fabric is a black silk crepe chiffon. Onto this is a dense application of deep fuchsia sequins, silver sequins and silver glass tube beads. These have all been hand applied and individually placed in that curving designs and they completely cover the top with not a single inch left uncovered. Parts of the design that follow the silver curving parts have a dangling fringe made out of the tube beads. These add an amazing movement to the top when you move. The top itself is cut loose and easy with a wide boat neck, dolman sleeves and an easy cut through the body. Each sleeve ends in a 'flame' like jagged finish that I love. Incredible example of his work and even better in real life. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk crepe chiffon and slips on to wear. All the work is done by hand. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and would work on a small frame too and just be oversized.

Sleeves: approx 25" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 18" flat across but no true side seams due to the cut of the arm
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S904

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 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.

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.

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.