This dress is from the Spring 2012 collection from the house of Valentino. During this time period both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. On the runway there was a shorter strapless dress shown and a longer version with cap sleeves. For the stores they seemed to have combined the two looks into this strapless version with a longer skirt. Vogue's Nicole Phelps reviewed the collection and said in part:

"The designers turned out their best collection yet—one dress more seductively, calmly lovely than the next, many of them walking out on flat sandals or lace espadrilles that helped give the outing its fresh feel. "Fashion is a dream, and in this moment we need dreams," Piccioli said beforehand...The designers opened with short frocks in off-white or black in a cotton lace fabric that made them into everyday sort of propositions, or they inset lace into paper-thin leather for a halter dress and a snappy trench..."Beautiful" is the word we heard over and over as we left the show."

And beautiful the dress is. This is still once of my favorites collections from the modern Valentino and I was very pleased to get this example in the shop. These are the kind of pieces to buy now, treasure and know they will only increase in importance as time goes by. The dress is strapless with a built in lingerie weight stretch corset that gives you support. The waist is nipped in and has a leather cord that runs through it and adds some detailing and additional shape. The skirt falls from there and widens out as it nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffle that gives it some movement and extra volume. The fabric is lovely and is a cotton and nylon mix that has a artisanal feel to it. It has cut work areas running all through it and it back with an almost weightless cotton. It is stunning and looks to have never been worn. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a light cotton muslin and the bodice has an additional lingerie stretch, lightly boned foundation built in that closes with its own zipper. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. A leather tie runs through the waist. It is tagged a modern 42 but runs extremely small. Please check the measurements provided. It would best fit a 0-2. The detail shot of the cotton lace is the best color reference photo.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3322

Reference Photos: S/S 2012 Valentino Runway. (Look 2, Model Julia Nobis / Look 4, Freja Beha Erichsen)

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 Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted a Jacqueline de Ribes exhibit in 2015-16, giving her work an extra dose of much needed attention. De Ribes was know as 'one of the most celebrated fashion personas of the 20th century'. She began making dresses for herself and eventually opened her own label in 1982 at the age of 53, producing collections for the next 12 years.

This is a gorgeous silk dress that is not in perfect condition but presents very well and the flaw it does have either cannot be seen or could perhaps be hidden in some fashion. It is so well made - most of the inner construction is complete done by hand - and is a fabulous representation of her work, that I know there is someone out there that would bring it back to life. The dress has her signature long and lean lines and in this one that is combined with those dramatic sleeves and a inner foundation that shapes and molds the body. It is made of a high quality silk satin in the perfect shade of ivory. The bodice is fitted with a gentle V front and back and boning built into the interior for support and shape. The waist nips in and then the skirt flows to the floor in one stark column. A high slit at the back allows you to walk despite the lean cut of that skirt. The sleeves are the star of the show and each is an elaborately gathered a draped explosion of silk that gives both height and volume. It is gorgeous and extremely well made to demi-couture standards. Presents as excellent condition but please read the full condition notes below.

Fully lined in a hand set off-white silk and closes with a back zipper. Wide silk waist stay that hooks to close. Light boning through the bodice. All hand finishes and extremely well made. Some scuffing to the fabric here and there but nothing that jarring. There is the one mark on the front by the seam under the waist as photoed. There is discoloring under both arms as photoed. These are hidden by the sleeves completely once on. The fabric could be cut down to eliminate them. I see a small area inside the lining that has torn. The zipper fabric is green and is certainly a replacement made at some point. The color in person is a touch lighter ivory and creamier then how it photoed. It did not zip up fully on my dress form but of course it will on someone the proper size.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to hem
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3321

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

Norman David Levinson launched his label - Norman Norell in 1960 and he was quickly the darling of the social set and starlets. Lauren Bacall often wore his pieces fr example. He was known for his impeccable tailoring, meticulous fit, and quality fabrics. He often took day shapes and made them out of more evening appropriate fabrics - like fine silks as this one has been created from. He had the unique ability to translate Paris couture into American ready-to-wear and with prices to match their French counterparts.

I absolutely love this dress. The lines and cut are somewhat similar to a dress I have had in the shop previously that was dated to 1963. This one is even better then that one was with its bright and cheerful checked print. The silk is a very high and fine grade and I love a pink and white gingham print. It has an extravagant and wide, attached tie in the same fabric that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have. It comes with its original belt covered in a matching fabric which allows the waist to be cinched in tight. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut on a curve to follow the natural shape of the arm. The pouf up at the shoulders and narrow to the wide cuffed wrist. Each cuff is a full 4" long and closes with four thick, hand cut mother of pearl buttons. The interior of each sleeve is finished in a silk organza so that the sleeves keep that volume that you see. It is cut to be more fitted through the bodice and then the skirt has incredible volume. I took a photo of the inside so you can see how its gathered up and through the waist to give it that fullness. If you wished to, you could add a crinoline to get a really full look.  It closes down the front with another row of those same thick MOP buttons in a larger size then the ones on the cuffs. The workmanship on this dress is incredible. This is an amazing example of his early work and of dress making during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a hand set white silk through the bodice and ivory silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand carved MOP buttons. Each sleeve has four MOP buttons. The white on the silk of the belt has darkened a touch over time as you can see in the photos. The back of the belt is stamped Norman Norell. Hand finished. One side of the tie at the neck is slightly shorter then the other but this is how it is meant to be so that when you tie it they fall evenly. 

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem with a 5" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3318

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. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite."

Here he takes the drama of pink to new heights with this bold and sexy mini dress from his Boutique label. The fabric choice is a vivid pink silk taffeta that holds the shape perfectly and helps to give the dress its structure. It is set in soft horizontal gathers that run from top to bottom of the dress and are lightly caught up down the center front and with an actual seam at the back. The neckline is strapless and formed into an exaggerated sweetheart that plunges in the center. The waist nips in beneath this and then the skirt hugs the hips and ends in a mini length. At the back is a modified bustle created with three panels of the same fabric that are almost like large half bows set on top of each other. They are set onto the back starting just under the low back and have inner netting to help give them a bit of pouf and shape. The dress is stunning on and pure unadulterated drama. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and the back bustle panels have in inner lining of netting for shape and snap into place over the zipper. Hand finishes.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3305

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 adorable little jacket that has the feel of a 1940s 'chubby' with its cropped length and boxy cut. This length is very flattering on and the proportions perfectly balance out something slimmer worn underneath. It is made out of faux fur that is lovely and soft. The color is very interesting as it is a more deep steel grey with a deep blue blue tone mixed in. It is very dark so in certain lights has the look of being a true black but when any light catches it the beautiful blue-grey of it becomes much more apparent. It is cut to be more a boxy shape on the body and the hem end just above the hip. There is no collar and it closes with hidden fur hooks down the fort for an unbroken line. The sleeves are straight and cut a little wide to perfectly balance out the box shape of the body. It looks to have never been worn and is gorgeous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with a deep blue ribbed silky rayon and closes with hidden fur hooks down the front. Light padding in the shoulders. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Tagged a Prada 42

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
At hem: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C523

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. (Cherie is also wearing a 2012 Yves Saint Laurent dress)

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

Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Halloywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. AT the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made.

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk jersey that has been dyed to a clear, bright red. The way it is cut is very forties in feel with a bit of that old Hollywood charm. The bust is gathered in soft horizontal drapes that run from the top of the bodice to the top of the hip. Inside it is lightly boned. This gives it structure as well as creating a beautiful curving line that accentuates the body underneath. Running up and around the neck is a tiny strap made of the same jersey. This strap hooks into place at one side and you have the option of tucking it in and wearing the dress as a strapless piece. The skirt falls to the floor under that and the jersey gives it lots of swing and movement. To finish the dress, Panis added a little drama with elaborate beading that runs on each side of the dress. A large abstract flower with dangling bead in its center sits on each side. The petals are ling and curved. The effect is wonderful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a red silky rayon and the skirt has an inner lining made of the same jersey fabric. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper and the strap hooks at one end. Light boning through the bodice and hand finishes.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck to natural waist, 20" to bottom of the draping
Skirt: approx 42" from natural waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3304

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

That sense of humour and drama is what defined the very best pieces from Moschino. The label had the ability to provoke and challenge all while making exceptional pieces of clothing. Francis Moschino launched his label in 1983 and quickly from a regional designer to one that was known on the international stage.

This dress is from the lingerie line abut still has that quirky sense of humor that is immediately evident. Over the bust area we see that enormous red satin heart that has the words 'Me Baby' embroidered onto it in their signature gold lettering. It is of course meant to be read as 'Love Me Baby'. The heart is edged in a ruffled netting like a Valentines box of chocolates and the top of the heart forms the sweetheart neckline. The sleeves are capped and the dress is see-though for the entire rest of the dress. It is made out of a black netting that molds to your curves before  widening out as it reaches the hem. You could easily wear something under this to make it wearable as a proper dress. It is an amazing piece of the Moschino history. Excellent condition

Unlined and the netting is very fine and is see through. Slips on to wear. Tagged a brand size. The netting does have some stretch

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3299

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 lovely wedding gown by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin that we found reference to in a blog from 2012. The gown is just gorgeous and I love that is is not a traditional white but rather used a combination of a soft blush nude silk at the top and the skirt is an almost soft pastel ivory grey. The top is a fine silk in that soft pinky nude that is suspended from the shoulders with straps that have been detailed with pearls and crystals. These are set on a fine silk netting for a romantic and delicate feel. At the back they trail down past the edge of the top for a pretty touch. The waist is detailed with a wide silk grosgrain ribbon and this extends around to the back where it becomes a large bow that has long ties that fall almost to the hem of the back skirt. The skirt is amazing and very full. The front falls in a sleek column that gains more width as it nears the hem. The back is gathered in large pleats and all of the volume you see is from the way the skirt is cut and gathered combined with the fabric that was used. I did not add any additional crinolines under this for the photos, though if wanted it to be even fuller you easily could wear on underneath. The back is trained and has the most beautiful lines as it trails out and back. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The top is a double layer of the silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper at the back. The attached ribbon at the waist can be tied as you wish. It appears to be unworn but there is some scuffing and grubbiness to the back hem, most likely from being stored on a rack. I photoed the worst spot that is on the very end of the train. It may come out with additional cleaning or could be shortened slightly to eliminate. Note the colors have a slightly more pink/blush undertone then how it photoed. The colors are better in person and softer

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 50" from waist to front hem, 65" from waist to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3297

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 have no background on this top but it is all done by hand and is quite fabulous. The base is a black cotton velvet and I love the shape of the entire top. The sleeves end just above the wrist and the flare out and are rounded at their cuffs, curving upwards on the inside part of the sleeve. This same curved feel is done on the hem that curves down at the front and back and then up at the sides in the same way that the sleeves do. Onto the velvet is a dense application of a gold metallic cording that completely covers the front of the tunic. It goes all around the hem and finishes each sleeve and the collar. A heart shaped medallion sits on the back. It zips to close at the neck and the collar is high. Interspersed in the cording are little mirrors surrounded by a gold metal wire. All the cording mirrors are done by hand and you can clearly see that work on the back. Great condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on the wear with a zipper at the front neck. There is some fading to the velvet across the shoulders and the back of the collar. Please see the final photo. Slight patina to the mirrors which is normal for a piece of this age. All the cord work and mirrors were hand applied.

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S886

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 was sold to me as a Christian Dior but I have never been able to fully verify this with 100% accuracy. It's been priced for what it is and if it does turn out to be a verifiable Dior then you have gotten an amazing bargain. Regardless of its heritage it is an incredibly striking dress.

This dress is all bombshell. It has the feel of the Old Hollywood siren to it and one could easily imagine any of the big movie starlets of the day wearing this out as part of their glamorous lives. The fabric is a deep burnished gold lame that has a stitched effect running over it that gives it a quilted 3D feel but in a very abstract kind of way as opposed to any geometric pattern you would normally see with a quilting technique applied. It is very light in weight and feels like a wisp of air once on the body. It is cut for maximum attention. The top is set with two halter triangle tops that have that wide cut to them from this era. This lets the tops of each halter sit on the outer edges of the shoulders, emphasizing the cinched in waist. On an actual body you can cinch it in even tighter to create more of an hourglass shape. It plunges down to meet the wide sash that wraps and ties around you. The back plunges in the same fashion to leave a large expanse of your back bare. The partially attached ties that wrap around the waist are very long so you can really play with how you style them. Under that the skirt falls in a narrow pencil shape with a small vent at the back to allow for walking. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and closes with a painted back zipper. Partially attached ties at the waist that very ling and wrap and tie. Pockets on each hip. Hand finishes

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E669

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 its heyday the Gene Shelly of California label was a must have. Gene Shelly dresses are amazing and they are some of the best of the early sequinned vintage pieces that you can find. All of the sequin work that covers this dress was done by hand in Hong Kong on American manufactured knit. The company would send the stretch wool fabric to be hand beaded or sequinned to Hong Kong. The fabric was then sent back to the US and the dresses were made in California. At the time, Hong Kong was doing the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris. Having the bead work down there actually helped keep the cost down though the dresses were still fairly expensive. Full length pieces cost around $600 dollars in the mid-1960s - which is the equivalent of about $4700 in current USD.

The dress has the label's signature stretch knit base which makes it extremely easy and comfortable to wear. This one has a gold knit to match the sequins that cover its surface. Onto the knit are thousands and thousands of tightly spaced, bright gold sequins. Each sequin has been meticulously applied by hand into place. Every inch of the fabric is literally covered with sequins. The neckline is cut wider across so that your collarbones show and the back has a low V dip to it. Edging the neckline is a dense application of larger gold paillettes that are set to stand up from the fabric to create a 3D feel. This same edging circles the end of each sleeve. The dress hugs the body from the neckline to the hem and I love how the hem has that little curved notch at the front More of those fabulous 3D paillettes circle the entire hem. The dimension and texture created from the result of all of the hand work done on the dress is wonderful. The dress itself is immensely flattering with its figure hugging shape. The knit is set on the bias so it shapes and molds to your figure once on. Excellent condition.

The base is a gold toned stretch knit and the dress closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The sequins are all applied by hand and I see no bare spots. A little wear to the lustre of the sequins here and there that is normal for sequins of this age. The measurements are taken flat and shows the comfortable range of each spot. Note that it is a touch brighter gold in person and it is even more of a wow when you see it in real life. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The stretch will allow for a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3294

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

Please do not buy - this item is now on Layaway

I had a very similar dress in the shop before that was a lilac color and am very pleased to have found an even more versatile black version. Halston is one of those rare labels that for whom the more time goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to look at this piece as both a treasured vintage collectible and a closet staple.

It is the kind of dress that you know that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has a definitive Grecian goddess feel to it combined with his signature simplicity and masterful draping. It simply slips over the head with elastic running through the waist at the front. At the back the inner part is completely bare but there are ties that extend on either side of the waist that tie inside the back. This helps to create some shape at the front with the fabric draping all around you, but the ties keep it completely in place. The front drapes and plunges deeply but the way the fabric has been placed combined with that elastic waist and the inner ties make you feel safe wearing it. Over the shoulders and down the back is a single panel of fabric that creates a caped Grecian effect and incredible loops of draping down each hip. They are deep enough to tease that you might get a glimpse of bare skin at the sides but the cut and the inner ties make sure it doesn't bare too much. So sexy! The front high slit and way the skirting is cut also allows a flash of leg to show as one moves. Brilliantly Halston in every way and very easy to wear. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on with elastic through the front part of the waist. Attached nylon jersey ties on either side of where the front waist ends that tie at the back inside as photoed. Tagged a S but the fabric has some stretch and that combined with the drape, elastic waist and adjustable tie waist will allow almost any size

Shoulders: no seams and set to slouch off the shoulder
Bust: open
Waist: open
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to elastic waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to back hem though it does come up a bit when on depending on your build
Front slit: 25" from approx hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3292

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of 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.

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a beautiful coat with very fine workmanship and beautiful construction. The purple exterior and dusty pink lining is very striking and that dramatic collar makes it more so. It is made from a fine purple silk that has golden thread woven through it. These bits of gold are done in a beautiful floral and leaf pattern that is densely done so that from afar they almost appear to be solid contrasting panels. As you get closer you start to see detail after detail. The cut is wonderfully and the collar is eye catching. The sleeves end just above the wrist. I have shown the sleeves at their full length but there is actually a full panel of the gold in the inside sleeve. You could wear this with the sleeves ends turned over for a shorter sleeve and even more gold showing. The collar is very wide and curves around the shoulders. It is completely covered in the gold and has seaming so that it stands up and away from the body of the coat a touch. The gold then follows the front edging down to the hem. The simple line this creates keeps the line from any distraction and highlights that stunning fabric that makes this coat truly special. It's label tells us that is was a custom tailored piece that would have been specialty made and/ordered out of Hong Kong, who were doing some of the best silks and tailored pieces in the world during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a very fine deep dusty pinky-purple silk and has no front closures. The easy cut will allow it to fit a variety of sizes. There is one small mark on one side that I have shown in the last photo here.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Sleeves: approx 21" with the cuffs turned down
Bust: 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across the back from side to side
Hips: 23" flat across the back from side to side
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C522

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a beautiful coat with very fine workmanship and beautiful construction. The deep red of it is very striking and the cut is simple and sleek. It is made from a fine red silk that has golden thread woven through it. These bits of gold are done in a beautiful floral and leaf pattern that is densely done so from afar they almost appear to be solid contrasting panels. As you get closer you start to see detail after detail. The cut is wonderfully simple. The sleeves end just above the wrist. I have shown the sleeves at their full length but there is actually a full panel of the gold in the inside sleeve. You could wear this with the sleeves ends turned over for a shorter sleeve and even more gold showing. There is no collar or visible closures on the coat, rather it closes with three simple hook & eye down the front and that panel of gold follows the front edging and then runs all the way around the hem in a thick panel. The simple line this creates keeps the line from any distraction and highlights that stunning fabric that makes this coat truly special. It's label tells us that is was a custom tailored piece that would have been specialty made and/ordered out of Hong Kong, who were doing some of the best silks and tailored pieces in the world during this time period. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a very fine red silk with quilting details and it closes with three hook & eye spaced down the front. The easy cut will allow it to fit a variety of sizes

Shoulders: no defined seams
Sleeves: approx 21" with the cuffs turned down
Bust: 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across the back from side to side
Hips: 22" flat across the back from side to side
Length: 39.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C521

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a beautiful dress by designer Ted Lapidus. Lapidus began selling his designs in the 1950s in Paris. By 1963 his work garnered him a spot as a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and he added Haute Couture to his ready to wear lines. This is a beautiful and rare example of his Couture workmanship. It is unfortunately not perfect and so is sold as is and as a final sale. It could potentially be worn as is with care if you don't mind that your vintage is not perfectly perfect.

The dress is full length with a beautiful, ling line to it. The top is detailed with a very long and pointed collar which instantly gives it that 1970s feel. The neckline is set in a V under. It is more fitted through the top and this then skims over the waist and hips for shape. From there the skirt falls the floor, widening out quite a bit as it nears the hem. A ruffle runs down either side of the front center, from just under the collar all the way to the hem. It is split up the front of the skirt quite high so when you move or sit you get a flash of long legs. The sleeves are the cut with a touch of fullness above their cuffs and are not lined so the full impact of the dotted fabric is seen. The fabric is gorgeous. It is a silk chiffon with black, flat velvet dots cut and set into the silk. This is where some of the damage is as many of these around the upper shoulders have started to break away from the silk chiffon around them. Even with this small flaw this dress is incredible and pried far, far below what it would be otherwise for a piece of Haute Couture. Good overall condition through the body of the dress with some damage as described below.

Fully lined through the body in a back silk. Closes at the back with a fine black zipper. Hand finished through out and proper couture label intact. There are decently done repairs to the silk chiffon on the top of both shoulders and som eof the dots on the sleeves near the upper shoulder. But of you spread the fabric out you can see that other dots are coming away from the silk along the sleeves and I spotted at least one where it is happening near the arm of the main part of the dress and I may have missed some other small areas. There is also a small tear in the chiffon on the other side mar the arm. Sold as is and a final sale. Please review all provided photos shown after the labels shot.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 25"
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" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem
Slit: 27" from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3289

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a great little unlabeled dress that has lots of impact. The main body of the dress is a black synthetic jersey that has just a bit of give to it for comfort. Finishing each sleeve is a wide cuff made up of glossy black feathers that really up the dramatic feel of the dress. The waist is defined by a high band inset of the same fabric. The front plunges to this band so you get a touch of skin there. At the back there are two ties, one at the back and the other set at the top of the zipper. In between is a curved, round cut out that leaves the back completely bare. The sleeves are long and lean so that those fantastic feather cuffs have even more contrast. The skirt falls to the floor from the band under the bust, skimming over the torso and hips and then flaring out at the hem. That play on the bare skin of the bodice paired with the high drama of the feathers make for a real show stopper. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the low back with a metal & nylon zipper and snaps at each cuff. The feathers are glossy and there is no shedding.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam, 13.5"-15" at the under-bust seam
Waist at second seam under the bust: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 110" from shoulder to first seam under the bust, 12" to the second
Skirt: 44" from second seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E668

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

Nat Kaplan was a dress manufacturer that opened in 1935 and produced well-made mid-range garments for about 50 years. They tended to use great fabrics and the pieces were finely tailored. Fit was paramount and they did not skimp on details to give their clients amazing value for their money.

This dress is darling and for the girl tiny enough to fit into it, it is a beauty. The bodice is very  fitted with light boning inside for support. It has tiny straps in that same lovely fabric and then the entire bodice is finished with a series of vertical knife pleats. These go all the way around the bodice and are set on a slight angle instead of a straight up and down line. The waist is cinched and then the skirt opens out from there and is quite full. The fabric is a lovely semi-sheer light silk-cotton voile with a gorgeous bright floral print that covers every square inch. The skirt has a second layer of organza under that top layer and then a lining under that to keep it from being see-through. It is just lovely. Excellent condition. 

Full interline though the bodice in an ivory silky rayon and the skirt has a silk crepe inner lining and then a layer of ivory silk organza under the top printed layer. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back and the the skirt overlaps and snaps to close along the waist over the lower portion of the zipper.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3286

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

This dress is drop dead gorgeous. It came to me without any label and I was perfectly OK with that as it is that exact kind of little vintage 'mystery' find that I love. The dress is made out a fine silk chiffon with a very pretty pink and print on a soft yellow base. The print combines paisley and flowers and the two colors work wonderfully together. It falls from the shoulders from flat silk straps that are made form the same fabric as the rest of the dress. The bodice is fitted and gathered at the center. The dress falls loose and easy under the bust seam. It sweeps down to the floor in a sheath of silk. The bust is entirely detailed in pink, gold and iridescent sequins. These are then continued down along the length of the dress in a wide border that edges the panel of fabric that overlaps at the front. The zipper is set along one side and to not break the line the silk from the back is set to curve around and over the zipper and hook in under the front panel. This effect is a nod tot eh sari and it is very beautiful. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a deep yellow silk crepe and closes with a side set metal and nylon zipper. Part of the fabric cures around and hooks under the front panel as mentioned above. Light interior boning on the sides of the bodice. Hand finishes

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with 14" across the under bust
Inner waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to under bust
Skirt: 45" from under bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E667

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

Buro24 said of this collection "Black is the new black ...For Pre-Fall, Ricardo Tisci created a modern, graphic lineup with edgy undertones – all predominately black. Givenchy stuck to its core for its latest collection. The Italian designer also added some romance to the dark collection... as well as draped silhouettes, which came in the shape of lightweight evening gowns." This dress was shown in an ivory for the presentation, layered over a red tank. It was the closing look of the collection for that season.

This is the all black version that was put into production in addition to the ivory one and it is gorgeous with his distinctive edgy touches mixed with high femininity. It combines a liquid silk satin with a very fine Chantilly feeling lace. The lace is as light as a feather and is used extensively through the bodice. This is what gives it that beautiful and delicate transparency. It plunges into a V with straps that curve up and over the shoulders. Little silver rings break the line of the strap at the front. At the back they stay slim until they meet the low set back. The top also has an opaque inset at the front midriff and then the lace around that continues low around the hips and down each side of the skirt. The skirt is actually quite full so has a wonderful amount of movement when you move. More of that fine lace circles the hem. At the back there are two excessively long, wide ties in the same satin as the skirt. These are attached to either side of the back waist and tie at the back as you wish.  They can be tied up so they hang shorter or can even be done so that the ties trail down and behind you. It is a beautiful example of Ricardo's work while at Givenchy and will absolutely be a future collectable. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper under the a row of decorative buttons set at the low back. 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: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3285

Reference Photo: Givenchy Pre-Fall 2015, Look 36.

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

Renato Balestra launched his couture label in Rome in 1951. His work quickly gained international fame and was one of the cornerstone ateliers of the Italian couture 'Alta Moda' movement. This is a beautiful example of his work and is in remarkable condition.

The dress is made from a fine silk chiffon that makes it feel feather light. Mixed with that is a fine black silk net that is then fused with a glitter that gives the dress is sparkle and glitz. The bodice is simple and perfect with a crossed over front that plunges into a deep V. There is no backing through the bodice at all and this gives it a semi-sheer transparency. The skirt is cut with a touch of fullness and is lined all through the part where it is the plain black chiffon. It is set so that it appears to wrap and tie around you but this is all created by clever seaming and cutting as it is actually all attached through the waist and then only open under that along the wrapped over edge. The top edges of the bodice and down each side are inset with that black netting. Onto that silk netting the glitter has been fused and this all is laid out in a beautiful and intricate design. The workmanship to attach the netting to the silk chiffon cannot be underplayed as this would have taken hours of meticulous hand work to accomplish. I love the effect of this one on the body. The bottom portion of the skirt picks on this same effect of the tops edging and it is finished with a full 17" panel of that wonderful fused glitter on net technique. I also love how the very bottom edging is finished to follow the pattern of the design and is done in the deep pointed scalloping that you see. A matching, attached silk chiffon sash cinches in the waist for added shape. The workmanship is exquisite and the play on transparencies is very sexy. Excellent condition

Unlined through the bodice and fully lined through the skirt from the waist to the top of where the netting begins on the lower skirt. Attached matching silk chiffon sash at the waist. It closes with a series of tiny snaps up the side and has an inner waist stay that closes with hook & eye.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3283

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 Jean Varon is amazing. It looks like it was never worn and is incredible condition. The fabric it is made out of is a taupe crepe jersey. This fabric choice really allows the dress to drape and move wonderfully as it has some weight to it and holds the intended lines wonderfully. It was quite obviously inspired by ancient Greek and and that combined with its seventies bareness gives it load of sex appeal. The skirt is cut on the bias so that it feels like a column when you stand still but when you move, it moves with you and you get a sense of the true amount of fabric that was used to construct the skirt. The top is fantastic with a halter cut at the front. Two triangles of fabric plunge to the just below the bust and curve over the shoulders. The first waist seam is set high and just under the bust. Fabric is gathered under this vertically and then a second seam hugs the natural waist to give the dress a Grecian feel. Under the second seam is a flaring hip peplum. The sides are left completely bare with the shoulders extending down into the low waist of the back. These cross over straps that extend from under the bust at the front to create a grid at the side and back that keep the dress in place but leave the sides and back completely bare. I love that the seams that define the bust and waist are highlight with cording in a combination of a metallic gold and taupe. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a low back set zipper and hook & eye to close each of the straps at the back. Note that it was too tiny for my dress form and of course zips and closes perfectly on the correct sized girl. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The color is slightly paler in person. Hand finished

Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3100

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 gorgeous little dress is a version of the all pink dress that walked the runway and was featured in the ad campaign on Linda Evangelista that year. The 1987 collection with its pink bows and accents is one of my favorites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful example in the shop.

This lovely little dress combines a black silk faille with the signature pink used throughout the collection that year. The fabric choice gives it structure and shape and also the volume that you see in the ruffle detailing that wraps around the waist and hips. The bodice is strapless and cut to curve in a modified sweetheart neckline. It is also lightly boned on the inside so already has shape built in. This curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. It falls in a sheath past the hips with a final flaring out at the hem. The hem is not as dramatically cut as the runway version but also feels more wearable as a result. It is cut slightly longer at the back hem and I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created. The pink ruffle is of course the star of the show and this is attached at the back waist and then wraps and dips down and around the lower hip on the other side. It is precisely folded and set so that is also flares slightly out. Where it meets at the back hem it extends into two long and wide panels that are tied. You can let them hang from a simple knot as I have shown it or create a more elaborate bow. It is fabulous. Excellent condition wot a very minor note below.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. It has a built in inner bodice that is lightly boned and shaped. Inner waist stay that hooks to close with a flat hook & eye. Tagged a 38 and has no give. There is the teeniest bit of fading to the pink along the fold edge on the one hip. Please review the photo after the label shot.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from top of bodice to front hem, 49.5" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3276

Reference Photo: (1-2) S/S 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3) Linda Evangelista for Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, March 1987.  /  (4) Linda Evangelista in Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue UK, March 1987. Photo by Hans Feurer.

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 love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them.

This one is a gorgeous example of her work. The cotton is crisp and fresh feeling still and has been hand dyed to a beautiful ocean blue color with lighter turquoise accents. It has hand done embroidery work at the front neck and down the front. Piping in the lighter blue defines the neckline and sleeves. The sleeves are incredible. Each ends in a huge flare and those flares are actually a full circle of fabric. This gives them incredible volume and movement. The skirt also flares out and its volume is achieved through the turquoise insert that are set in long inverted triangles of fabric. The ocean blue and turquoise inserts and embroidery perfectly compliment each other. It is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back metal zipper. The fabric has natural variations in it. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. The color in person is slightly lighter and more an ocean blue and true turquoise then how it photoed. It's even better in person I think. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3272

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