Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was instantly adored and revered. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always an exotic, lavish affair and his inspirations spanned the decades with their eccentric, exotic glamour. His atelier closed in 2009. This dress is from the late 1990s/early 2000s. I love it in all it's signature Lacroix drama.

The beautiful bias cut on this dress instantly reminds one of the glory days of Old Hollywood and high glamour. The dress has been done in two layers. There is an inner silk satin slip in a pale ivory and then the outer silk crepe chiffon  layer glides over that. Both pieces have been cut on the boas so made to conform and mold to the body under them. The fine, curved seaming done on the dress is a nod to the type of costumes being worn by starlets of the 1930s and designers working with bias cut fabrics like Madame Gres and Madeleine Vionnet. It really has that same feel once on but the embroidery and applique work on the front middle of the dress give it a modern touch. The bias cut and curved set seams allow the dress to both hug the body and still move with you so it is extremely light and comfortable when on. The bodice is hand draped across the bust with small capped sleeves. The sleeves are split and draped so you will get a little loop on the arm when it is worn. One one side a panel of fabric that drapes down for the prettiest touch. The back is also draped and curved sown in a soft scoop. It is cut to curve around your body, skimming over the waist and flowing softly into the long skirt. The construction of the skirt is remarkable. The back of the skirt cascades down and extends into an show stopping train of silk. It is absolutely beautiful and a dream to wear. Excellent condition

The inner, separate slip acts as the lining under the outer silk crepe chiffon layer. The slip has no closures and slip on. It is so well made you could probably wear it on its own as a separate dress altogether. The outer dress closes with a back, hidden set zipper. Tagged a size 36. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The length will come up a touch once on an actual body due to the bias cut. You might be able to wear a larger slip under it and go more by the outer dress measurements if needed.

Dress
Shoulder: no defined seams
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from shoulder to front hem, 86" to end of train at the back

Slip
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 65" from shoulder to front hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2803

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

Ossie Clark once told an 18 year old Marianne Faithfull to go back into the dressing room and take off her bra and knickers. ‘How do you expect me to go out like this?’, she asked him, and he replied, ‘You're meant to be able to lift your dress up at any time, and pull down the top, and just have sex.' ....That little story pretty much sums up the attitude of wearing an Ossie Clark. They are sensual, sexual and yet still utterly beautiful. He as a master cutter and his main line clothes were made at a Couture level. He could cut freehand and was one of the first designers to source clothing from the past to use as inspiration but his designs were always uniquely his own. He was relentless in making the female body look as good as he could and did what it took to achieve that. He once told the Sunday Times ‘I don’t care how much anything costs as long as it’s beautiful.’ The period of his work between 1965-1974 was pure fashion porn and will never be equaled.

Ossie named all his couture dress and this one is known as the ‘Bridget’, said to be named after Bridget Bardot who was said to be a regular at the Quorum boutique. The design is first mentioned in the book on Ossie by Judith Watt as part of the 1968 collection but variations of it were photoed up to 1973. A tulip print was captured on Marianne Faithful herself. Variations of this dress also appeared in Vogue UK and a floral version landed on a young Anjelica Huston for a Selfridges ad.

The dress is made out of a satin backed, black crepe, that wraps with a low and wide plunge at the front. The sleeves are a puffed capped and the front and back gather into the yoke across the shoulders. It wraps with long ties at the waist and has a padded waistband. The skirt is very full with yards of fabric in its construction. A series of tightly spaced knife pleats run down each side. These were a signature hallmark of this particular dress. The dress is in overall excellent condition but does have a note concerning condition to review below.

The fabric is self backed. It wraps to close and ties with the attached ties. It is labeled a vintage UK 12. There is some slight fading across the upper shoulders and the back of the collar. Where it is makes it a non-issue when its on but it is there. Being solid black re-dying is a potential option if this bothered you. These are so rare the effect to the value is minimal. The wrap style should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. 

Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to approx 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3363

Reference Photos: (1-2) Martha Hunt in Ossie Clark from Shrimpton Couture, Cannes, May 2018.  /  (3) Model (Camille Neviere) in Ossie Clark from Shrimpton Couture. Photo by Angela Y. Martin. (Styling: Ulia Koles. Hair & Makeup: Larissa McCourt).  /  (4) Model in Ossie Clark for Quorum, Shot by Henry Clarke, Vogue UK, September 1971.  /  (5) Anjelica Huston (right) for Ossie Clark, Cosmopolitan, May 1972.  /  (6) Marianne Faithfull, 1973.  /  (7) Pattie Boyd in Ossie Clark.  /  (8) Credit unknown.

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 Diorling label was introduced at the Christian Dior London boutique on Conduit Street in 1968. It was meant as a ready to wear label and to appeal to his younger clientelle primarily in London. The name came from the perfume of the same moniker that launched in 1963. The line was created and designed by Jorn Langberg, Artistic Director of Christian Dior London. Pieces under this label stopped being produced until 1973 so we have a definitive window to date the clothing with this label. The number on the label most likely denoted a custom order. It is an important part of Dior's history and pieces are held in museums around the world.

This coat is wonderful. It is made of a woven fabric that almost has the feel of a linen type fabric. This creates the wonderful black and white check design that covers the entire coat. In person this fabric choice gives the coat a richer feel and you get more of a sense of the texture it creates. The coat is cut neat and slim with a notched collar and lean sleeve. It closes down the front with ta row of large round matte black buttons. The waist comes in slightly for definition at the front while at the back the bottom panels are more flared fora  touch of volume. I love how the fabric at the back is set in the opposite direction to highlight this slight change in design. The overall effect is simple and neat with the attention given to the cut and line, allowing that amazing fabric to take center stage. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in a black silk. Pockets hidden on each hip. Closes with the large buttons down the front. Finished button holes. The label is numbered 8109. It appears to have not been worn much at all but there are some small faint storage spots. They are minimal but there upon close inspection . Please review the photos after the label shot

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C530

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 incredible mystery pieces that you can only find with vintage. It is very well made and has all the hallmarks of a high end piece but whatever label it once had is now gone. It is made from both a beautiful black silk organza for the skirt and side peplum on the dress and a softer silk for the body of the dress. Both fabric choice are almost weightless. The softer silk used for the dress makes it feel comfortable when worn and the organza gives the volume you see.  The inner dress is fitted though the bodice and has one shoulder. A tiny strap curves over the shoulder and the arches across the back leaving a bare expanse of skin. The skirt is fitted and just above the knee. On one side there is a pleated peplum that I put under the over-skirt for added volume and shape but I think you could easily wear the skirt the other way for an interesting effect as well  and a The skirt is  cut on a sharp angle with extra fabric on one side for volume and then it falls to the floor on a point on the other. There is a detachable bow that you can snap at the waist. The edges of the skirt and the bow are trimmed in a black snakeskin. When worn together it looks like one single piece but because it is two you could potentially break it up and wear the pieces separately. Excellent condition wit one small note nelow

The skirt is unlined and the dress is lined a black silk. The dress closes with a hand set, side metal zipper. The skirt closes with a combination of hook & eye and snaps. The bow snaps into place. There is a bit of wear/dryness to the snakeskin along the bottom edge of the detachable bow. Hand finished to demi-couture standards.

Dress
Bust: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice:15.5" from top of the shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21.5" from waist to hem

Skirt:
Waist: 11.75" flat across the back from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 4" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# E673

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

This stunning dress was designed by Bob Mackie. Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his undying love of opulence and bead work, both of which he incorporates heavily into the best of his designs. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In some ways he and his creations defined their careers and that era of glamour. I think he secretly always designed for the big screen and the bygone glamor of Hollywood as his work is always over the top and extravagant.

Every square inch of this gorgeous little dress is heavily sequinned and beaded. The lines are simple and once on it is extremely sexy and flattering. Onto the black silk base of the dress are hundreds of chevron bands made of a combination of glossy black sequins and tube beads. These are laid out in a sharp chevron pattern that comes together down the center which gives the illusion of an even slimmer silhouette. On the skirt the flare pout to match the incredible sweep of the lower skirt. The exterior of the dress is done in that amazing solid black with just the pattern of the sequins and beads and how they catch and glimmer in the light to catch the eye. As a result the dress is fairly heavy off the body because of that extensive bead-work, and yet once on the body it lies and drapes in a way that it is balanced and not at all unwieldy. The bodice is cut to skim over the chest with a scooped neckline. The sleeves are capped and the waist nips in. Under that the skirt flares out to an extreme at the hem and t it is cut and shaped so that the bottom is a true circle it has so much volume. The skirt is incredible with its built in under-layers on a vivid pink and red. These are set in extravagant, pleated ruffles. If you stand perfectly still you cant see the color underneath but the second you move or sit that vibrant color explodes out. The under-skirts also helps to hold the shape and volume that the lower skirt is meant to have. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body and it really shows off the legs. If you even remotely love it in the photos you will dance when you see it in person as it is so, so, so much better in real life. Extremely well made to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a hand set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. It feels heavy off the body as it is fully beaded from top to bottom with glass beads but feels balanced when on and comfortable. Attached underskirts in red and pink. Main line label

Shoulders: 15
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3361

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 would have been designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been "noted as one of fashion’s great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugel​y ​desirable and influential." His realm is one of my favorites for the house and the period through the late sixties and into the 70s in particular. He was a genius at print and color and he pushed the envelope in terms of using the "new" fabrics available during this time period.

This vintage Lanvin dress has a gorgeous bright color and print combination on a black base. The wool jersey fabric it is made of is light in weight and held color exceptionally well. The colors are still crisp, bright and true. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period in the label's history as it is a particular favorite for me. The dress is sleeveless with a V scooped neckline on both the front and back. The back dips lower then the front does. It buttons down the back and I think its amazing that each button is perfectly done so that it has one of the spots exactly laid out over it, so that the pattern at the back is not interrupted. The waist nips in and the skirt falls to just above the ankle depending on how tall you are, and it slightly widens as it nears the hem. I love how those stripes contrast against the dot print and are used to define the cut of the dress. It also has a matching scarf that is hand finished with a yarn trim. Overall great condition with notes below to review

Fully lined and closes with hand covered buttons down the back to the waist and a low back painted metal zipper below that. Has its original scarf. Note that there are some minor nicks out of the fabric around the lower portion of the skirt. I have photoed the two worst areas - please review the two shots after the label photo. There are a scattering of teeny ones here and there around the lower skirt. All are stable and it stood up to cleaning just fine. This was taken into consideration when pricing.

Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from top of shoulder to top seam at the waist and the band at the waist is 2.25" wide
Skirt: 36.25" from bottom waist band to hem
Scarf: 44 x 14.5

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3358

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 gorgeous and early Bill Blass coat that has a very unusual design. Either side of the side panels are only sewn together once they reach the lower bust. This creates a wonderful movement to the panels when you move and also allows what you are wearing under it to peek though. It is made out of a gold metallic silk brocade that combines deep coppers and a startling coral. The collar is a neat and high and the shoulders are structured but un-padded. The sleeves are cropped and it closes with hidden set snaps on the bodice so that the line is not broken. Under that the panels of the coat fall on move fabulously around you as you walk. This Bill Blass coat is not 100% perfect but is a very wow piece whose flaws play no true reflection on how it looks once on. Presents as excellent but please rad the full condition notes below.

Fully lined in a coral silk and closes at the front with silk covered, hand set hidden snaps. There is fraying to the edge of the collar, marks on the lining inside the coat and repairs that have been done at some point to the side seams on both sides. Some grubbiness and  thinning to the fabric under the interior arms. The coat must have been stored folded for a long time as there are light creased marks here and there in the metallic fabric. I have been working on them after it came back from the cleaners and they will come out eventually after being hung for a time. Please review all photos after the label shot. The lining is more of a coral in person.

Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C529

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

When Jeanne Lanvin died in 1946 her daughter took over the business and ran it herself for a couple of years before hiring Antonio del Castillo in 1950. During his time as head designer for the house, the labels bear the name Lanvin-Castillo. He departed in 1962 which gives us a neat little window of time that he worked within. This set has the boutique label but that label is numbered and the interior is finished to couture standards. I think it was most likely a  custom order placed through the boutique that was made in the couture studios based on the level of finishes.

The set is gorgeous. It is made from a deep gold colored velvet that instantly give is a rich feel. The top is sleeveless and scooped at the front. Vertical seaming give is a fitted feel and it is cut to nip in at the waist. It is meant to be worn tucked in and the long exposed zipper, done on the couture manner to leave no bump under the skirt, is what tells us that it was meant to be worn that way. The neckline is finished with a beautiful hand applied border of gold metal filigree cut out, faux pearls and gold beads. The skirt has that same beading detail and this is done in wide borders that surround the unusual slit pockets that sit towards the center of the front of the skirt. This picks up and balances the neck detailing perfectly and add a touch of high glamour to the piece. The skirt has a deep inverted front pleat running down the center for volume. The two together are gorgeous and typify that Old Hollywood, glamour that this decade was so well know for. Excellent condition with a couple of tiny notes below

Both pieces are fully lined in a matching silk. The top closes down the side with a painted metal zipper and the skirt snaps to close down one side. Perhaps the most minor of marks to the velvet here and there where the beading pressed in to if from being folded in storage but this is to be expected with the age of the pieces. These will soften as its hung properly. It looks like the hooks on the waist may have been moved at some point to make the waist a touch bigger. Where the corners of the arm opening meet there is the teeniest of nick to the velvet on each side. Please review the photo after the label shot. The interior is made to haute couture standards and appears to be all hand done with hand finished curved couture seaming. The label is numbered but it is very faded. 

Top
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3352

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 extremely rare and early set by North Beach Leather dating to the late 1960s, early 1970s. Michael Hoban and Frank Morgan started the label in 1967 and quickly gained a huge following. Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John... all major celebrities that wore the label. It was expensive in its day and each piece was made entirely by hand.

The set is entirely hand crafted using a combination of a deep chocolate suede, beads and feathers. The set is made up of two pieces. The top is a tiny halter top that ties onto place with the long braided suede cords that curve over the shoulders, cross and loop into the sides of the halter and then tie at the low back. This leaves you very bare across the back. The front dips low between each side of the halter triangles and the entire midriff is exposed. Hand placed feathers adorn the center. The same feather detailing is picked up on the skirt. The skirt is cut long and then wraps and buttons into place. Each button is hand covered in a matching suede and each button hole hand finished with their signature whip stitching. Feathers are hand placed in little bunches that are each finished with a a leather base that is accented with a hand made clay bead. These run down the high slit on the one side under the buttons and then around the hem. All of the edges are finished with whip stitching and you can easily see the hand work inside as well. It is incredible and a very rare example of the early work they were doing. Excellent condition

Made by hand. The top ties into place and the skirt buttons. Any variation in the suede is natural. Please read the note at the bottom of the description regrading feather pieces

Top
Bust: each triangle measures 4.5" across at its widest point. The base part of the front measures 17.5" across. The ties at the back make it variable in size otherwise
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem including feathers
Slit: approx 34" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3351

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, feather and fur/feather trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur and feather pieces are final sale.

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 beautiful print silk dress looks like it could have just stepped off the runway. Her signature long and lean lines are combined with a genius cut and a inner foundation that shapes and molds the body. The dress is made out of a fine silk that has a vibrant floral design that combines a bright pink, red, deep raspberry and green. The effect of all those brilliant colors together is wonderful. The bodice is fitted with hand placed, soft gathers the lie over an inner, built in, foundation that curves over and past the hips on the interior. This gives you both shape and support. Wide silk straps curve up and over the shoulders and pick up the gathered detailing on the bodice. The back plunges low leaving your back bare and I love how it is squared off.  The waist nips in and the skirt flows to the floor in a long line of fabric from there. At the back, the skirt has a high slit to allow you to walk and move easily. Inside the dress is finished to demi-couture standards and by hand. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Fully interlined in a white silk and closes with a hand set back zipper. A panel of fabric crosses the back and hooks into place. The inner bust has a full to the hip corseted interior with built in cups, boning and a waist stay. There is no de Ribes label present but it has the correct hand written style/fabric tag for her pieces

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2248

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 had a similar dress to this one in the shop before that was in a darker color combination and with slightly different neckline, but I think that I love the vibrant pink of this one even more. It is a stunning design and I was very happy to find that it was the dress featured in the ad campaign for the brand in 1973 as seen in the reference photo included her.

The dress is made out of an easy to wear and travel with silk jersey in a bright vibrant pink. Using this particular fabric not only made it travel friendly - you can literally pull it out of a suitcase and it will be virtually wrinkle free - but it also allows the colors to stay as crisp and true as they would have been when it was produced. I love the brightness of it and it is even better in person. The dress is cut halter style at the front where it is cleverly sewn down the upper center part to stay closed and then opens below that. From just under the bust to the waist seam is left open to shows off an expanse of bare skin. The straps cross over them selves and then wrap around the neck to close. This leaves the back completely bare to the waist. Under that the skirt falls to the floor and even has pockets on each hip. Excellent condition with one tiny note below

Unlined and ties at the neck. Closes with a low back painted metal zipper and snaps at the waist band. Hand finished. I see a small area of a nick to the fabric near the side seam towards the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. It is very minor and appears to be stable. The color is brighter and a more vivid pink in person. Tagged a vintage 4. Note the waist does close properly - it was just a little small on the dress form.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from shoulder to waist
Length: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1970

Reference Photo: Oscar de la Renta Ad, 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 modern interpretation of the a classic Pucci dress and it is definitely done with a print taken from the archives. At first glance it almost passes for a vintage version. Pucci's colors and prints were mixed with a masterful hand and when even the modern day house recreates the archives looks it is a testament to his genius. This is one has a superb pink color palette. The dress is made out of a lightweight silk jersey, a fabric that the label has long preferred using because of the way it moved and took color. It is screened with a classic Pucci print that perfectly works over the body of the dress to highlight its different elements. The sleeveless bodice skims over the bust with a V neckline that has an intricate geometric print used to highlight the plunge at the front and the waist. This flows into a long, supermodel length cut skirt. The color is kept fairly monotone with the use of the pink from head to toe with pops of the white and tangerine that work with each other beautifully The dress is wonderfully bright and happy in feel as all the very best Pucci's are. It still has its original tags and has never been worn. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk jersey and closes with a side hidden, painted metal zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. Note that the color is more intense in person - better then how it photoed. Tagged a modern US4. Original hang tag attached.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5 from neck to waist
Skirt: 51" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3349

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks that often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money.

The simplicity of this dress when you first look at it hides the incredible craftsmanship used to create it. I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used in its construction. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to execute the making of this dress by hand. The column of silk that you see has been cut on the bias. Incredibly, there are four full layers of silk used to make up the body of the dress. This gives it enough of an opaqueness to wear and also gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The layers sit over each other perfectly aligned and in a sheath silhouette so it is very easy to wear. The sleeves are made of a single layer of the chiffon. On one shoulder is an attached long panel that gives it a caped effect. This trails all the way down to the hem and adds a touch of drama as you move. It flows behind you as you walk and it creates a very pretty effect with its slight transparency. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

The body of the dress has four layers of silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set, zipper at the back. Immaculately constructed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut allows for some range in the measurements as indicated below. There is the slightest bit of a pull on one sleeve. I see the slightest bit of teeny snags to the silk here and there but very very minor and just mentioned for accuracy. Please see the last photo after the label shot.

Shoulders: 14.5
Sleeves: 25"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem and may come up a little when on due to the bias cut

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3346

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 silver grey tag on this top is the label that was used starting in 1994. I went through the collections and narrowed it down to the Spring 2005 as the best possible on that this could be from. It has that same backless, tie, floral feel. This one combines more pf the pleated fabric that has become his signature then the more literal flower pieces shown on the runway. The top is a bright pink and it is made out of what feel like a light cotton linen mix. The front is a simple fabric breast plate that has that incredible detailing on it. The pleated fabric has been attached and manipulated on to this to form a petal like curving structure in the center and then drape around this to the edge. Straps made of the same fabric curve up and over each shoulder and then this crosses down the back and attached to the ties that extend out from each side. They then trail down long past the hips. The side straps tie and then trail down the back in a long extension of pleated fabric. It is amazing and a definite important future collectible that will only increase in value. Excellent condition

The back of the front part is finished in the same fabric as the rest of it is made out of. Tagged a 2 but should fit a range of sizes as long as it is wide enough to give you the coverage needed. The color is a bit brighter and crisper in person.

The main front part is 14" across at the widest part at the bust and it is approx 12" long from top to bottom. The ties adjust to fit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S894

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 exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress is a stunning and very rare example of what the house was producing during this time period. It is true Haute Couture and has been entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. You can see a striking resemblance to the  Fall 1954 "Ecume" dress combined with elements from the "Clorinde" dress from that same season. There is also an even closer resemblance to that famous photo of the model and dress captured back stage by Mark Shaw that season. You can easily imagine that this dress was derived from the different elements of these, while tweaking the details to be more perfectly reflective of the clients personal style. It is wonderful and a joy to have it come into the shop.

The dress is constructed from a hand made ivory Chantilly French lace that is outlined with a fine silk cording. The cord has been meticulously hand applied to the lace. It follows the outline of, and defines each delicate motif within the lace's pattern. The lace portion of the dress begins just under the high and defined waist and the entire lower portion of the exterior layer of the dress is done in that stunning lace. I love how at the very hem the lace edges have been meticulously hand stitched into a silk organza so that the hem is perfectly straight. The bodice is kept with a more simple silk jersey fabric to contrast the high level of workmanship that the lace has. It is strapless and the cups are shaped and molded underneath the jersey. The silk has been is hand draped so that is sits  in soft folds over the bust. The folds are set on a slight angle and one section in the middle has been used to create a wide open loop. Through that opening winds a wide black silk taffeta sash that drapes down at the front to follow the curved angle of the bust line and then ties at the back. I have tied it into a more formal bow but you could also leave this to trail down the back. The use of the contrasting black ribbon adds both a simple and romantic touch and also visually cinches in the waist area even more then the interior corseting already does. The skirt billows out to a beautiful fullness beneath the tapered in waist. The shape and fullness that you see is built into the skirt through layers and layers of silk netting and tulle underneath. The inner construction of the dress is absolutely exquisite with a boned and corseted interior made entirely made by hand and to Haute Couture standards. Under the skirt there are a three full layers of silk tulle and netted underskirts to achieve the shape that you see. I did not add any additional crinolines here but you could create an even fuller shape by adding a separate underskirt if you wished. It is a beautiful example of the very early work that the House of Balmain was doing and a wonderful example of the golden years of Haute Couture. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

Fully lined in a ivory silk with extensive boning, inner construction and skirting. It closes with an intricate combination of the Balmain signature, multiple chest and waist stays and two zippers. One to close the inner corset and the other to close the exterior dress The inner layers of the skirt are attached with some having addition half layers at their hems for additional volume. The innermost skirt is interlined with netting and the built in corset is made of lingerie netting and hand done padding. It is boned with metal boning. There is perhaps some very minor darkening to the lace here and there. Very small areas here and there of darkening to the inner bodice. On the exterior bodice there are areas of light yellowing that run across the sides. It is very faint and once on I think you would never even notice it as they are across the fabric and in the folds mainly. None of this compromises the strength or integrity of the dress and it is strong and wearable with the care. All of the photos to show the stunning details of the dress are before the shot of the label and the shots to show the sides of the bodice mentioned above are after the label shot. It really is in remarkable condition. Proper Haute Couture label and tape underneath, though the writing on the couture tape under the label has faded to almost nothing.

Bust: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam with cups built in that would fit an A or smaller
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under front cups
Skirt: 36" from seam under the cups to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3344

Reference Photos: (1) Model Ann Farrar in Pierre Balmain A/W 1954-55 "Ecume" Dress. Photo by Philippe Pottier.  /  (2) Backstage at Balmain, 1954. Photo by Mark Shaw.  /  (3) Marie-Thérèse in an evening dress called "Clorinde" by Pierre Balmain, Fall/Winter 1954-1955 Collection.

This garment is sent in clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

My client purchased this spectacular Vivienne Westwood gown from her mothers shop. She wore it to a friends birthday gala and that was the only time it was every worn. We narrowed down the date based on that info and also the reference photo of a similar gown that was shown for the Fall 1998 presentation.

The gown is one of the best I have seen and is utterly amazing. The cut and line of it are pure heaven. It is strapless and has that famous dipped and peaked bodice edging that Vivienne is famous for. Inside is one of her boned and shaped corsets that are constructed to cinch you in and push up the breasts. On an actual body you will get that full Westwood effect from this and the bow that sits at the bust only emphasizes this. the bow is constricted so that it curves out from the body and just adds even more bust shape and size. below that the waist curves in with vertical seam and then it curves over the hips and then flares out in a beautiful flared shape. The construction of the skirt is almost architectural and reminds me of that famous Charles James gown in the way that it flares and curves outwards on each side. The fabric is a heavy black silk satin that seems the perfect choice for the cut and feel of the gown. It is incredible and a rare find. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk with an inner built in corseted bodice as shown. Inner wired peaks at the side of the bodice The corset zippers to close. The outer dress also zips to close with a hidden set zipper along the seam offset at the back

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3343

Reference Photo: F/W 1998 Vivienne Westwood Ready to Wear Runway 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.

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 Hollywood 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

A light silk chiffon base through the majority of the dress makes this gown much lighter on than it may appear with that dense and heavy coverage of sequins. The way it is cut is very old Hollywood. The dress is sleeveless with and the bodice is plunged at both the front and the back, right to the seam that runs under the bust. Here the silver and black rows are set to angle down towards the center. This is then contrasted on the skirt where they are set on a angle that wraps around the body. The skirt is long and lean with a side slit to allow you to walk. All of the sequins are hand sewn into place in double rows of silver alternating with black. The overall effect - especially at a distance is really extraordinary. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made. Take particular note of the way that all of the rows line up at the seams whenever they can. That takes extra time, care and planning that gives you an idea of the quality of the dress. Excellent condition.

The bodice is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is backed with a black chiffon. It closes with a back, painted metal & nylon zipper at the low back. Note that the back zips up a little more then shown, It was too small on the mannequin to zip the last 3-ish inches

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17,5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to center front
Skirt: 44" from center waist seam to hem with another 2.5" turned up under hem
Side slit: 21" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3341

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 John Kloss piece is not 100% perfect but is too pretty to not put out there. I know there are collectors of his work and I hope someone falls in love with it as is. This would have been originally intended to be worn as lingerie piece. However, the recent trend towards wearing items more sheer and layered over inner foundation garments makes piece like this far more suitable as outwear now. This one walks the edge, as far as how sheer it is. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything underneath to the point where you can walk outside. The nylon is of a good quality and weight. The fabric is a pinky red color that I think is better in person then how it photoed even though the color is very close in these shots. It slips over the head with pretty cap sleeves that just cover the tops of the shoulder. The neckline is scooped and dips very low. I love the way that it is gathered under just the one side of the bust. It is so subtle and such an unusual detailing. There are a scattering of pinhead size dots at the front and a couple of the same down the front that are barely noticeable. The fabric itself is strong and otherwise in excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. Tagged M. The fabric does have some stretch. Dots on the front as per above. Please see the photo after the label shot for the area affected the most

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3336

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 is a spectacular example of the high end hand beading that was being produced during this time period. It is harder and harder to find these original pieces that are entirely made of glass beads and with such a heavy covering of bead work. The instant you lift this dress up you know it is an early and well made original because it literally weights about 8 pounds. This is entirely due to the dense and heavy coverage of the beads which literally cover every inch of the dress. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut to hug every curve but without clinging. This creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and the back dips into a V. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The back hem has a bit of extra fabric and is slightly longer. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed pink, gold and silver glass tube beads that are set into angle rows. These are so heavily applied that they cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a strands of tiny ivory seed beads that are each finished with a faux pearl. There are hundreds of these hand beaded tassels that follow those curving lines. The effect that these create whenever you move is wonderful. I love that no matter what angle you look at it, every line lines up. The time and hours put into making this dress with all that hand work and then lining it all so perfectly would have been astounding. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set pink silk and closes with a back metal zipper. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor grubbiness to the inside lining near the hem but of course this is not seen when on.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to front hem, 54" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item# E871

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 Fred Perlberg label launched in 1920. Perlberg was only 19 years old when he started the label and stayed on as the label's designer until 1968 when he retired. Upon retirement he handed over the reigns to Roger Millet who designed the label into the late seventies. This dress would be from the earlier part of the Millet ear, most likely the late 1960s or early 1970s.

The dress continues on Perlberg's legacy and is a great representation of what the label did so well. It made mid-priced party and dance dresses that followed the current trends. They were well made in small production runs and hold up well to the passing of time. This one is gorgeous with its bright pink silk chiffon skirt that have yards and yards of fabric in it and is set with two layers of chiffon over the innermost lining. When you move the silk will twirl around you beautifully. The waist is set high and begins just under the bust line. The bodice is gorgeous and is completely covered with a silver lace that then has looped beads, and silver sequins set onto it for a lovely bit of glamour and contrast to the pink. The bodice is cut with a modified sweetheart front and a low curved back. It is a lovely piece and the pink is even better on person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined  through the skirt and main part of the bodice in a pink silk. The upper bodice and straps are lined in a nude netting. The dress closes with a back painted metal and a hook above that.

Inner natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3331

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

Jean Louis is the designer who created that dress that Marilyn Monroe was sewn into when she sang Happy Birthday to  President John F Kennedy. Louis worked in the movies heading the costume department at Columbia Pictures before starting his own label in 1961. Once he began designing under his own label he concentrated on suits and evening wear and was known for his beautiful fabric choices.

This is a wonderful example of that and the dress is very pretty and romantic. The combined effect of that feminine cut and gorgeous fabric will make you feel like you are floating into a room on a cloud of flowers. It is cut with a strong nod to those dramatic gowns of the 1930s and 1940s that Louis excelled at in his movie days. The bodice is fitted with an almost cape-like chiffon overlay that wraps all the way around the neck and over each shoulder to create a soft suggestion of sleeves. The neckline is cut wide and once on will sit on the very outer edge of the shoulders. The waist nips in to balance the volume above and below and the skirt flows out from there to the floor. The skirt has a wonderful fullness and volume to it and the choice of chiffon keeps it light as air. I absolutely love this dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk crepe with an additional layer of silk organza that backs the more full outer layer in the skirt. Closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper and has a waist stay that closes with flat hook & eye. Hand finishes and made to demi-couture standards.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1264

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

Arnold Scaasi did exquisite work and as time passes I feel his designs are coming to be appreciated by a new audience. He apprenticed for Paquin before moving ot New York and working for Charles James. He launched a ready to wear label in 1956 but 1964 launched a couture salon and scaled back everything else to concentrate  on made-to-order. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous.

Yards and yards of a peach silk organza have been used in this Arnold Scassi gown. The silk used is just incredible. It is a light weight, fine organza and then onto this are hundreds of little cotton pique shapes that have been individually applied.  The fabric he has chosen give the dress both lightness and fullness. That combined with the inner structure through the sleeves and built in skirting allow it to hold that stunning shape and silhouette that you see without having to add any additional underpinnings of your own. The bodice is fitted and cut to follow and highlight the curves of you body to just above the hip where the skirt then explodes out in all of that volume. I actually love how he has extended the bodice down and to the top of the hips while still defining the waist with that pretty grosgrain and silk belt. It cinches in the waist while still exaggerates the curves of the female form and giving you shape despite all the volume in the sleeves and the skirt. The skirt is wonderfully dramatic and full with inner built in layers of silk and tulle to hold the volume. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The very inner skirt is made from a fine peach silk with a broad band of horsehair taping inside the bottom hem. Between that and the outer layer of silk are four full layers of silk net tulle. The sleeves are equally incredible and are shaped to have that gorgeous fullness to them and also have an inner finished of tulle netting to hold the shape. The inside is exquisitely constructed and it is all hand finished. This would make a stunning wedding dress for someone who is not looking for a white dress. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes to review below

The bodice is fully interlined in a fine peach silk. The skirt is finished in silk and tulle as per the description above. The sleeves are finished with tulle. It closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The belt is a silk grosgrain backed with a silk ribbon. It hooks and snaps into place. Finished to couture standard by hand. I see one small spot on one of the appliques to the side of the front waist. There is some slight grubbiness to some of the applique pieces near the hem. At some pint a repair was done to the skirt at the back. It is extremely well done and I only initially spotted it when steaming the skirt from the inside. You would never notice it on but mentioned for accuracy. Please review the photos after the label shot. The color in person is a touch more vibrant then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 12"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3329

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 am listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a deep yellow color that photoed pretty bang on. I love the fitted silhouette of the dress and all that amazing sequin detailing. Running down the front are a series of different pieces of fruit that are all hand done using sequins, tiny tube beads and rhinestones. The dress is more fitted through the upper body and then flares out as it nears the hem. At the back there is a large cut out below the button and loop at the neck. This leaves a large expanse of bare skin across the back. And just above the butt is another cluster of strawberries for a little bit of a sassy finish. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous sequin detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is labeled and does has some flaws but is otherwise in good condition. 

fully lined in a white stretch nylon lined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and button at the back neck. The sequin work is all done by hand and hand applied. My cleaners managed to lighten the spot s on it some but they are still present. All are mainly on the back of the dress so the front presents as near perfect and the back shows all the staining with just one light spot on the front near the side seam and some faint areas on the edge of each cuff as well. . The photos after the label show show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3327

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 great little Geoffrey Beene top has that classic one shoulder design but with some structure built into the interior for that extra bit of detailing and tailoring that he is known for. The exterior is a knit jersey that has some give but inside there is zip front corset that has built in cups. This interior foundation creates a inner built in bodice that gives support to the wearer. Over this the top buttons to close with white buttons. That white detailing is picked up again with the white piping that finished the edges and details each pocket. One side has a simple cap sleeve and the other leaves the shoulder bare. Love it. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined as described above and the rest of the top is unlined. It is well finished. It closes with a series of buttons at the front. Functional pockets on each hip. Tagged a vintage Beene 2

Interior bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# S889

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