bill blass
Book Documented Spring 1988 Bill Blass Bright Pink Silk & Black Net Ruffle Dress w Pouf Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is from the Spring 1988 Bill Blass collection.
- It was made under the crate direction of Bill Blass.
- The twin of the dress is documented in the book on his work titled "Bill Blass: An American Designer".
- I love that we also have the runway and advance photos so you can see just how fantastic this dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a bright pink silk that has a finish that slightly stiffens the fabric and this is what allows it to hold it shape. The fabric also has a slight iridescence to it and is very pretty in person. The colour is slight different pink than how much photoed but it is nice and vibrant.
- The neckline cuts across and is shaped around the bust to the waist. The waist is nipped in and this added shape around the middle balances the volume above and below.
- The skirt curves out in an almost bell shape and then come slightly in at the bottom. This creates a beautiful shape once on and you really get a sense of that in the runway shots.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are attached and hand stitched in along the edges of the bodice and they have a elastic running around the inside to hold it around your arm and top of shoulder. They are gathered into a piped pink silk band at the other end and the gathering and extra layer of fabric inside are what helps to hold their incredible full shape.
- Onto the bodice and the sleeves is a black stiffened netting that would have traditionally been used as an inner lining/ structure to help hold the shape of a hem of a skirt for example. Using it as a detail on the exterior of the dress would have been a very unusual and avant-garde choice for this era. I really love when you see these pops of unusual fabrication in his evening pieces.
- The netting is entirely applied by hand and is set in pretty curving shapes to twist and turn over the bodice and to completely run over the sleeves.
- This is a fantastic example of his work and very well documented.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching colour pink silk and has a built-in corset that is lightly boned and has its own zipper. There is an attached waist stay that hooks to close along the bottom of that inner corset and then the dress closes with a hidden set zipper over that. Elastic through the tops of the sleeves. The fabric has some very faint fading here and there that is not enough to be photoed. I have never seen a dress made out of this particular type of silk not have this as it ages. Some grubbiness along the very edge of the bottom hem. This is all very minor but mentioned for accuracy. I see one small mark near the zipper at the back. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the one minor note above.
Sleeves: approximately 11" and the bottom piped opening is 11" around
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 54" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5480
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1988 Bill Blass Runway. / (2-3) Spring 1988 Bill Blass Advance. / (4) Spring 1988 Bill Blass dress photographed by Nana Watanabe from the book "Bill Blass: An American Designer".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean louis scherrer
Phenomenal Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Silk Velvet Cut Devore Cocoon Coat
I Have a Question
- The twin of this phenomenal coat walked the runway for the Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Eric Mortensen.
- The coat would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This coat is a dream and I feel like the photos do not fully convey how beautiful it is in real life. It is made out of a cut silk devore and has the feel of a 1920s couture flapper coat.
- The fabric is outstanding. The base silk is a pale olive green and then the silk velvet on top of that is the prettiest softest brown. The velvet catches the light and changes how its colour feels slightly depending on how the light hits it.
- The pattern that covers it is a beautiful floral pattern that trails over the entire coat.
- The collar is soft and is a nod to the extended shawl collars of the 1920s. There is some padding built into the shoulders for some structure.
- The sleeves extend out from the waist so they are very wide around the body and then they narrow down to the opening that you slip your hand through.
- To wear the coat you simply slip it on. It has no closures and once on it drapes into place around you falling in beautiful, curving draped lines around you.
- The hem is cut so that it curves up and around at the front and falls longer at the back.
- This is a piece that you really cannot get the full sense of until it is on and moving. It wraps around you in a cloud of silk velvet and silk. It is so very good.
- The coat is fully lined in a very high end olive coloured silk and has no closures. All of the work is done completely by hand to couture standards. The proper Haute Couture numbered tag is present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The generous cut should fit just about any frame. It will just be more draped and cocoon feeling the smaller you are.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 19" and are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 60" from neck to back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD5478
Reference Photos: Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
Sleeves: 22" and 14" around the upper arm
Slightly wide set shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist but meant to blouse a bit
Total length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4727
Reference Photo: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway. Model Gloria Burgess.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
ralph lauren
Spring 2012 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Runway Look 53 Backless Ivory Jersey Dress w Pearl Belt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2012 Ralph Lauren Purple Label runway for Look 53.
- It was made under the creative direction of Ralph Lauren.
- The dress was also photoed for Vogue on Daria Werbowy and I love that it gives you the opportunity to see it on yet another person.
- The Purple Label from Ralph Lauren are the high-end demi-couture pieces the label creates. Ralph Lauren launched it in 1994 and the label was meant to be the pinnacle line for the brand.
- You can see how phenomenally the dress moves in the reference video.
- The dress does have the option to hook in place at the back like how it is shown on the runway reference photos. You can also wear it more open to the sides as it is shot on the dress form. We decided to do this so you could see both ways. The reference photos also show you how the panels go around the arms.
- The dress is made out of a white jersey that is very fluid and has lots of movement to it.
- It comes with its original belt. The belt is made out of glass pearls and beads and has a bit of weight to it. It is finished with tassels at each end and it is gorgeous.
- The front is suspended from the strip of fabric that curves up and over the shoulders and then curves down to the back. There is a little piece of matching fabric that gives you the option to hook it at the back as shown on the runway photos or it can be left open to give you a completely open back.
- At the front it drapes beautifully down to the waist and puffs out above the seam. Attached panels at the sides drape around the arm or they can be worn under the arm as well.
- From there, the skirt flows to the ground in a beautiful drape of the jersey. It is in its original uncut length and there are many yards of fabric in the skirt. The top layer sits over an inner white lingerie stretch silk jersey layer that is light enough to still retain the gorgeous movement the piece has.
- The dress is backed with a silk jersey through the bodice. Built into the dress and attached around the waist is an inner bottom piece made of a nude lingerie stretch jersey. It snaps into place and holds the dress perfectly around you and adds an extra layer of opacity. It shows no signs of wear. The dress is in its original uncut length. I see a tiny mark here and there around the hem.
- The dress is tagged a modern Ralph Lauren 4
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 17" from top of shoulder to waist but does blouse over once on
Total length: approximately 64" from shoulder to hem but small portion of the length will be lost when the top blouses over the waist.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5471
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Spring 2012 Ralph Lauren, Look 53. Model Daria Strokous. / (7) Daria Werbowy by Inez and Vinoodh for Vogue France, Feb 2012.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Cruise 2012 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 8 Ivory Suit w Jewels, Sequin Details & Silver Thread
I Have a Question
- The twin of this look walked the Cruise 2012 Chanel runway for Look 8.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- Karl booked the entire Hotel du Cap in Eden Roc on the French Riviera so that he had it at his full disposal for the show. This is remarkable in that it is arguably one of the most expensive hotels in the entire world.
- The show is also of note because he accessorized all the pieces with real diamonds and pearls. Vogue noted that he said "too much may not be enough" when asked about this extravagance.
- The twin of the suit walked the runway for Look 8 and was adorned with diamonds on the pockets and at the neck. It was sent to the shop with a beautiful crystal rhinestone and faux pearl button at the top of the neck and left to the clients to add their own personal diamonds.
- Both pieces are made from an absolutely stunning ivory version of the Chanel signature boucle fabric.
- The weave is very tight and it is one single ivory colour. It has little bits of silver thread woven through it. These glitter in the light in this very subtle and beautiful kind of way. I know the still photos are not properly capturing it but in person it is magical.
- The collar is soft and rounded with a raw finish to its edges and then it is covered with the tiniest possible ivory sequins. He added another band of sequins under the collar to circle the inner shoulders near the neckline.
- A little jewelled clasp sits at the top of the neck that has crystal rhinestones and large faux pearls with the double C logo on their sides. I love the nod to the 1940s this little jewelled detail has and how it picks up on that old Hollywood glamour theme.
- The sleeves end at about the wrist depending on the length of your arms. The jacket has a beautiful curving seam at the front and two top set pockets. I photoed the jacket open as it was shown on the runway but there is one single little hidden snap so that you can close the jacket more if you wished. A second curved seam sits at the back. The construction is absolutely beautiful. Inside it has a Camellia flower embossed silk lining and a silver chain is hand sewn along the inner hem.
- The skirt is as beautifully cut as the jacket. It has a curved band around the waist and pockets on either side of the hip. It curves out to skim over the hips and then comes in at the bottom. There is a wide 7" band of the same fabric circling the bottom hem. He added a back vent that has three beautiful buttons and you could open those if you wished.
- The set comes with the matching belt that you see on the runway. The belt follows the same curve of the waist band. It hooks in place and it is completely covered on both sides with more of those tiny little ivory iridescent sequins.
- This is an exceptional Chanel. It would make a great bridal piece for the bride not looking for something traditional or as a piece for an event surrounding the ceremony.
- The jacket is fully lined in an ivory silk embossed with the Chanel camellia flower print and has a clasp at the neck and a hidden set snap halfway down. The skirt is lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set zipper. The belt hooks to close. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The very subtle bit of metallic silver thread that runs with through the boucle is more apparent in person.
- All three pieces are tagged a Chanel 38.
- Excellent condition.
Jacket
Sleeve: approx 21" from the natural shoulder and is 17.25" from the dropped shoulder scene. They are 14.5" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 19"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from waist to hem
Belt: It currently hooks to close at 28" and you could move the hooks if needed. it is 30" in total from end to end.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5456
Reference Photo/Video: Resort 2012 Chanel, Look 8. Model Sigrid Agren.
The Chanel boucle is created with their proprietary method of weaving that they themselves describe as "by weaving the warp and weft, using a variety of different kinds of threads which creates a unique and somewhat irregular appearance. The warp – vertically strung – is the background of the fabric, the base that will support the assembly of materials. There can be up to 12 different threads used for a single warp. The weft – woven horizontally – gives the fabric its unique character and can have an unlimited number of threads. Tight, perforated, textured, thick, with a relief, plaited, random, twill… the potential number of effects is endless".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Well Documented Fall 2018 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Green Velvet Halter Dress w Floral Skirt
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 65 for the Fall 2018 Valentino season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- The entire world was in love with Pierpaolo and this collection was raved about. Vogue opened their review saying "Something is going very right at Valentino. It would be hard to name another designer in the establishment echelons of fashion who is putting out a more inclusive, relatable, and unforced sense of modern elegance than Pierpaolo Piccioli. They continued saying "How to put it? Where so many other designers have sought to meet these fraught times with throwbacks to ’80s-power-woman shoulder-padded templates, Piccioli has found a new cadence of expression. It includes flowing lines, flowers, layers, scalloped edges, and a vibrant, sophisticated colour sense. For evening, there was a wealth of options to cover all occasions, according to the person a woman might be. It might mean flowing, completely covered-up gowns or ankle-length A-line tunics with slim trousers beneath... Piccioli handled both minimalism, in spare, dramatic shapes, and decorative embellishment in blown-up floral appliques and jacquard... It recognized dignity and delighted in amazing colour. Bravo, Piccioli. This was outstanding."
- I love that I have the runway photos and a reference video for you because they show how beautiful the dress is once on the body and moving.
- It was worn on several red carpets and shot for various editorials that season. It is one of the best from a show that was filled with outstanding dresses.
- The halter of the dress is made from a deep forest green velvet and then the skirt is a silk brocade that has a beautiful floral pattern worked over its entire surface. The black portions of the print in the skirt are a finely ribbed velvet that has an almost ultra fine ribbed corduroy finish to it. You can feel the added texture of the black parts of the print and it makes the print that much better.
- The top is made from two simple triangles in a deep green velvet. They extend out from the waist into two long straps at the top that curve behind your neck, cross over themselves at the back, and then button and snap into place on either side of the little bit of velvet that curves around the sides and into the low back.
- The halter front and tiny straps leave your sides and your entire back bare. It is the perfect balance between the dress feeling romantic and being very sexy.
- The skirt is remarkable. It is set in around the waist in a series of tiny gathers and there is an internal stiffening around the waist to hold the shape.
- The back of the dress has extra fullness built in and it is cut a touch longer so you get this beautiful sweeping feel behind you that just adds to the overall glamorous feel of the dress.
- It is incredibly beautiful. And it has pockets.
- The halter is backed with silk and the skirt is unlined. The straps button into place and the dress closes with a low hidden set back zipper at the waist. Ribbon edged finished inner hems. Some minor grubbiness here and there at the edge of the hem and perhaps the tiniest snag here and there on the skirt. These are minor, but mentioned for accuracy.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: each halter is approx 8.5" across from side to side
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: Approx 14" from top of neck to waist band and the length of the straps could be adjusted as needed by moving the buttons
Total length: 61" from neck to front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5449
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2018 Valentino, Look 65. Model Sterre Dekker. / (3-5) Amber Heard at the premiere for 'Sorry Angel' at Cannes Film Festival, 2018. / (6) Barbara Shilova for Fashion & Arts Magazine, 2020. / (8) Model in Valentino for The Financial Times UK. Photographed by Vikram Kushwah, 2018. / (9) credit unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Outstanding Spring 1974 Yves Saint Laurent Floral Print Silk Chiffon Top & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This set is from the Spring 1974 YSL Rive Gauche collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We found several reference photos of other pieces that appeared on the runway that have the same print. The print is also documented in one of the books on his work. The twin of this may also have been presented on the runway but there is not full documentation of these earlier collections.
- I love that it is a set made up of two pieces. It looks like a full dress when worn together but you still have the versatility of being able to mix and match each piece with things you already have in your wardrobe.
- The colours in the silk chiffon are amazing. The silk has held the colour extremely well and they are as crisp and vibrant as the day it went on the shop floor.
- Yves was a master at choosing the fabrics that were the perfect compliment to the prints that he used. This dress is no exception to that rule with its riot of bright blue and red flowers covering its surface. The choice of the silk chiffon make both pieces feather light and allow the skirt to float around you when you move.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you with a loose and easy feel that is close to a box cut. It buttons at the front with matching silk covered buttons. The collar is neat and extends out into an attached tie at the neck. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves go to just around the elbow. Each one is cuffed and full above their cuffs so that they puff out around your arm. I have shown the top both tucked and un-tucked so you can get an idea of the cut. I love the slight transparency that the top has with its single layer of silk chiffon.
- The waist of the skirt is finished with a small band for shape and then it curves out to be more loose and generous over the hips. From there it falls to the floor. It flares out quite a bit as it nears the hem and one side of the hem is cut slightly shorter than the other. You see this often in his work from this time period. It allows for a little bit added movement and it seems to have been a bit of a signature for him during this era.
- The top is unlined and the skirt has a lining of a nude silk chiffon. The top buttons to close and each cuff buttons to close. There is an attached tie at the neck of the top. The skirt closes at the side with a flat hook and eye at the waist and a zipper under that. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- The top is tagged a 38 and the skirt is tagged a 40
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: 16" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust-waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13" from waist to hem
Hips: open
Total length: 43.5" from waist to the longest side of the hem, 40.5" to the shortest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5448
Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1974 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. / (4-5) From the book "YSL Lexicon".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Fabulous Spring 2004 John Galliano Pale Mint Green Bias Cut Slip Dress w Rhinestone Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2004 John Galliano collection.
- It was made under the direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is made out of a pale mint green coloured fabric that is completely cut on the bias.
- The dress is absolutely dreamy. It is meant to skim over the body and it has that beautiful movement that Galliano is so well known for.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders with two matching colour straps that are made of a slightly different fabric and have a bit of a pattern on pattern feel to them.
- The front is set into a shallow V and the back repeats that same V finish.
- It is cut on the bias and the entire dress skims over the body in that perfect way that he always cut a piece.
- The bias cut allows it to be easy fitting over the bust, waist and hips. It is not tight at all but does drape and fall to accent your shape once it is on the body.
- Both the top and skirt are pieced together out of panels that are set in and along angled seaming. This gives the dress a feel that is very reminiscent of Old Hollywood dresses from the twenties and thirties. The skirt is made of two panels that expand outwards to each side. So when you walk or move you get amazing movement.
- All of the seams are finished with rhinestones that have been infused on the fabric. These are a subtle glimmer to the entire dress head to toe and highlight his beautiful pattern work.
- The skirt has that extra swing to it and the cut and fullness allow it to move around you as you move. When this is on and you are walking the movement it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
- This is John at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head with no closures. It is cut on the bias so we put the comfortable range of measurements when the dress is laying flat below. We see some very tiny little spots here and there and one rhinestone missing. Please see the photos after the label shot. The marks are all so tiny they do not detract in any way.
- Tagged an F38, GB10, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5444
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This is the actual runway sample piece that walked the runway for the Spring 1978 Philippe Venet show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Philippe Venet.
- The dress has it proper Couture tag and its handwritten tag designating its show number and the model. I love that we found a reference photo so you can see how fantastic this dress is once it is on an actual body.
- Philippe Venet apprenticed to a local tailor who was authorized to make Balenciaga designs. In 1951 he moved to Paris and became a cutter to Schaparelli. From there he met Hubert de Givenchy and in 1962 joined his atelier where he was the head cutter. In 1964 he opened his own Haute Couture label with Givenchy's blessings and support. His work tended towards minimalism and clean lines. His business was never as large as Givenchy's which allowed him to be more hands on for a longer period of time. Couture pieces from him are very rare and hard to find.
- The fact that it is the actual sample piece makes it even that much more special.
- Its construction is at the level of a runway sample. So you do see some slight roughness in some of the seams, even though everything is completely done by hand. This is appropriate for a couture runway sample.
- Both pieces are made from the palest possible mint green silk. The colour is magical and as good as it is in the photos, it is better in person.
- The dress is two pieces. There is an inner dress which I have photoed on its own so you can see it's construction. This is suspended by tiny straps that curve over the shoulders and then crisscross at the back.
- The back is left bare and exposed. The V at the back is set slightly off centre and it follows the pretty angle of the hem. To make this work, the zipper has been set slightly off-side at the base of that V rather than in the exact centre.
- This inner dress glides over the body in a beautiful bias cut that has a more generous cut waist, curves over the hips and then falls to the angled hem.
- Over this goes a loop panel fabric that is attached at one shoulder and then falls down and over the inner dress. The closed side of it is what causes the dramatic swoop and drape you see.
- I love that you can wear this overlay on either side and it creates two different looks. If you wear it on the same one shoulder look side, the whole looks takes on the feel of a more one shoulder dress. If you wear it on the other side you get this interesting cross-over effect at the top and at the hem.
- This really gives you three dresses in one because you can wear the inner dress on its own and then depending which shoulder you wear the outer piece you get two distinct looks from that.
- This is very rare piece of documented Venet with the extra fashion history of knowing that it was the actual runway piece.
- Both pieces are unlined and slip on to wear. There is a hand set zipper at the back of the dress as described above. It is entirely made by hand. There are some small marks on the dress here and there. Everything is minor and it is wearable as is. I have added several shots so you can see. It is not perfect, but it is 100% sound and wearable as is. All of the flaws are minor. Its easy draping cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Inner dress
Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of bodice to the longest point and 42" to the shortest.
The overlay
It slips on to wear and will fit any size because of its open cut down the side. It is 61" from the top of the shoulder to the longest point.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5446
Reference Photo: Spring 1978 Philippe Venet Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Gorgeous Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Chiffon Bias Cut Dress w Capped Sleeve
I Have a Question
- This is a stunning black chiffon dress from the Spring 2006 Christian Dior collection
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- This dress feels magical. This is in part because of the perfect bias cut of the black chiffon that is such a signature of John's time at the label.
- As with many Galliano pieces it is meant to be on an actual body and not a mere dress form.
- The way the fabric is cut and draped allow it to hug the body and skim over you from the bust to past the hip.
- The dress has a wide set V plunging front that meets in the centre and twists into a knot. I love the angles this creates on the neckline and the nod to the 1940s that it gives the feel of the bodice.
- The sleeves are gathered in along the shoulder and then they are gathered back in above where they go around the arm. This is another strong detail that is a nod to the thirties and forties, decades that you often see referenced in the best of his work.
- Angled seams run under the bust to the sides of the waist and the fabric curves in there to give shape through the waist. From there it curves back out over the hips and falls to the floor in a widening expanse of chiffon. This helps to create its hourglass shape.
- As the skirt near the floor it widens out considerably and this gives the dress extra volume there and also creates a gorgeous bit of movement around the lower skirts.
- The perfect finishing touch is a high slit that runs up one side of the dress so you get a bare flash of leg as you move.
- The entire dress is made out of a single layer of the black chiffon so it has a touch of transparency. This allows you to go as covered or bare underneath as you dare. It is so pretty and special.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set zipper at the side. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 8.5" and are just under 12" around the arm opening
Inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 12.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 66.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 32.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5441
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Exceptional Spring 1999 Giorgio Armani Runway Palest Ballet Nude Pink Floral Sequin Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 1999 Giorgio Armani runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani
- I love that we have both runway reference photos and video. You can see how spectacular this is once it is on the body and moving.
- My client told me that these were special order pieces and only one was made per size. So it is a exceptionally rare piece of Armani.
- This dress is outstanding and it is pristine.
- The dress is suspended by two tiny silk straps in a matching pink that curved up and over each shoulder. The front and back have a slight scoop.
- I love that the structure is soft so that the dress glides over you. Subtle seeming shape it around you to highlight your curve, but it is not meant to fit super tight, rather glides over you to the floor.
- The dress is made out of a dusty pink silk that is extensively hand beaded. Inside there is a layer of silk chiffon, and then attached over all of that is a layer of netting. I love how this increases the depth of the sequin pattern underneath and softens everything even more. It is a brilliant choice and fabrication.
- The dress curves over the bust, skims over the waist in a more generous way and then it curves back out over the hips. It narrows in just slightly under the hips and then flares back out beautifully around the hem.
- The way the iridescent tiny pink tinged speeds are applied is fantastic. They are all done in handset rose and laid out so that from a distance, you get a sense of a floral pattern that runs over the entire dress. This is all created by a subtle difference in the beads used in the way that they have been applied. It is quite ingenious and creates a gorgeous effect once on.
- As with many of Armani pieces, the sensuality of the dress is hinted at and not completely in your face.
- I think this might be one of my favourite Armani dresses I have ever had the pleasure of seeing in person. It is truly outstanding.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching pink silk chiffon and it closes with a hidden set back zipper. Handset beads. It has its original tag attached along with a small bag of extra beads. It is pristine. The fabric does have a touch of stretch so I put the comfortable range below for that as well as the inner corset.
- Tagged an Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5437
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 1999 Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 47 Nude Pink Feather Dress w Silver Thread Flowers Detailing
I Have a Question
- Due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2012 show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta
- On the runway it was styled with a white wrap that sat over the bust and arms and a heavily embellished belt. Once you strip those back and see the dress on its own you realize just how light and pretty the dress is.
- Oscar showed the collection in his new showroom on 42nd street. The space had yet to be fully renovated and this gave the atmosphere a raw edginess and the styling reflected that. Vogue called the evening dresses 'entrance making' and the show felt fresh and new from his work of the past few seasons proceeding this one.
- The dress is made from a pale nude pink silk base covered in netting. Onto this is an extensive floral applique made out of of silver sequins, silver metallic thread and silver lame insets
- The dress is suspended by two little piped silk straps that curve up and over your shoulders. They attached into the peaked fronts of the bodice. Front panels across over each other and then the back has a pretty dip that leaves the upper back bare and exposed.
- It cinches in at the waist and then curves out and over the hips.
- The skirt cascades to the floor from there and is cut slightly longer at the back so that you get a beautiful sweeping feel as you walk away. Onto the skirt is an amazing application of feathers attached onto the top layer of netting. These come up at the front and then widen out to circle all the way around the bottom hem. They curve back upwards at the back. Every feather is stacked and layered over the one underneath. The bottom of the skirt is very full so the combination of the lightness of the silk and netting and the amazing application of feathers create this phenomenal movement when you move.
- The dress is fully lined in a pale pink silk and there is light boning at the sides of the bodice. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern ODLR 0
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 63" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 77" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5435
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta, Look 47. Model Kori Richardson.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Beautiful Fall 2012 Gucci by Frida Giannini Runway Look 35 Deep Green Velvet Dress w Leopard Pattern
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 35 in the Fall 2012 Gucci show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Frida Giannini.
- This was the dress of the season and it was documented on a huge variety of people for red carpets and events. I love that it shows just how fantastic this dress is on a range of body types and frames.
- The original inspiration for this dress is a Fall 1985 Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture dress that walked the runway. We actually have one of those originals in the shop at the moment. You can view that by clicking here.
- This gorgeous dress is made out of a green velvet with a leopard print done in a different finish of velvet within the fabric. This pattern gives the velvet an extra depth and richness, and also catches the light as you move. It is stunning.
- The bodice is set into a V that crosses over itself where it is set into the waist. The bodice drapes more loosely over you at the front.
- The waist is seamed and cut slightly on the more generous side. There is a 1.5" band that is attached around the waist to add some definition. If you wanted more shape, you could add a belt though it also works perfectly well without.
- The sleeves are more full near the top and then they narrow down to a hand set zippered cuff.
- The skirt falls to the floor and is sad so that it wraps over itself at the front. You can see in the many reference photos that by moving your leg a certain way you can get a flash of bare leg if you wish.
- It is a gorgeous dress and I love it homage to the original Givenchy.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. Each cuff has a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Gucci 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and they are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to the top of the 1.5" band at the waist
Total length: 61.5" from waist to hem with 1.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5434
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Fall 2012 Gucci, Look 35. Model Yulia Kharlapanova. / (7) Doutzen Kroes by Mario Sorrenti for Vogue Paris, August 2012. / (8-9) Natasha Poly at Cannes Film Festival, 2012. / (10) Isabeli Fontana in Gucci for Schön! Magazine, January 2013. / (11) Alicia Vikander at the premiere of Anna Karenina, 2012. / (12) Juana Acosta in Gucci at the GQ Spain Man of the Year Awards, 2012. / (13) Josephine de La Baume Confession Of A Child Of The Century December 2012. / (14) Tamara Ecclestone at the premiere of Skyfall, October 2012. / (15) Vanessa Hudgens for Harper's Bazaar Arabia, December 2012. / (16-17) Nina Dobrev for Ocean Drive, September 2012. / (18) Linda Vojtova for El Pais Semanal, December 2012. / (19) Amber Patton at the Studio Museum Gala in Harlem, 2012. / (20) Photo by AdlerFresneda. / (21-23) credits unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Spring 2016 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Elephant Printed Cotton Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress as well as a similar second version walked the runway for Looks 48 & 54 in the Spring 2016 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- The show was based on Africa as its inspiration and at this period of time the world was watching refugees attempting the journey to Italy. In the Vogue review for this collection Maria and Pierpaulo were quoted as saying; 'We probably feel that the greatest privilege in doing our work is that fashion can give a message,” said Chiuri. “We think every person coming here is an individual, and we can show that we can improve ourselves by understanding other cultures.'... 'The message,' added Piccioli, 'is tolerance. And the beauty that comes out of cross-cultural expression.'
- The dress is made from an extremely light in weight cotton with an inner nude cotton layer underneath and then that is entirely covered in a stunning elephant and fauna print done in a combination of green and a pale mustard mixed with white.
- Many of the pieces fused both Italian and African traditions , 'They met in the textiles' and the prints in the collection was described as "African-inspired prints with wax block detailed their Spring 2016 collection. The collection was praised for a respectful rather than literal interpretation of African cultural influences."
- The lines of this dress are wonderfully simple and yet it still feels glamorous with the head-to-toe print.
- The neckline is high and the shoulders soft. It skims over your bust to a slight more generously cut waist. The sleeves are long and they each have a button at the cuff and the sleeve puffs out above that.
- From there it curves over the hips and begins to widen out to the floor. There is a surprising amount of fabric in the skirt, but because of the lightness of the fabric, it falls in a more column silhouette until you begin to move.
- The print that covers the dress is stunning. It is set to highlight the lines of the dress and is specifically placed to accomplish that goal.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. It appears to have being worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern 40
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24.5" and are 10.25" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck top of of the 2.25" band around the waist
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5433
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2016 Valentino, Look 48 & 54.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emilio pucci
Fantastic Spring 2012 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 10 Coral Print Open Back Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for Look 10 for the Spring 2012 Pucci collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- Besides being featured on the runway, it has substantial documentation from that season. It was used in the ad campaign, was worn on red carpets and shot for editorials that season. It was a dress that was wait-listed and sold out.
- I love that all the various reference photos and videos give you an amazing idea of how gorgeous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a gorgeous fabric that is a mix of a fine black mesh for the base and then it has the classic Pucci jersey fused on top of the mesh netting to form the pattern that you see covering the dress. Having the pattern portion of the fabric applied on top of the netting gives it a little bit of added texture. There are touches of transparency through the various parts of the design. The dress is lined with both a nude and black stretch silk so that it is opaque enough to wear but there is still the illusion of being more bare between the jersey parts than you actually are.
- The sleeves are not lined in the extra layer of nude silk and I love how this let you see a flash of skin behind the black mesh.
- The fabric has a touch of stretch and this makes it extremely comfortable to wear and be fitted to the body.
- The back is phenomenal. It hooks at the back of the neck and then there is a deeply plunging and open back that leaves a large expanse of skin bare and exposed.
- The front neck is scooped and sits higher up across the neck. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long.
- It skims over the bust and waist with simple darts adding shape around the bust area. From there it curves back out over the hips and falls to the floor.
- The bottom flares out quite a bit so you have some movement around you when you move. You can see that on the runway video. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a pretty sweeping feel behind you.
- The back is fully open and the scoop is deep. I love the shock of that bare skin when you turn around. How low it sits is really dependent on your height and length of your torso. I have provided the measurement from the neck to the base of the scoop below for you.
- This is a gorgeous example of Peter's time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in two layers of silk chiffon. A black layer sits directly under the outer layer and then there is a nude layer against the skin. It slips on to wear with hook and eye at the back of the neck, otherwise it has no closures. The jersey has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements below. Its easy fit and stretch should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.
- Tagged a more modern Pucci IT40, FR36, US6, UK8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26" and they are 10-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14-15"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem and the back extends 7" past that.
Back scoop: approximately 19.5" from shoulder to the base of the scoop
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5431
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2012 Emilio Pucci, Look 10. Model Izabel Goulart. / (5-6) Designs by Emilio Pucci during the celebration of Emilio Pucci New Boutique launch at Saks Fifth Avenue on November 1, 2011 in New York City. / (7) Spring 2012 Emilio Pucci Ad. / (8) Michelle Dockery for the Los Angeles Times Magazine, January 2012. / (9) Poppy Delevingne in Pucci for Telva Magazine, July 2012. / (10) Tali Lennox for Madame Figaro, 2012.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Gorgeous 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Metallic Floral Silk Brocade Dress w Velvet Bodice & Bow
I Have a Question
- This Givenchy dress dates to the mid-late 1980s, maybe early 1990s
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992.
- This dress has the Givenchy Boutique label without the Nouvelle added and as far as I am aware this label was usually reserved for special orders that were made in the atelier and then shipped to the client without any Paris fittings.
- You can see that in the many hand finishes throughout the dress. This level of construction can be considered Demi Couture from this time period.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful silk brocade that has pink and copper flowers woven throughout the fabric. The pink and slightly coral parts of the flowers are done in a more matte thread and then the copper and gold parts are done with a metallic thread. As a result the flowers almost seem to glow off of the silk. It is an incredible vintage fabric.
- The top of the dress has a low squared off neckline at the front that is made from a black velvet. It curves up and over your shoulders and has the same squared off opening at the back.
- At the front it dips slightly at the centre and placed exactly in the middle of that dip is a large black bow of the same velvet that has stiffened netting inside to help hold its shape.
- The sleeves are gorgeous. Each shoulder is shaped into a high cap. To help support the bit of a rise above the shoulder there is a stiffen thicker grosgrain ribbon that is pleated and stitched into place along the edge of the inner shoulder to add support.
- The sleeves are cut so that they curve over your arm and narrow down slightly to a zippered wrist.
- The top is meant to be more fitted and create a more empire feel.
- The dress is shaped through the waist area with vertical darts to bring the fabric in and create the curve that you see.
- The skirt falls to the floor from there and it flares out quite dramatically by the time it reaches the hem. I love how the width of the lower skirt perfectly balances the shape through the upper bodice.
- It is spectacular and the cut and design are phenomenal. This is classic Givenchy for this time period.
- The dress is backed in the same velvet where it goes over your shoulders and then the bodice and rest of the dress are lined in a black silk chiffon. It closes with a back zipper and there is a zipper at the end of each cuff. Hand finishes throughout and very well made.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 16" around the upper arms
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 12" from top of shoulder to where the velvet ends under the bust
Total length: 57.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 59" to the back hem with 2" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5429
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thea porter
Fantastic 1970 Thea Porter w Documented Print by Sandra Munro Silk Chiffon Mini Dress w Ultra Wide Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This dress dates to 1970 based on the documentation that we found on the print.
- A rare example of the work that Thea Porter was producing during this time period.
- Knowing that the print was designed by Sandra Monroe, adds an extra layer to the history of the dress. The example of the print was sourced from the book on the Thea Porter's work that accompanied the exhibit on her work. Many of the examples in that book came from our archives.
- The neckline comes down in a V at the front and I love how the bodice on both sides has been created by the fabric being gathered into a diamond shaped pin tuck technique. That amazing hand stitched work curves up and over the shoulders and ends just on the other side of the top of the shoulders.
- Directly under that is a band in the same fabric that is cut on an upward curve to match the seams of the bust.
- The skirt flared out from under that and why them out as it near the hem. This may have been a full length dress at some point or it may not have been. Pieces were often altered and modified in the shop to suit the client or girls would change them afterwards.
- Either way it's an amazing mini now or could be worn as a tunic over pants or a skirt depending on your height and how daring you want to be.
- The sleeves are absolutely incredible. They come out from the waist area and widen out to be very full with a bit of a point to drop at their ends. I love the movement that this creates once it is on and how the sleeves only emphasize the length of the dress since they go just past the hem of the skirt.
- Whether you choose to wear this as a mini or tunic, it has that amazing easy to wear feel to it that her pieces so often have.
- This is an exceptional and rare example of her work.
- The dress is fully lined in a blue silk and it closes with a back zipper. Some of the thread work and the silk on the inner seams of the lining has disintegrated and I see some additional small repairs/marks to the inner lining here and there. None of this is seen once of course but mentioned for accuracy. One tiny repair near the seam of the arm.
- There is no size tag president so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 33.5" and are very full and open around the upper arm
Slightly dropped shoulders: to 16"
Bust: no true side seams
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and then you can use the attached ties to cinch it in as much as you want.
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to V at waist, 15" to the seam under the band
Total length: 31" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5427
Reference Photos: Sandra Munro's 1970 textile design based on Samawa carpets from the book "Thea Porter: Bohemian Chic".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emilio pucci
Spring 2010 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 24 Blue Printed Silk Chiffon & Sequin Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 24 of the Spring 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- I love that the runway photos and video show you just how gorgeous this is on the body and how it moves. We also found a reference photo from an editorial that really shows how much fabric has gone into making this dress.
- In the coverage for this collection, Vogue said that Peter Dundas turned out a sizzling collection for spring summer... "it is, of course the season the house was made for having been established on jet Capri in the 1960s, but it also doesn't hurt that Donda is an avid scuba diver. The underwater universe produced some aqueous prints.. there were some gorgeous shades of blue... backstage Dundas said he wanted to work with easier and loosen up the silhouettes a bit, but there's little doubt that his Pucci girl remains a predator shark type."
- The dress combines an ultra light-in-weight silk chiffon with sequins that cover the very upper bodice and straps.
- The upper bodies has a racer back cut to it. The straps curved around at the front on either side of the neck and then it meets at a middle panel that leaves the sides of your back bare and exposed
- There are many yards of a fantastic feather light silk chiffon used for the dress and it all falls from the sequin straps. It skims over the bust, opens out over the waist and hips, so that it is extremely full by the hem.
- The print on it is exactly what Vogue described when they talked about his love for the ocean. Beautiful soft colours in blues, turquoise and pale purple mixed with a variation of a classic Pucci print swirl over the dress. It has been deliberately treated so that it has a underlying very light tie-dye effect that runs over the fabric behind the top print. It is very beautiful.
- The front is scooped and this bit of bareness at the top perfectly balances out the fullness as the dress falls to the floor
- The skirt has a second layer of an ivory silk chiffon underneath the top printed layer that keeps it still very light but gives it a touch of opaqueness so that it can be worn without being too transparent.
- There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. The lightness of the silk layers have phenomenal movement around you as you move.
- The dress is one of my favourites of all the modern pieces of Pucci that I have seen and the era that Peter Dundas was the creative director at Pucci is 100% my favourite of the modern predecessors to Emilio.
- The sequin part of the top is backed in a black silk and then the rest of the dress is lined in a second layer of ivory silk chiffon. It zips to close at one side with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut of it and easy open fit should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT42, FR38, UK10, US8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side to side
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 67" from top of the shoulder to the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5424
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2010 Emilio Pucci, Look 24. Model Nimue Smit. / (4) Credit Unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding 1960s Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Demi-Couture Sky Blue Silk Bombshell Dress
I Have a Question
- I believe this dress is from the early 1960s when Marc Bohan took over Dior. It has the Dior tag inside that would have been used in this time period. There is the possibility that it is earlier.
- The dress is almost completely made by hand to a Demi-Couture level and has that fitted hourglass bombshell silhouette of the era.
- It is made out of a sky blue very high end silk. The colour is slightly paler in person than how it photoed here.
- The bodice is shaped with inner boning and stiffened netting built into the inner layers of the bust to create that defined front shaping. It has straps that curve up and over each shoulder. The straps button into place on both the front and back so you could easily remove them and wear this as a strapless dress. I love that extra versatility.
- It is meant to be very fitted around you through the bodice and has built in infrastructure to shape and hold everything in place.
- It nips in at the waist and there is more inner structure built-in around the top of the hips t emphasize a curved hourglass feeling coming out and over the hips.
- The skirt comes back in below the hips slightly and then it flares out for the lower skirt. The back is cut slightly longer than the front for a beautiful little flare at the back. It is an absolute bombshell of dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a blue silk that is all hand set. I feel like the bodice near the waist is slightly paler in colour by the teeniest little bit. It is very minor. I am being very picky and it is mentioned for accuracy. There is evidence that the front dart seams were let out a touch at some point. Please see the photo after the label shot. I see a small teeny tiny darkened mark on the front of the skirt near the knee that is extremely minor but also mention for accuracy. These are all very minor.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist. If you choose to wear it strapless is is 10.5" from the top of the bodice to waist.
Total length: 57.5" from top of the shoulder to the front hem, 58.5" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5423
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This dress dates to the 2010s and is from the Lanvin Blanche line.
- It was made under the creative direction Alber Elbaz.
- The dress is made of a soft ivory dotted net mixed with lace panels that is stunning on the body. This combination of those two fabrics allow it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight your every curve in a very flattering way.
- The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The shoulders are wide and curve over and down into a V at the front. At the sides, each arm hole is also cut into a V to give the dress a pretty nod to a Grecian feel.
- The dotted netting of the bodice is gathered into the top of the shoulders and around the waist for a pretty and soft feel.
- A chevron patterned lace wraps around the waist. A band of prong set rhinestones tops the band. Underneath the lace there is panel that combines rhinestones and domed matte metallic beads. I love the way this adds detail around the waistline and the workmanship is exquisite.
- From there the skirt curves out and over the hips and falls to the floor. Panels of lace are mixed in with the tiers of the dotted netting. These fall all the way down the skirt with each band getting wider and more full as it reaches the hem. The way the skirt widens as it reaches the floor allows for a pretty sweep of fabric around you as you move.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: each triangle covers 6-8" flat across from side to side
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to waist and the band around the waist is 4" high
Total length: 63" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5421
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Romantic Resort 2015 Valentino by Pierpaolo & Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Cotton Embroidered Dress w Flower Belt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in black was shown as Look 15 for the 2015 Resort presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- In the Vogue review for this collection they said: "Monastic, artistocratic, modest, and even prim have been terms applied to Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino almost since they took over in 2009."
- l absolutely love this dress. It is well documented and it is the perfect romantic feeling dress that could also be fantastic as part of a wedding weekend.
- The cut of the dress is very simple so that the beautiful cotton that has been embroidered and pin tucked can take centre stage. This fabric gives it a nod to the past while still feeling modern.
- I love that it can easily have a more elegant evening feel by styling it with heels and some statement jewels and that you can wear it with or without the floral belt for a completely different look.
- The fabric is a just lightly off-white cotton that has a touch of transparency to it. It is lined in more cotton so that it is wearable and has structure. Onto that are panels of flowers that are embroidered and cut out with embroidery around their edges. These have been placed to follow and highlight the cut of the dress. They cover the dress from shoulder to hem and this added texture gives the dress the most beautiful visual interest. It is quite stunning.
- The neckline is cut across and the ruffle that goes all the way around the neck line sits at the top outer edge of your shoulder.
- The bodice skims over you and the waist nips in. It comes with a pretty belt that you can wear with it, change to another belt or wear it without any, and it looks just as good.
- I love the belt. It is made from cut out fabric flowers in a variety of colours that have been pieced together and strung onto a belt. I sometimes see this dress sold without the original belt and it is very lovely to have the full set.
- The skirt falls from there and has a pretty fullness to it. It falls outwards to the hem and gets wider as it goes. It has very pretty movement once on.
- The dress is fully lined in a lightweight gauze cotton and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The belt ties into place around you. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5420
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2015 Valentino, Look 15 / (2-3) Anja Rubik in Valentino.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Outstanding Spring 2011 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 60 & Ad Campaign Strapless Blue Sequin Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2011 Armani main label collection for the Look 60.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- One was used for the ad campaign that year and it is just an absolutely beautiful shot.
- This was the closing look on the runway. Having the finale look of any collection is always an extra point in collectibility
- In Vogue's review of the collection they said "Giorgio Armani's secret weapon is focus. He'll take one idea and elaborate on it over the course of a collection. Today's focal point was the night sky over the Sahara: warm, velvety blue, scattered with stars.... Everything was navy shading towards midnight. As the show moved toward evening, sprinklings of crystal and sequins appeared to echo the heavens at night."
- This dress is outstanding and it is pristine. In fact, it still has its original tags attached. It's original retail price was just over €13,000.
- The bodice is strapless with a curving panel of midnight blue silk that wraps around the entire bodice splitting at the back on either side of the zipper.
- Inside there is a built-in corset made out of lingerie stretch netting that is lightly boned, zips to close at the back and has a hook at the waist. This is what holds the dress in place around you.
- From there, the dress falls to the floor. It curves around the bust shaped around the built in cups of the corset underneath skims over the waist and curves back out over the hips. It narrows in under the hips and then flares back out beautifully around the hem.
- Semi transparent, blue iridescent sequence that are on the larger size are set in tightly, spaced horizontal, rose stacked on top of each other from the very top of the bodice all the way to the ham. I love how each sequin overlaps its neighbor. They are very heavily applied and their slight touch of transparency give the dress a really extra bit of luminescence as they catch the light from every angle.
- The sequins are set on a blue chiffon that has a slight bit of stretch so this makes the dress conform to your body and allows for a little bit greater range of size. This gives the body of the dress a very slight transparency through the sequins that is fantastic. As with many of Armani pieces, the sensuality of the dress is hinted at and not completely in your face.
- I think this might be one of my favourite Armani dresses I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in person. It is truly outstanding.
- The dress has a full built-in boned inner corset that closes with its own zipper and hooks at the waist. The rest of the dresses unlined. It closes at the back over the inner corset with a hidden set zipper. It has its original tags attached and is pristine. The outer fabric does have some stretch so I put the comfortable range below for that as well as the inner corset.
- Tagged an Armani 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.25-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner corset, the outer dress will stretch another inch at least if the inner corset it is not closed
Waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner corset, the outer dress stretch to 13.75" across if the inner corset it is not closed
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 11" from top of bodice to inner corset waist
Total length: 56.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5413
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2011 Giorgio Armani, Final Look, Look 60. Model: Michaela Kocianova. / (3) Spring 2011 Giorgio Armani Ad Campaign by Nick Knight.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- I have included a reference photos from 1964 that shows similar versions of this dress. This dress does not have its Sarmi label, but it does have a Bergdorf's label that has the 1968 date on it. I believe it was custom ordered based on those earlier dresses.
- It was made under the creative direction of Ferdinando Sarmi.
- This is so thoroughly a Sarmi piece that it is quite incredible.
- The bodice has an ivory silk base that is covered in an off-white mink fur. It has an inner built-in lightly boned bodice.
- The skirt is made from multiple layers of a slightly stiffened ivory tulle with silk organza and silk layers set in under that.
- Onto the very top layer of the skirt are little various size dots made of eyelash tinsel in metallic silver, gold, blue and green. These sparkle from every angle and it is quite incredible.
- It has an empire feel with a large ivory silk, wide ribbon, tied into a bow at the front for a pretty detail.
- The sleeves are just stitched onto the the top so I think you could easily remove them if you prefer this as a strapless.
- It is completely made by hand throughout to Demi Couture level.
- The dress is lined in ivory through the bottom and the layers of the skirt as described above act as the lining period it closes with a back zipper. I see one tiny break in the fur along the edge of one sleeve. There may be a tiny area here in there around the edges where the fur has lifted just a touch, but it is very minor.
- There is no size tag present because it was almost certainly made to order so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the waist band and that band is 2" wide
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5408
Reference Photos: (1) Brigitte Bauer in chiffon evening gown with mink bodice by Sarmi, photo by Howell Conant at the Lunar Fountain in New York's World Fair, 1964. Shown in Life Magazine, August 1964. / (2) Model wearing Sarmi, 1964. / (3) 1964 Sarmi Evening Dress in The MET Online Collection. / (4) Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt in Sarmi, 1964.
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 and fur 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. Fur pieces are final sale.
guy laroche
Incredible Fall 1998 Guy Laroche by Alber Elbaz Runway Black Jersey Reissue of the Mireille Darc Backless Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walked the runway for the Fall 1998 Guy Laroche collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
- Alber was at Laroche from 1996 to 1998. The final collection that he designed was the Spring 1999 show and then he moved to YSL Rive Gauche directly after.
- This dress is an obvious take / reissue on the famous 1972 Laroche designed by Guy and worn by Mireille Darc in the film 'The Tall Blond Man With One Black Shoe'.
- The dress is made out of a soft black jersey that is a mix of wool and silk. This makes it extremely comfortable to wear. It also gives it a slight touch of modernity from the original.
- Like the original it has that deeply plunging and open back. The opening on this version goes right to the top of the neck instead of closing at the back of the neck like the original.
- The front neck is scooped and sits high up on the neck. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long. I love how he added a flared cuff to the ends of each sleeve instead of keeping them tight and fitted. It gives the dress a slightly more fluid feel.
- It skim over the bust and waist with simple darts, adding shape around the bust area. The jersey makes it very easy to fit because it has some stretch.
- From there it curves back out over the hip and falls to the floor. The bottom flares out quite a bit to pick up on the flare of the sleeves. There is an inset triangle of panel at the back to give it more flare.
- The back is fully open and the scoop is deep. This is intentional and meant to have that same shocking effect that the original dress had. Even knowing of the original dress, it still felt shocking when it was seen on the runway. I don't think it's quite as deep as the runway version but it's really dependent on your height and length of your torso. I have provided the measurement from the neck to the base of the scoop below.
- This is an incredibly rare dress and you may not see one again. I love the double dose of fashion history that this one has with the tie in with the original, as well as being an early piece of Alber's work, plus the documentation on the runway. A collectors dream.
- The dress is unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. The black jersey has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements below. Its easy fit and stretch should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Laroche FR36
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 26" and they are 10-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem in the back extends 4" past that.
Back scoop: approximately 21" from shoulder to the base of the scoop
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5406
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 1998 Guy Laroche. Model: Georgianna Robertson. / (5-6) Mireille Darc wearing Guy Laroche in 'The Tall Blond Man With One Black Shoe', 1972.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
arnold scaasi
Documented Fall 1987 Arnold Scaasi Black Strapess Velvet & Green Silk Full Skirt Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The sleeved version of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1987 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Arnold Scassi.
- Scaasi launched his boutique line in 1984 and it was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. He was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon.
- It is very rare to find documentation of his work from this time period and I love having it so that you can see how amazing it is on. I think this strapless one is even better then the runway version.
- You can easily see the influence of Arnold having worked for Charles James in this piece. The lines are dramatic and yet elegant.
- The dress is strapless and the top portion of the dress is made from an inky black velvet. It is dramatically shaped at the front with wired peaks and a V plunge at the front.
- It nips in at the waist and then angles down from one side low on the hip on the other. On the side that sits higher up there is a large bow detail that gives the effect of holding all the gathers of the skirt in place.
- The skirt is set under that and the long angling seam on the opposite hip adds visual length to the dress as it extends down and into a deep point. The skirt is quite full and the shape and volume that you see is held by the inner construction.
- Layers of tulle netting set underneath the outermost layer of silk. The green of the skirt is a true brilliant emerald. This unexpected shock of colour is fantastic.
- The dress is fully lined in a green silky rayon. The bodice is lightly boned and it closes with a hidden set side zipper. Built in stiff tulle under skirts and the skirt is interlined in a green organza.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.4" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from top of peaks on bodice to hem with 3" turned under the top layer
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5403
Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Arnold Scaasi.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Exceptional Fall 2002 Alexander McQueen Runway Look 44 Corset Mini Dress w Leather Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 44 for the Fall 2002 McQueen show that was title Supercalifragilistic-Expialidocious, taken from Mary Poppins.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen
- Vogue noted the 'Milkmaid necklines—far from innocent-were pushed up by leather bodices that curved down into the tightest pencil skirts, and finished off with thigh-high leather boots. McQueen moved from that Helmut Newton-esque fantasy to another—bad schoolgirls, who mixed lingerie and silver lamé ties and skirts in with their proper blazers and duffels. For a splendid finale, he brought out romantic flouncy skirts'
- This is a very rare piece of McQueen and it is just exceptional. It is an absolutely iconic collectors piece.
- The top is a top-stitched formed and shaped corset that has inner boning and made to be shaped around the body. It is constructed from several shaped and formed pieces of what looks to be like a black denim that is top stitched and then pieced together to shape and create the form around the body.
- It closes down the front with metal lingerie hooks and then it has a belt through which a leather belt goes around the waist. That sense of leather is picked up again in the straps. The straps are very clever and they can be removed if you wish to wear this as a strapless piece. They button into place and the buttons are metal with the Q and C made as part of the button. A ruffled and pleated cotton bit comes out at the sides and the ruffled lace across the top of the neckline. This is done to help keep the illusion that you have put a corset over a little cotton mini.
- This illusion continues with the skirt coming out from underneath the corset. It is attached all inside the corset and is made out of two layers of cotton with lace finishing the bottom. This has all been pleated so you get this fantastic movement.
- It is ultralight in weight and it is a truly phenomenal piece of McQueen.
- The inside front of the skirt is elastic so you just slip this dress on and then hook it down the front to wear. I see a tiny little bit of fading to the dye near a couple edges of the seam of the skirt, but with McQueen pieces, these little flaws were often intentional and it certainly does not distract from the dress whatsoever. Some of the leather has rubbed off a touch on the back side of the belt in one spot. This is very minor and it is just mentioned for accuracy
- Tagged a vintage McQueen 38.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 29" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5401
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2002 Alexander McQueen, Look 44. Model Adriana Lima.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Prettiest Fall 2015 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri White Lace & Net Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2015 collection and you can see it's references in the photos that we have included here from the ready-to-wear show.
- In 2015 both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were the acting creative directors for Valentino.
- The neckline is high and comes up in a neat collar around the neck. There is a single layer of the netting that runs across the front and back upper bodice.
- The sleeves are net and have an added dot and suggestion of a vertical stripe worked into the netting. They are made of a double layer of the tulle and each sleeve is slightly puffed above its end.
- The top of the bodice is cut straight across and that continues around to the back. The bodice is has a n overlaid panel of the same netting used for the sleeves. The panel hangs over a lace trimmed and dot netting layer that is stacked over an inner silk. It skims over you to the waist which is cut on the more generous side.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and it is made up of five more tiers of the dotted netting. Each panel that runs over the skirt has an additional layer of lace attached to the tulle for added detail. It is the same lace that was used underneath the panel on the bodice.
- Each tier slightly overlaps the one below it and this gives the skirt a beautiful soft and romantic feel. It also gives you a really pretty line as it widens out as it near the hem.
- When you move all of the layers softly move around you. It is very beautiful.
- The dress is fully lined in ivory chiffon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. It still has its original tags attached and was never worn.
- Tagged a Valentino 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5396
Reference Photos: Fall 2015 Valentino Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
loris azzaro
Incredible 1970s Loris Azzaro Ivory Silk Fantasty Voluminous Full Trained Cape w Oversized Hood
I Have a Question
This is an incredible cape that dates to the 1970s
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD5397
over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
2012 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Tiered Ivory Lace Net Dress w Sequin & Bead Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2012 Valentino collection
- At this time both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors.
- On the runway it is clearly a take off on look 51 and the included reference photo gives you an idea of how this spits on the body.
- This is the second time I have had this dress in the shop and the first time I had it, a girl who bought its twin let me know that the original retail on this dress was over $20,000.
- The base fabric of the dress is a fine silk tulle netting that has panels of lace laid over it that run in horizontal rows down the length of the dress.
- The collar is set wide and is trimmed with two layers of silk chiffon. The upper bodice and sleeves are made from a netting that has little dots of embroidery mixed with beads.
- This same beaded technique is used on the double ruffled hem that circles the lower skirt. The dress is meant to skim over you and widen out as it nears the hem.
- The back skirt falls slightly longer than the front and there is a bit of extra fabric at the back so you get a soft sweeping of fabric behind you.
- The body of the dress is completely covered with alternating layers of the lace mixed with tiny little rows of ivory iridescent sequins. These are all set horizontally and wrap around the entire dress. The top layer of the dress has a transparent quality to it and to make the dress wearable it is then lined in three layers of ivory silk chiffon. It is absolute beautiful.
- Fully lined in three layers of silk chiffon. It has an inner corset that zips to close and an outer hidden side zipper. Each cuff zips to close. It appears to have never been worn.
- There is no size type present so please go buy the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 22" and they are approximately 10" around the upper arms
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, 60" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5398
Reference Photo: Fall 2015 Valentino, Look 51.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
john galliano
Magical Fall 2005 John Galliano Deep Golden Coloured Bias Cut Velvet Dress w Front Knot Detail
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2005 Galliano collection
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is a little work of art that not only combines his signature bias cut but is also made from a soft bias cut velvet that drapes beautifully over the body.
- The front is cut into a V and is caught up into a twisted knot detail at the base of the V. This creates a pretty draping over the bust area as the velvet is all gathered into that knot. The seam under the bust angles down towards the sides in a nod to the seamwork of the 1920s and 30s, something you see often in Galliano's work.
- At the back that same low V is repeated so that you get a bit of skin showing there. This front and back plunge perfectly offset the sensuality of the velvet..
- From there the dress glides over the waist and curves back out over hips. It falls to the floor and widens out near the hem. With all of the fabric cut on the bias this moves beautifully around you as you move. This superb silhouette is a signature of his work and it is done beautifully on this dress.
- The colour of the velvet is this deep gold that has a slight antique feel to it. I love the way that it catches the light. Even in these photos you can see how magical the effect of that is and when it is on and you are moving it will be even better.
- The dresses that Galliano does with fabric cut on the bias are outstanding and the velvets like this one are even more so.
- The dress is unlined and has no closures. It slips over the head and then it just drapes perfectly around your curves. The bias cut will allow for range of fit so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below with the dress laying flat. The dress has lost its main Galliano tag but has its proper inside tag inside as shown. I see a tiny spot near the hem where it looks like the velvet is scuffed a touch. It is very minor and just mentioned for accuracy. Otherwise appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Galliano FR38, GB10, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 69" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5395
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Superb Fall 2007 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 38 Sequin & Bead on Ivory Boucle Wool Runway Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 38 on the runway for the Fall 2007 ODLR show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- Vogue said of this collection "It could've been a movie, so picture-perfect was Oscar de la Renta's take on the good life. From beginning to end, and day to night, the collection sparkled.' This dress was a stand out and has an interesting mix of feeling perfectly feminine and proper while the extensive matte pewter bead work gives it an almost armour like feel.
- The dress is superbly constructed and feels high end from the first glance. The base fabric is a textured ivory boucle that has just enough weight to it that it feels luxurious but is not too heavy to wear comfortably.
- Onto this is an extensive design made of square matte silver sequin beads mixed with matching crystals in a variety of sizes and and large pailettes.
- These circle the neck where they are set on little triangles and have rhinestones scattered in the design as well.
- Around each sleeve is a wide band of the square sequins with bead work detailing each sleeve further.
- Two wide bands of embellishment circle the hem.
- Around the waist is the most extensive beading of all and these are also detailed with large square sequins and more beads.
- It is quite striking and dramatic and yet still retains that classic elegance that the best of Oscar's work has.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper.
- Tagged a vintage ODLR 4
- Excellent condition.
Shoulders: 15" and the opening fro the arm is 11" around
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 38" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5390
Reference Photos/Video: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007 Runway, Look 38. Model: Caroline Trentini
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
christian dior
Minimalist Numbered Resort 1985 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Draped Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Christian Dior resort 1985 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- This is a very chic Christian Dior dress from the Marc Bohan years. The label is numbered and when you see that in a Dior Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris.
- It is a wonderful example of the work being done during this time period and shows the restraint that the label could have when it delved into minimalism.
- It is a very easy and comfortable dress to wear. Don't let the simplicity of it fool you. This is a dream to wear and the simple lines are offset by the high quality of the silk and the ease and beauty it has once on.
- The dress is made from a black silk chiffon that drapes beautifully over the body.
- The neckline falls from a single shoulder that drapes up and over to the back.
- There is an inner dress and then a layer of silk chiffon is draped over that dress to blouse over you to the waist. I love the way it softly angles from the shoulder down to the other side on both the front and the back.
- The waist has an elastic so the dress is extremely easy to wear and comfortable. The bodice blouses over the waist line. You can wear it as is or you can to add a belt underneath and cinch in the waist to create a more hourglass shape.
- The inner bodice is made from two layers of the same silk chiffon and it is cut to skim over your bust to the waist.
- The elastic at the waist creates a series of small soft gathers all the way around the waist and this allows the skirt open up beautifully as it does. The skirt falls from the waist to the floor and gently widens out as it nears the hem.
- The skirt is made of three layers of the silk chiffon, each stacked perfectly over each other. A slit runs out the same side as the shoulder for a little bare flash of leg.
- You can see the hand work throughout and it is beautifully made.
- The layers of silk chiffon act as its lining. The dress weighs ounces. It closes with a side set zipper on the two innermost layers to the waist and then snaps on the top lay over that. Elastic through the waist. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 23" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5383
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Gorgeous Fall 2003 Ungaro by Giambattista Valli One Shoulder Printed Silk Chiffon Dress w Trailing Panel
I Have a Question
- This is from the Fall 2003 Emanuel Ungaro runway collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Giambattista Valli.
- After stints at ZCapucci, Fendi and Krizia, Valli kanded at Ungaro where he headed their RTW and Couture lines from 1998 to 2004 before launchung his own label in 2005.
- The details on this dress are amazing. It is completely cut on the bias so really needs to be on the body to fully come to life but even on the dress form you can see how gorgeous it is.
- The dress is made from printed silk used for the main portion of the dress and this is combined with a silk chiffon panel with the same print that runs down from one shoulder.
- The print on the silk is done in soft pastel blues, purples and pinks on an ivory backdrop. Onto that are little gold glitter fused onto the leafs and flowers on both of the fabrics.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so it does have give once on the body. The silk used is feather light so feels magical once on.
- The dress is gathered up and into one shoulder and then it simply drapes and skims over the bust, waist and hips. It has beautiful seam work that subtly shapes it over the body and adds shape once it is on.
- Once it curves over the hip it flares back out as it nears the hem. This allows pretty movement around you as you move.
- Attached to the top of the single shoulder is a long panel of silk chiffon that is lightly pleated and widens out substantially as it nears the floor. It is cut to go to the hem of the dress and creates a beautiful movement around and behind you as you move.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory chiffon and it slips on with no closures. The bias cut does allow for some movement so I have given the comfortable range of measurements when the dress below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Ungaro 34.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 66" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5378
Reference Photo: Fall 2003 Emanuel Ungaro, Look 56.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- The twin of this gorgeous Spring 2001 Chanel set walked the runway that season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- The show that year took place in the Carrousel de Louvre where the Chanel team constructed a multi-coloured Neon Staircase for the models to walk down. The Chanel 'Catwalk' books noted that the models sported tons of colour to go with that staircase and the collection showcased red, pink, blue, coral and purple besides the standard black and white used so often by Karl. This look was heavily styled with accessories for the show and I loved when you see the pieces paired back you understand just how fantastic are.
- No one does cashmere like Chanel. The fabric of the skirt is yet another amazing example of just how high -end their fabrications for ready-to-wear are.
- These are the kind of pieces that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks in the photos it only really comes to life on the body.
- The sweater has a definite nod to the tennis sweater in its design. The cashmere has a defined ribbing through the body and sleeves, and then the cuffs, hem and neckline are done in a finer ribbing for contrast. Also like a tennis sweater, it has a classic striping around the neckline and the cuffs.
- It is cut to sit soft and easy on the body so that it feel simple with the perfect amount of casualness. I love the little pocket that sits on one hip and there is a little Chanel emblem under that. It has the double C logo on a grid which to me is a little nod to the tennis net.
- The skirt is equally as amazing. Here we have wide ribbed cashmere detailing around the waist and then we have a beautiful Chanel tweed boucle done in soft coral and peaches on a ivory backdrop.
- Big oversized belt loops sit along the the waist line and they have little snaps in behind at their centres in case you want to wear a different size belt, or have a belt sit higher or lower. They are held in place at their bottoms by a dome pearl button that has Chanel embossed on it.
- There are little pockets set along the inset front seams. The skirt is cut in a sharp little A-line. I love how the sequins done in a mix of pastel peach, coral and white, are used to highlight the grid pattern of the tweed.
- This is a superb Chanel set that is just exceptional.
- The sweater is unlined and the skirt is lined in a Chanel embossed ivory silk. The sweater slips on to wear and the skirt closes with a hidden set back zipper. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all. The colour and textures are even better in person. Both pieces have some stretch and the comfortable range of measurements while laying flat are below.
- Both pieces are tagged a Chanel 38.
- Excellent condition.
Sweater
Sleeves: 24" and are 11-14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom of sweater: 13.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 23" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5372
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2001 Chanel. / (4-5) From the book "Chanel Catwalk: The Complete Collections".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Fall 1989 Oscar de la Renta Iridescent Green Gold Silk Chiffon Strapless Dress w Matching Cape
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown on the runway for the Fall 1989 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- This dress beautifully showcases the genius of Oscar de la Renta and the work that he was doing in this time period. The dress has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking.
- This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements in this dress are a reflection of the standards he adhered to for his entire career and body of work.
- This dress is also interesting because I have had a blue version, very similar to this, from Spring 1990. He must have loved this dress so much that he tweaked and repeated the design for the next season.
- The dress is made from multiple layers of a lightweight iridescent silk chiffon in the most stunning deep green gold colour. The iridescent quality of the colour in person allows it to change and shimmer in the light. It is an extremely beautiful fabric choice.
- The bodice has an elaborate gathering of silk over it that crosses over itself into one side of the waist. This is also the point where a panel of silk extends from the back to hook into place so there is one unbroken line all the way around your waistline.
- It is strapless and the neckline is cut into a rounded sweetheart shape that is very flattering. The bodice is fitted and shaped. It cinches in at the waist with light interior side boning to help hold the shape.
- The skirt cascades to the floor and at the front it wraps over itself and curves up and into that side point of the waist. The draping that it creates down the side is stunning.
- The skirt is made up of three layers of weightless silk chiffon and this lets the skirt float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk.
- It comes with a matching huge silk chiffon shawl / cape piece. It has a tiny silk covered button and loop at the neck to hold it in place and then it simply floats over your shoulders and let billow out around you. I love that you can wear it flung over both shoulders, fully down the front for more coverage or with just one side flung over a shoulder.
- It is incredibly beautiful and it moves like a dream once on.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a hand set matching silk and the three layers of silk chiffon the skirt is made of serve as its lining. The dress closes with a back zipper. Hand finishes.
- Tagged a vintage Oscar de la Renta 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from the top of the bodice to the inner waist
Total length: 57" from top of the bodice to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5368
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 1989 Oscar de la Renta Runway. / (4-8) Fall 1989 Oscar de la Renta Ready To Wear Collection Advance.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
guy laroche
Incredible Fall 1994 Guy Laroche Haute Couture Runway Silk Hi Low Dress w Silk Chiffon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the Haute Couture runway for the Fall 1994 Guy Laroche collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Michel Klein.
- It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- Michel Klein took over the couture division in 1993 after Laroche's death and remained until 1996.
- The dress is made out of a very high-quality beautiful silk that mixes three colours; a deep blue, a soft olive and a pale taupe.
- The dress part is mini in length with a wide, scooped neck line that sits to the edge of the shoulders, leaving the collar bones exposed. It's softly shaped over the body comes in at the waist under the attached band there, and then curves back out and over the hips.
- A panel of all of silk is attached starting at each side and curving around to the back. This partial skirt falls in a long smooth drape of fabric and add movement when you move.
- At waist is defined with a wide deep blue, almost black, silk band that is cut wide and wraps all the way around you. At one and it narrows down and hooks into place under a long swooping gold brooch which I believe is gold plated.
- The sleeves are spectacular. They are made out of a feather light silk chiffon that is in that same blue, almost black, colour. They are cut extra long and are very wide and full. They fall at an angle to extend past the wrist.
- I love the softness and transparency the sleeves have. It is the perfect contrast to the silk of the rest of the dress.
- It is a very unusual and uniquely gorgeous dress that feels thoroughly couture.
- The dress is fully lined in hand set silk that matches the colours of the exterior silks and the sleeves are unlined. The dress closes with a hand set hidden back zipper and there is a second zipper on the inner skirt. The band at the waist wraps and hooks into place. The brooch is detachable and shows a sight patina. The proper Haute Couture label is present. The inner silk of the long skirt is scuffed near the hem and I see slight grubbiness along the hem on parts. Please see the shot after the label photo.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 34" to the longest point
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Mini dress length: 31" from top of shoulder to hem and the full Length is 60" from the top of the shoulder to the longest point of the hem.
Belt: 26" around where it hooks
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5366
Reference Photo: Fall 1994 Guy Laroche Haute Couture Runway Collection on Kirsty Hume.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Ad Campaign Spring 2016 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 29 Three Piece Navy Top, Pant & Neckpiece Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this three piece set walked the runway for the Spring 2016 Armani collection for the Look 29.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- That was featured in the ad campaign that year and I love how they paired it with a pop of red for that shot.
- This was the 40th anniversary of the Armani label and he had only just recently opened up a museum showcasing four decades worth of his designs.
- Pants were a focus of the collection and sets made up almost the entire runway
- I have all three pieces for you today and each is in a different finish.
- The pants have a ribbed finish and a touch of of transparency to them. Parts of the weave have an underlying thatching to give it an almost checked feel and the weave curves in different directions over the pants. Beading, sequins and rhinestones are set to follow the different directions and done in different shades of blue. I love how this gives the pants a subtle pop of glitz.
- The pants have a flat band at the waist, skim over the hips and narrow slightly in at the bottom of each leg. They are cut in a bit of a crop. They are fully lined in a stretch chiffon like fabric and the exterior fabric has a touch of transparency. They are very pretty and unusual.
- The top is a loosely structured squared off shape. It has a neat little collar in a contrasting fabric and that same fabric runs down the front and edges the front hem. The bottom is rounded and there are three buttons at the top, leaving the top to swing open under that. It also has a very distinct texture and I love how the texture is different from the pants.
- The last part of the set is that extraordinary neckpiece. It has a stiffened collar that you wrap around the neck and it snaps into place at the back. At the front there is a large jewelled feeling resin piece. Suspended from that are multiple piped fringes and here again you see yet another texture on the fabric. Rhinestones have been added and it is meant to sit all the way around front to back.
- I love that the three pieces allow you to mix and match any of the elements with things that you already own. Worn together it becomes one of the defining looks of this collection.
- The top is unlined and closes with three buttons at the front. It has a slight sense of transparency. The pants are lined and they also have a touch of transparency but less than the top. They close with a hidden set zipper at the side. The necklace snaps into place at the back of the neck. The fabric of the pants has stretch. All three pieces appeared to have been worn very little at all.
- The pants and top are tagged an Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: 23" and are 12" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust-waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 26" from neck to hem
Neckpiece
21" around the neck and 35" from the neck to the longest of the fringes
Pants
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from waist to hem
Inseam: 25" and the gusset is 15" from the back of the waist to the inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5361
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2016 Giorgio Armani, Look 29. Model Baya Kolarikova. / (5) Spring 2016 Giorgio Armani Ad Campaign.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
c 2007 Roberto Cavalli Pale Ballet Pink Pleated Silk Jersey Dress w Front Plunge & Rhinestones
I Have a Question
- Given the closeness in design and many shared elements to the Fall 2007 Cavalli that we had in the shop about a year ago, we believe that this dress is from that same collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- The dress is made from a pale ballet pink coloured silk chiffon and it is detailed with muted bronze-gold crystal rhinestones and metal chains.
- For parts of the design the silk has been softly gathered and softly pleated in a very Grecian type feel and this treatment lets the dress have its beautiful movement when you walk.
- Tiny chiffon straps curved over the shoulders and the bodice crosses over itself in a V at the front. At the back it drops into a low wide V to leave an open expanse of bare skin.
- The sides are detailed with strips of round and rectangular rhinestones mixed with strands of metal block chains. These are placed along a sloping curve at the top of each hip for a pretty added detail. I love that they kept the colour for this added element a more muted copper gold so it softly adds to the softness of the pink rather than sharply contrasts it.
- The skirt is remarkable. It is in its original supermodel uncut length and is absolutely beautiful. A wide panel of soft pleats open up from the centre of the waist at the front. These are set in where the bodice crosses over itself and adds to the detailed feel of the bodice. This panel cascades down to the floor and gives the skirt substantial volume at the front.
- The back of the skirt has extra fabric built in all the way around and is cut to fall longer than the front. When you are standing still you get a long column of silk but then when you move the skirt billows out around you. The fabric is light enough that when you walk it creates this incredible floating sensation.
- I love the sweep that is created by having the back fall longer behind you. It is an incredibly beautiful dress and no matter how good it looks in the photos the sensation and tactile feeling of the fabric and pleat work when you have it on is just phenomenal.
- Fully lined in a matching colour silk. There is a full built-in bodysuit that hooks to close beneath you so that everything is held perfectly in place once the dress is on. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Cavalli 42
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 18" 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 shoulder to centre point of waist
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to front hem, in the back extends another 7" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5359
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Phenomenal Spring 1991 Original Valentino Runway Pale Pink & Pastel Green Strapless Cut Out Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for the Spring 1991 collection.
- It was made under the original Mr. Valentino.
- I love that we have runway photos and video so that you can see how phenomenal this is once on the body.
- Interestingly, for the Resort 2026 Valentino collection, we saw a version of the dress produced in a chiffon.
- This is just a really exceptional and rare dress that is a fantastic example of the work he was doing during this time period.
- The dress is made out of silk crepe that has a touch of texture to it. That fabric and it's pretty pastel colours make for a beautiful combination.
- The bodice is strapless and curves at the top. An almost bathing suit top feeling bandeau is caught up in a matching coloured fabric knot at its centre. A second knot gathers in the panel of fabric that runs just above the waist.
- This leaves a large open cut out at the front. At the back the fabric is gathered into a centre vertical seam with a second smaller open cut out mid back.
- The waist is seamed and the skirt is gathered into that all the way around. This allows the skirt to have a little bit of fullness as it falls to the floor. At the back of the skirt there is extra fabric so you have a little bit of kick as you walk.
- Once the dress is on you do not see the lining but I love that it is a brighter pastel grass green. It is like a little secret that only the person wearing it knows about.
- The dress is fully lined with handset silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. There is light boning through the bodice. A waist stay hooks to close and the dress closes with a side zipper. The entire construction of the inner bodice appears to have been done by hand. There is perhaps the lightest bit of fading here and there but I am being extremely picky.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" 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
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5358
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 1991 Valentino. / (4) Resort 2026 Valentino.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress and it's matching shawl walked the Fall 2008 Armani runway for look 48
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- Armani called the show 'free spirited' in his notes and in the review that Vogue did they noted that "he really poured it on at night, tossing cobweb, scarfs, and wraps over nearly everyone of his dresses."
- This is the full set as seen on the runway, comprising of a one shoulder dress with its matching highly detailed wrap.
- The dress is primarily made out of an inky black velvet and then the strap and front of the bodice are made out of a black crepe. The wrap is made out of a black velvet with various types of cording running over it surface.
- The dress has all of the sleek feel that you look for in the best of his work. A strap extends out from the bodice and curves up and over the shoulder, running on an angle past the neck. It curves down the back where it widens out before attaching to the back bodice. The bodice is shaped around you and then a seam runs underneath where it changes to black velvet for the rest of the dress.
- The waist is brought in with subtle darting and then it curves out and over the hips to fall to the floor, widening out as it near the hem.
- It is the perfect sleek silhouette that you expect from Armani.
- Over that is an elaborate shawl to give contrast to all that simplicity. It is a huge square of velvet that is backed in a matte silk finish fabric. Onto the velvet are different widths of cording and net ribbon. It is interesting that ribbon parts are what you would normally use as interfacing inside the garment. For this piece he has taken that and put it on the outside.
- Long fringes dangle off with sequins and elongated oval beads covered in black fabric at their ends. Cording has been made into flowers and held in place by oversized faceted black beads.
- I love that the two pieces let you mix and match with other things in your wardrobe.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silky finish fabric through the bodice and crepe through the skirt. It closes with a hidden set zipper at one side. The original tags are still attached. It has never been worn.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam and the seam under the bust is 15.5" across side to side.
Natural waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 12.5" from top of shoulder to seam under the bus
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem
Wrap: 54" long x 22.5" wide and the fringes stand up to another 25" at each individual end.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5355
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2008 Giorgio Armani, Look 48.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
ossie clark
Iconic 1972 Ossie Clark Couture 'Cuddly' Black Moss Crepe Open Back Wrap Dress w Huge Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This is one of his most iconic and collectible designs that dates to 1972.
- The dress made under the creative direction of Ossie Clark
- Ossie named all of his couture dress and this one is known as the Cuddly.
- To wear the dress you simply slip it on and wrap it at the waist where it ties into place.
- The dress is made out of his signature moss crepe in black.
- The wrap creates a V at the front and then the back has a large open cut out that leaves your back bare and exposed.
- It is very sexy and instantly recognizable as being an Ossie Clark piece.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. Each is a huge very full balloon bishop cut sleeve that are puffed and full above their cuffs.
- Once the dress is wrapped around you the skirt curves over your hips and then falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem. The dress is in its original length.
- The wrap leaves a long overlap at the front side of the skirt. When you stand still it falls over itself but when you move or sit you do a flash of leg. Depending on how tight you tie out around the waist you can show the entire leg.
- The dress is unlined and made out of a black moss crepe. One tie is a little shorter then the other but does not appear to have been altered. I see very minor bits of lighter areas on the moss crepe here and there. This is a natural patina on this type of fabric as in ages. I see a small break on the fabric along the front and a small repair near the hem. Minor but mentioned for accuracy
- The wrap style should allow it to fit a variety of sizes.
-
Tagged a vintage Ossie Clark UK10
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 29" and will cuff at the wrist once on
Bust: adjustable 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: adjustable 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to top of band at the waist
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5354
Reference Photo: (1) June Ritchie, in an Ossie Clark Cuddly dress, at a photo call for Gone With The Wind at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 1972. / (2) Madeleine Hinde, in Ossie Clark, at the premiere of British horror film 'The Fiend' in London, April 7 1972. Photo by M. McCarthy. / (3-4) Suzanna Leigh, in Ossie Clark, by Allan Warren, 1973. / (5-6) Pink in Ossie Clark, from Shrimpton Couture, for her 'Walk Me Home' music video, 2019. See below for video.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bob mackie
Incredible & Rare 1980s Bob Mackie Well Documented Ivory Sequin & Nude Stretch Net High Slit Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is instantly recognizable as having been 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.
- Tracee Ellis Ross wore its twin along with several others we have included here. It is one of his pieces that have become iconic in modern culture.
- This is an amazing dress that is heavily sequinned and extremely sexy and flattering once on. The base of the dress is made of a nude stretch silk netting that has a pattern made up of beautiful curving bands that feel like they are wrapped around you like flames.
- Mixed into this is an elaborated detailing made of faux pearls that curve down the front of the dress and highlight that very high set slit at the front. The pearl embellishments travels upwards right to the neckline and run down each sleeve.
- The designs that you see are made up of ivory coloured sequins hand set in curving bands. White and silver tube beads are set vertically to create an edge around each of those curving bands. Additional silver sequins and rhinestones are scattered in between.
- The combination of the glass tube beads and sequins give the dress an extra layer of texture and glamour as every inch of it catches the light and sparkles.
- The dress has a decent weight to it when it is off of the body because of that extensive bead-work but once on the body it lies and drapes in a way that it is balanced and easy to wear.
- The bodice is cut to skim over the chest with a high, slightly angled neckline. The sleeves are cut straight and lined with a layer of nude silk to really show off the design that trails down and around each sleeve.
- The waist is brought in just slightly so that there is a bit of shape created but there is no horizontal seam to break the lines of the design.
- The skirt is cut on a curve so the back is longer then the front and it wraps around you to that high, wide slit at the front. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body and it really shows off the legs.
- These were produced with a nude silk chiffon lining. If you preferred the true nude, semi-see through dress that Mackie is so well known for, you could easily have it removed.
- The dress is fully lined in a nude silk through the body and the sleeves have a more transparent nude chiffon lining. It closes with a painted metal and nylon back zipper. Hand finished throughout. Slight padding at the edge of each shoulder and zippers on each cuff. In person it is a touch more of a cream. Perhaps the occasional loose thread. It is extremely well made. It does have some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range laying flat.
- Tagged a vintage Bob Mackie 10
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and are 12" around the upper arm. The neck opening is 14" around.
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to longest point of back hem
Slit: approx 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5353
Reference Photos/Video: (1) From the @bobmackie Instagram. "Throwback to this 2022 shoot in LA with @sabinegetty and @zizidonohoe wearing archival Bob Mackie Couture." / (2-4) Tracee Ellis Ross in Bob Mackie for Blackish. / (5) 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.
christian dior
Spring 2024 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 75 Purple Silk Chiffon Dress w Huge Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in black walked the runway for the Spring 2024 Dior show as Look 75.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- Maria was quoted as saying "But really, I want to break this thing that collections have to be about one reference. I think that in fashion, we also we have this risk, that we give references that people think they can't attain personally. So I really want to create a wardrobe, where there is a little bit of evidence that you can personalize your style."
- This dress is made from a soft interesting shade of purple that has a touch of a fuchsia pink undertone done in a feather light silk chiffon that has been softly pleated.
- The shoulders are soft and the front and the back of the top have a wide scoop that goes right to the edges of the shoulder. I think that if you are not very broad through the shoulders that you could probably wear this fully off of the shoulder if you wished.
- The sleeves are incredible. Each is exceptionally wide by the time it reaches it's cuffs. Each sleeve is attached around the top of the inside shoulder and are draped over a small shoulder strap that is hidden underneath. From there they fall in a beautiful and extremely full balloon cut. On the underside of each sleeve there is an opening that adds to their fullness. Once they are buttoned around the wrist they puff out above your hands in the most beautiful way. They have a suggestion of the same pleat work that runs over the rest of the dress but it is very soft and left to feel more open and full.
- The bodice skims over the bust to a seamed waist for shape. We have not added a belt and it was not shown with one but if you wanted more shape it would be easy to add one.The fabric on the bodice is finished in overlapping knife pleats.
- The pleats continue under the seam at the waist and then they open up to create the volume of the skirt as it falls to the floor. There is an immense amount of silk chiffon used in the skirt. When you move it moves beautifully around you.
- The dress is fully lined in a purple silk and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. An interior waist stay hooks to close and each wrist buttons. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a modern Dior FR38, GB10, IT42, US6
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and are open around the upper arm
Bust: 16-18" 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 shoulder to waist
Total length: 58.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5347
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2024 Dior, Look 75.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Beautiful mid-1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon & Handmade Lace Wrap Top
I Have a Question
- This easy to wear wrap top most likely dates from the 1984-1985 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple and beautiful top that is easy to wear and feels like a dream once on the body.
- The top is made out of an almost weightless black silk chiffon that is edged in a handmade black lace. The lace continues all the way around the neckline and down both sides of the front. More lace highlights the openings for the arm.
- The silk chiffon that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality. It has a touch of transparency to it and feels almost weightless once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- To wear it, you simply slip it on wrap, snap and hook the front into place. An interior grosgrain waist stay holds everything perfectly in place around you.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole closes with a hidden set snap and interior metal hook that holds the interior waist stay in place. Unlabelled. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5344
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Prettiest Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Silk & Handmade Lace Camisole
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous little easy to wear camisole dated the Spring 1984 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple camisole that can be worn by itself or layered under other pieces.
- Thin straps curve around the shoulders and I love the detailed ladder stitch that holds the silk ribbon in place and gives the straps extra detail.
- The front is edged in handmade lace that runs down the centre of the camisole. The lace continues all the way around to the back and the upper back is left bare and exposed. More lace finishes the entire bottom hem.
- The silk that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality and is light in weight so that it feels like magic once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole has no closures and slips over the head to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust-waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5343
Reference Photo: Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Chic Little mid-1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Handmade Black Silk & Lace Camisole Top
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous little easy to wear camisole most likely dates from the 1984-1985 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple camisole that can be worn by itself or layered under other pieces.
- Wide straps curve around the shoulders and the front is scooped down and edged in handmade lace. It scoops a bit higher at the back and the lace continues all the way around the neckline. More lace highlights the openings for the arm and a wide band finishes the bottom hem.
- The silk that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality and has a beautiful smooth interior finish so it feels like magic once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole closes with a back hidden set zipper and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5342
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Spectacular Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta Extremely Fine Black Lace Dress w Tiered Ruffled Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely incredible piece that dates to the Spring 1992 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- We have not yet found a photo from the collection of this exact dress but we did find a shorter version that has the exact same top.
- This might be one of my favourite dresses I have had in the shop. The photos do not do it full justice and it is only when you see it in person that you realize just how beautiful it is.
- The dress is made out of a fine black lace. The lace completely covers the dress and there are many, many yards of lace that have gone into making this dress.
- There a built-in inner fitted bodice that is strapless and is meant to be seen through the outer layer of lace. This inner layer is lined in a black tissue silk and is lightly boned for support. Lace covers this inner bodice and extends out to form the little cap sleeves.
- At the back the inner corset scoops down into a low V with a single layer of lace over the upper back. This makes it feel very elegant but still very sexy.
- I love the play on transparency that the upper portion of the dress has.
- The waist nips in and then the dress glides over the hips to fall to the floor in a wide expanse of silk and lace. The fullness of the skirt is absolutely incredible and again there is a strong play on transparency with all of the layers that make up the skirt.
- Under the top lace layer of the skirt are three layers of silk organza. Two black silk layers sit directly under the top lace and then the final innermost layer is a silk chiffon. The two innermost layers both have wide bands of stiffening around the hem and the layer that sits directly under the lace has three stacked stiffened bands going up the skirt. This is what helps to hold the incredible shape and volume that you see.
- The skirt is extremely full and has many yards of lace in its construction. The volume that you see was all created by the sheer amount of fabric, the cut and the seven lace tiers that run over the entire lower portion of the skirt.
- I love the tiers of lace that cover the lower part of the skirt. Each is set to slightly overlap the next one down. No expense was spared on the lace in the dress. Even the area between the tiers have been finished with lace despite that fact that you cannot see them. Each tier has lace that is set so that the edges are scalloped to follow the pattern in the lace. I took a photo where I hold the skirt up on one side and this will give you an idea of the amount of yardage the skirt has. It is incredible.
- The inner construction of this dress is as good as the exterior and it is made to a demi-couture level with hand finishes throughout.
- The dress closes with a back zipper where the inner corset starts. The neck hooks to close and there is a keyhole between the top of the neck and the zipper. It is lightly boned through the bodice. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no there is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: are 10" around the opening for the arm
Shoulders: no true seams
Inner bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5337
Reference Video: Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bob mackie
Fantastic 1980s Bob Mackie Strapless Glossy Black Sequin Stretch Dress w Back Kick Skirt
I Have a Question
- This amazing sequin dress is from Mackie's 1980s boutique label.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bob Mackey.
- This is the actual dress that Sarah Snook wore to attend the Director Guild Awards in March 2022.
- Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamour. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to entering costume design and he began by co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years before launching his own label.
- His work always has that touch of the best of Hollywood glamour.
- The dress has an incredible pattern done in sequins that allows the entire dress to catch the light from every angle.
- The sequins are a glossy black and are set in vertical rows set into rectangular sections over the dress. In between the sections he left bands of the fabric with no sequins to create horizontal and vertical lines.
- The sequins are set so that they slightly overlap the next sequin in line. There are thousands of sequins on this dress.
- The dress is strapless and it is cut to hug the body through the bodice. Inside the waist is cinched and the sequins curve over that inner structure. The inner corset is cupped and boned to hold the dress in place and add shape.
- The dress skims over the hips and falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem with a little flare. At the back it is cut longer with extra fabric there to create a little flare. So when you walk you get a little kick of fabric behind you.
- The fabric has a slight stretch to it so it is very easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- It has a very classic Old Hollywood movie star feel to it. This is a dress that you just slip on and go.
- The bodice has a built in inner corset that is cupped and boned. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. When it was borrowed by Sarah's styling team they added a wide stay under the bust and another around the inner waist. Both hook to close and I have left them in place because it gives extra support. They also temporarily turned the hem up to accommodate her height and it has been let back down to be its full original length. There is one tiny area along the very top edge of the neckline near the zipper that has a couple missing sequins and perhaps a missing sequin here and there. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Bob Mackie 6.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 52" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5336
Reference Photos/Video: Sarah Snook in this Bob Mackie at the Director Guild Awards, March 2022.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
















































