valentino
Prettiest Spring 2000 Original Valentino Runway Look 84 Embroidered Camisole, Jacket & Silk Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this set walked the runway for the Spring 2000 Valentino show.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- On the runway the skirt shown was a longer bias cut skirt. The skirt and cardigans were sold separately in the shops and my client purchased this version, which is slightly more elaborate.
- I love that since it is a set instead of a dress, you can mix and match it with things that you already own. The versatility of having three pieces is always an extra bonus.
- Vogue said of the collection "Elegant, glamorous and gracefully cut are keywords when speaking of Valentino's work. This season the emphasis was on prints—floral appliqués, ivory polka dots on red crepe and lily of the valley embroideries."
- The skirt is made out of a heavy ivory silk that has beautiful drape. To wear it you wrap it around you and it snaps into place inside the waistband. The waistband then folds inward towards you and it creates a beautiful drape that gives it an almost sarong feel.
- I have taken a close-up of how it is gathered at the side where it folds over itself. It is all swept upwards into the waist and then the hem is rounded on that same side with a pretty upward curve.
- The top and camisole are extraordinary. Both are made out of a ivory netting that has the most elaborate embroidery covering the surface of both pieces.
- The inner top is a little tank top with straps extending out from the main body of the top to curve up and around each shoulder. The neckline is scooped at the front and the back. I love how all of the edges are rounded and edged with a pretty scalloping shape created out of corded ribbon.
- The cardigan that slips over that is easy fitting with an open front, no collar and long simple sleeves. It is cut more boxy through the body for an easy to fit feel.
- Both the camisole and cardigan are covered in elaborate 3D embroidery that creates flowers in an array of soft colours. Little red sequins and beads are also scattered throughout the pattern.
- I find it so interesting that the front of both pieces mix soft pastels and then the back of both pieces are done with the primary colour being red. This gives the two sides a distinct contrast.
- I do think that the top is so well-made that you could wear it either way around and decide what colour you want to have at the front so it can match the front of the cardigan or contrast it.
- The embroidery is made out of thread, cording and silk ribbon and it really is extraordinary. This would have all been done by hand. I have taken many close-ups for you to see how elaborate it is.
- The camisole and cardigan are unlined and have a slight transparency. The camisole closes with a hidden set side zipper and the cardigan has no closures. The skirt is lined in a ivory silk chiffon and snaps into place along the waist as described above. I see one tiny reddish mark on the back near the waist. Please see the photo after the label shot. If you wear the cardigan and top with it and over top of the skirt band you do not see it.
- The skirt is tagged a vintage Valentino 12 and neither the top or cardigan has a size tag
- Excellent condition with one flaw noted above
Cardigan
Sleeves: 19" and are 10.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 19" from top of bodice to waist
Camisole
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 38" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5333
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2000 Valentino, Look 84.
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
Gorgeous Pre-Fall 2012 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 53 Soft Pink Silk Dress w Trained Skirt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 53 for the Pre-Fall 2012 show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta
- Vogue said of the collection that "For Spring, Oscar de la Renta gave us a refresher course on all the reasons we love him. The taffeta ball skirts! Those handkerchief lace dresses! The embellished gowns! ...Chief among them were a series of dresses, both to the knee and floor-length, cut from crinkled and pleated silk. Whisper-thin and nearly weightless, they're the kind of frock you'll turn to again and again when the weather warms: fabulous, but also easy."
- The twin of the dress was also the choice of the night for Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore one to the amfAR gala that season.
- The dress is made from a lightweight romantic and feminine shade of pink silk. The silk has a slight crinkled texture running through it that has visual interest. The skirt has also been soft pleated so that you see the suggestion of a pleat but it was never intended to be a sharp defined pleat.
- The bodice is simple and easy to wear. The neckline is cut into a rounded curve and there are no sleeves. It has been lately top stitched all the way around in vertical lines, and the slight crinkle texture has been set on an angle. The neckline is made out of the same fabric that has been rolled and twisted into a piping detail.
- It skims over the bodice in an easy fashion and then it is cinched in around the waist by a wide band in the same pink silk. The band is stitched into place and fully built in to add shape and a touch of structure to the soft silhouette.
- The skirt cascades to the floor from there and is cut at different lengths all around you. It comes up at the front, angles down to be longer on each side of the front and then scoops back up at at the sides. The back is then cut in the perfect soft train so that you get a tremendous sweeping feel as you walk away.
- The silk of the skirt is stocked over a second layer of a pale pink, almost weightless silk, 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. You can easily see this in the runway reference video.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching pink silk and it closes with a back set zipper. The pink is slightly more pastel in person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern ODLR 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the top seam of the 4" band at the waist
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to the very shortest part of the hem at the front and then the longest parts of the skirt extend another 26" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5332
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Pre-Fall 2012 Oscar de la Renta, Look 53. Model Kate King. / (4-5) Sarah Jessica Parker at the amfAR Gala, 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.
christian dior
Prettiest Resort 2017 Christian Dior Runway Look 23 Brocade, Silk & Velver Sequin & Beaded Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walked the runway for the Resort 2017 Christian Dior show.
- The show was made under the house designers and at this time the next creative director had not yet been announced.
- This was Look 23 in the show and I think one of the better cocktail pieces presented.
- The dress combines three fabrics. A beautiful antique feeling brocade for the bodice. A printed more open with fabric through the centre that acts as a hip hip and then a beautiful cut velvet on a silk chiffon base for the skirt.
- Tiny straps in the same blue and gold brocade curve up and over each shoulder. The bodice dipped into a V at the front and at the back as well. It's skims down to the waist for a touch of shape.
- The second fabric is actually a gathered panel that sits independently over top of the skirt. It has a slightly 1940s feel to it and create shape through the hip area with a gathered front and back to create a pretty curve.
- Under that is the skirt which is made out of an extremely beautiful coral and brown cut velvet on a printed self on backdrop. As it nears the hem it flares out slightly, and one side is rounded with a slight slit for an extra bit of leg to show as you walk.
- Onto the skirt is an intricate pattern made of sequins and gold beads. These are heavily applied so they have a slight 3-D fill. I've taken numerous close-up so you can see how gorgeous this is.
- It is a very pretty dress that mixes the three patterns effortlessly.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk chiffon through the skirt and a second wear of the same fabric through the bodice. The skirt has its own zipper, and then the top two fabric zipper to close over that it appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 39.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5328
Reference Photo/Video: Resort 2017 Christian Dior, Look 23. Model Ella Wennstrom.
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
Phenomenal Fall 2005 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 88 Black Velvet Bead & Sequin Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2005 Gorgio Armani collection for the Look 88.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- This is from his main label and its twin was also a part of the ad campaign that year.
- Armani showed no full length dresses for this collection. The twin of this dress was part of the final leg of the show where he sent down a series of crystal and sequin embellished dresses done in this shorter length for evening.
- The base fabric of the dress is an inky black velvet which gives the beading and sequins added on top of it a luxurious background.
- It is suspended from the shoulder by tiny black silk piping for straps and this is also used to finish the edge of the upper bodice.
- The front neck line is scooped and the back scoops into a wide cut shallow V. I love how this leaves a bare expanse of skin around the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist for a easy to fit feel.
- From under the waist it curves out over the hips all the way to the hem. The hem is so interesting because the velvet has been pulled under and attached to the inner lining to create an almost a bubble feel. Where the two fabrics meet there is hidden elastic so that you can walk. You get a better sense of this in the runway photos and video. It is not a true bubble hem but it is a very subtle sleek version of one.
- Applied onto the dress is an intricate pattern done to suggest a flowers covering the entire dress. Each flower is made from a series of multiple size tube beads that have sequins stacked within the pattern these form. The sequins are set on their sides and stacked tightly together to have a very 3D feel. Scattered between the flowers are little lines of gold and silver tube beads that create a sense of movement over the dress.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead-work that has been done to make these. It is really exquisite hand workmanship.
- The dress is fully lined in fine black silk crepe and it closes with a hidden side side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5322
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 2005 Giorgio Armani, Look 88. / (5) Erin Wasson for the Fall 2005 Giorgio Armani Ad Campaign photographed by Craig McDean.
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.
etro
Spring 2020 Etro by Veronica Etro Runway Look 29 Printed Silk Chiffon Dress w Beaded & Embroidered Bodice
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 29 for the Spring 2020 Etro show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Veronica Etro.
- The cornerstone of Veronica's Etro is "old world, Bohemian feminism" as stated by Vogue. The collection was devoted to "festival girls - groupies actually - but only the great ones - (Birkin, Pallenberg, Rampling, Bissett) those leggy British beauties who were in the 1960s floated effortlessly between Pune, Tangier, Formentera and Montery."
- This particular dress is extremely well documented and was photoed for several editorials that we have included here. I love having these reference photos so you can see how fantastic it sits on the body.
- The dress is made out of a combination of a bias cut silk chiffon that is virtually weightless and a more structured cotton for the bodice that has been covered with embroidery and we work.
- The silk parts are covered in a beautiful paisley print that covers the entire dress while the bodice has a more geometric, antique feel to it.
- The shoulders are soft and the front comes down in a V. The neckline is detailed with a band of embroidery and beads. The entire bodice has an intricate and heavy covering of beads and embroideries, along with cording details.
- The sleeves are incredible. Each is wide and cut on an angle with the inner part of the sleeve flowing long and past the hands. The opening of the sleeve is cut wide and it is finished with a pretty ruffle in the same silk. This adds incredible movement when you move your arms.
- It skims over the bust to a seam at the waist that is cut on the more generous side. There is an added panel that runs all the way around the waist made of a deep burnt red cotton that is embroidered and whose edges are left and twisted tassels all the way around you.
- From there it curves over the hips and there is a large amount of fabric in the skirt. It is gathered into the centre of the front and the back. The hem curves down and around the back to hang slightly longer then the front so that it sweeps behind you. It is in its original uncut length and when you move it moves beautifully around you.
- The dress is fully lined in a red silk chiffon except for sleeves which are unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged an Etro size 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 38" to their longest point and 17" to the shortest. They are 20" around the upper arm.
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to bottom seam of the waistband
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5317
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2020 Etro, Look 29. / (5) Christina Hendricks for Reveal Magazine, 2022. / (6) Julia Stegner in Etro for Elle Italy, 2020. / (7) Madame Figaro Japan, May 2020.
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.
chloe
Spring 2022 Chloe by Gabriela Hearst Deep Burnt Orange Silk Caftan Dress w Hand Braided & Shell Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this caftan walked the runway for the Spring 2022 Chloe collection for Look 21.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gabriela Hearst.
- The show was all about summer holidays and joy. Gabriella said “As cheesy as it sounds, this collection is about love. It is really about the love of so many things: the love of craft, the love of friendship, the love of fellow humans".
- The other thing to note about this collection is that she dramatically reduced the number of items in the show down to only 31 when the norm was usually over 50. This was in an effort to make the brand more sustainable and use better sourced fabrics and more transparent supply chains.
- On this caftan for example, the silk is handwoven and came with its own instructions about the fabric and the way it will wear. I have included a shot of those so you know what to expect of the fabric. The band around the neck is handwoven and braided. A seashell used as a centrepiece was hand cut. This is all done under a new division she created called Chloe Craft.
- The neckline dips into a V at the front with a stitch to keep it from being a full plunge. Instead you see a little open keyhole underneath that stitch.
- There is a braided strap in a matching deep burnt orange that buttons to close behind the neck and this is attached to a shell that is enclosed in more braiding and then stitched on either side of the neck line.
- The top layer of the dress has vertical seaming that begins around the waist area to bring it in and gives the dress some added shape. Under that it falls to the floor and the hem opens outwards. The closed seams end just past the hip and the sides of the caftan are left open underneath. Because of the immense amount of fabric on either side you don't immediately see that it is open but when you move a certain way or sit you do get a flash of bare leg.
- Once it is on, you have a more fitted shape through the body at the centre, and then at the sides are full and open like a true caftan.
- The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. When you walk and move the dress billows out and floats around you.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. As noted on the label, the fabric can lightly pill and this will go away in time. It does not distract, but I want to note it for accuracy. I see a tiny bit of darkening on the top of one shoulder. There is the slightest bit of stress on a seam at the back. Please see the photos attached. The original tags are still in place and it was never worn.
- Tagged a modern Chloe 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: No true side seams
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to centre hem, 60" to the longest points of the side once on.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5316
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2022 Chloe, Look 21. Model Sokhna Niane.
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 Look 50 Giraffe Printed Cotton Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 50 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 giraffe and fauna print done in a deep orange and navy.
- 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 narrow in slightly at the wrists.
- 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 has an attached inner slip dress made of nude cotton. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have never been worn and still has its original hang tags.
- Tagged a modern 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and are 10" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck top of of the 2" band around the waist
Total length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5315
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2016 Valentino, Look 50. Model Kadri Vahersalu.
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.
nina ricci
Ethereal Spring 2011 Nina Ricci by Peter Copping Black Silk Chiffon & Ivory Lace Plunge Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is a longer version similar to the dresses that walked the runway for the Spring 2011 Nina Ricci show for Looks 2 and 5.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Copping.
- Vogue declared that the chiffon dresses were some of the best of the show and we think that this longer version of the pieces show is even better than it's shorter counterparts.
- This dress feels magical. This is in part because of the mixing of a black silk chiffon that has a slight texture to it, with that beautiful ivory & black lace, but it is also because the dress weighs so little and feels so ethereal once on.
- One side of the bodice has more coverage and drapes softly from the shoulders across the neckline. On the other side, the fabric crosses over itself to create a deep plunge. The dress is so well-made that we think you could wear it either way around. It has been photoed both ways so that you can see how different it feels depending on if you wear the plunge to the back or front.
- The silk is gathered up in a raw feeling seam across the top of each shoulder. The chiffon has been softly pleated and set to run on a diagonal across before meeting the first panel of inset lace at the waist. The lace splits with a bit of chiffon in between on one side and a more slightly curving slope on the other. Another panel of angled chiffon sits below that and then a wider panel of the ivory lace wraps around you.
- Under that the skirt is set in vertical soft pleats with two wide panels of black lace stacked above each other all the way around the hem.
- This play between the colours of lace, the textures and transparency is just phenomenal.
- All of the seaming on this dress is set on angles and curves so that it feels very reminiscent of the old Hollywood days of the 1920s and 1930s.
- There are many yards of silk and lace netting through the lower portion of the skirt that cascade down to the hem. The extreme lightness of the silk and lace lets it move beautifully around you and it feels like wearing nothing.
- The body of the dress is lined in a second layer of black silk chiffon and the lower skirt is unlined. It closes with a side set zipper with a ribbon pull. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The silk is biased cut so there is a touch of range with the measurements.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13.5" from top of shoulder to highest point of side waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5313
Reference Photos: Spring 2011 Nina Ricci. Look 2 (Model Anais Pouliot) & Look 5 (Model Joan Smalls).
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 Spring 2003 Original Valentino Runway Look 64 Red Silk Dress w Silk Chiffon Ties
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway in the Spring 2003 show for Look 64
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino
- It was the only dress shown in this entire collection that season that was done in his signature Valentino red. So when you look through the collection photos it really stands out.
- The show was a huge success and Vogue especially loved the evening pieces; "For the evening review, it gets even better. Valentino's communiqués from his couture collection show up as delicate metallic-embroidered chiffons made into fragile capes, cardigans or dresses. And for the grand occasion, there's a full battalion of the designer's fabulous signature chiffon gowns."
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders by two tiny straps in the same red silk. The bodice is seamed just under the breasts and have minimal darting.
- It skims over the waist and hips and then from there it falls to the floor in a beautiful column of the red silk crepe that flares out slightly as it nears the hem.
- The back of the dress is cut slightly longer so you have a beautiful bit of a sweep behind you as you walk.
- Two panels of silk chiffon wrap around the waist area to add detail and shape to the dress. The panels are attached all the way around and then loop through openings at the front of the dress. The ties are cut extra long and fall to just above the hem at the front of the dress. These not only add beautiful detailing to the dress but also create amazing movement as you move.
- The top panel of the bodice is lined in a red silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see a touch of grubbiness here and there around the hem but it is very minor
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 10.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with a A-B cup
Seam under the bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: just under 4" from top of bodice to seam under the bust at the middle and it is 10" from the top of the strap to the seam under the bust
Total length: 61" from top of shoulders to front hem, 63" to the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5306
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2003 Valentino, Look 64.
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
Stunning Fall 1998-99 Giorgio Armani Red Beaded & Sequin Long Skirt & Wrap Top Dress Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set is from the 1998-1999 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- We have included several photos from both the Fall 1998 and Fall 1999 collections. In both these collections Armani used similar bead work that you see on this set. The runway examples are shown displaying this similarity.
- Early Armani at this level has become extremely collectible and this is a beautiful and versatile two piece set from those early days.
- The extensively beaded pieces that Armani was producing during this time period were on par with demi-couture with prices to match even then.
- This is actually a set combining a skirt with its beaded & sequinned wrap top. I love the versatility that having two pieces gives you. It can be worn together or mixed and matched with existing pieces in your wardrobe.
- The top is beautiful and easy to wear. It has no collar and the shoulders are soft. Each sleeve is cut slightly wider where it inserts into the bodice and then narrows slightly down to the ends.
- At the front it wraps over itself with a hidden set snap to hold the V in place. Long ties extend out from either side of the base of the wrap. These cross over each other, wrap around you and then you tie the tie in place to hold it.
- I love how the bottom hem is slightly gathered to give a bit of a blousing over effect. This is a signature look from his work that I love.
- Onto the exterior of the top is a heavy covering of tiny red iridescent sequins and each sequin is held in place by the topping of a single little red bead. The workmanship on it is phenomenal and I love how this lets the top catch the light from every angle.
- In contrast to drama of the top, the skirt is kept simple. It is made out of a beautiful red silk. The waist is banded and then it skims over the hips and flares out quite a bit as it near the hem. A high seam follows an inset vertical slit so you get a flash of bare leg as you walk.
- This is a phenomenal set and the craftsmanship on it is just outstanding.
- The top is hand lined in a red silk chiffon with a hidden set snap in the V and attached ties at the waist. The skirt closes with a hidden set side zipper and is lined in a red silk. About 5" of the very top of the slit on the skirt have been hand tacked closed. If you wanted that extra opening of the slit it would be easy to un-tack it.
- The skirt is tagged a vintage Armani 42 and the top a 40
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: 23" and are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be adjusted up or down by the ties.
Total length: 17.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 41.5" from waist to hem
Slit: 24" from hem up with an additional 5" tacked shut at the top that could be opened.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5307
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1998 Giorgio Armani. / (3-4) Fall 1999 Giorgio Armani. / (5) Fall 1999 Giorgio Armani Ad Campaign. / (6) From the exhibit "Giorgio Armani: A Retrospective" at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2003.
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
Modern Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Homage to the Fall 2004 Runway Look 53 Strapless Red Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a modern Valentino was made in homage to the very famous Valentino dress that walked the runway for Fall 2004.
- This version was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and the original 2004 version under Mr. Valentino
- The dress is strapless and made out of a red silk in the signature Valentino red.
- The dress is made out of long set vertical panels that run from the top of the bodice all the way to the hem. At the front the silk is gathered into both sides of the middle panel. The dress is shaped around the body by manipulating the width of the panels.
- One of the key signatures of this dress are the two large silk flowers in a marching red silk that sit on either side of the hip. On the original dress these top pockets are very shallow. The ones on this dress are slightly deeper so that you can slip your hands into.
- As the dress near the lower skirt the panels widen quite a bit to create that gorgeous flare that you see. Triangle shaped silk panels have been added on each side and all the way around the back of the skirt. This is what allows the skirt to flare out and sit in those exaggerated folds so beautifully that you see in the photos. They also allow a really beautiful and dramatic movement when you walk.
- The dress is fully lined in a red silk with an inner built-in lightly boned corset piece that zips on its own. The dress zips to close over that with a hidden set zipper that follows one of the back side seams. There is a teeny bit of stress along a back seam and a pinhead hole at the front. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 4
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 49.5" from top of bodice to front hem, 53" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5308
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 2004 Valentino, Look 53. Model Caroline Trentini. / (5-6) Penelope Cruz in Valentino at the 2004 David Di Donatello Movie Awards. / (7-8) Sofia Harmanda in archival Valentino at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party.
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 Spring 2022 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 88 Recreation of 1971 Dress in Floral Silk Chiffon
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 88 for the Spring 2022 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli
- The dress was a recreation of an iconic piece from the 1971 collection that was immortalized in Italian Vogue. This and the other dress in that same photo were recreated as a nod to the original Mr. Valentino.
- One was worn by Lady Gaga that year. I love this lets you see how extraordinary this piece is on the body.
- In Vogue's review they said that is was "a proposition of a beautiful, casualized couture wardrobe designed to float between genders: lightweight taffeta tailoring in vivid colours, plethoras of dresses from minuscule and cutaway to sweeping, embroidered caftans. The mini-maxi proportion play—like billowy volumes teamed with micro-shorts—provided a translated house glamour..."
- The dress is made out of a feather light printed silk chiffon screened to re-create the floral print on the original 1971 version. This fabric choice holds the colours beautifully.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits at the edges of the shoulders. If you are not very broad across the shoulders you may be able to wear it fully off the shoulder but for most I think it will sit at the edges of the shoulder like you see on the dress form here. A wide 11" ruffle follows the entire neckline and gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you.
- Under that the bodice skims down to the seamed waist. The dress comes with an extra long matching tie belt in the same fabric that you can use to cinch in the waist as much as needed.
- The skirt is set into the waist t in a series of tiny gathers that expand outward and this is what gives the skirt its incredible volume.
- The skirt falls shorter with a bit of a peak coming up on one side. I love how this adds to the volume and detail of the skirt. As it circles around the back it gets longer. If you were to lay this out and open the skirt it is more than a full circle around. That incredible volume combined with the lightness of the fabric gives you fantastic movement when you move. There are yards of silk chiffon in its construction.
- Both the edges of the caped ruffle that circles around the shoulders and the entire hem are finished with a red silk ribbon. This adds the perfect and unexpected pop of colour.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites. I love that it perfectly showcases the original Valentino version.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The tie belt is original to the dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from the top of the shoulder to waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the back hem, 38" to the shortest point at the front.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5305
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2022 Valentino, Look 88. Model Naima Djoudi. / (4) Jeanette Christiansen & Isa Stoppi in Valentino for Vogue Italia, photographed by Chris Von Wangheim 1971. / (5) Lady Gaga at the House of Gucci Press Conference in Milan, November 2021.
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.
halston
Original 1978 Halston Couture Main Label Black Jersey One Shoulder Draped Full Length Maxi Dress
I Have a Question
- This is an ultra rare original Halston from his main label. While this dress was eventually the inspiration behind the pieces that were recreated in a less expensive jersey for his Halston IV line, this is an original as seen on the runway. It is one of the pieces that would have inspired all of the other ones created in the diffusion lines.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston.
- In 2016 the twin of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
- We have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result.
- Ones from the main label like this would have been a custom order by a Client during this time period.
- I am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes.
- There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one shoulder. It gives the sense that the entire dress could drop in a puddle around you.
- It is constructed from two separate layers. This is also where this one differs from the more common diffusion line. Pieces from the Halston IV line have one panel of fabric that wrap around and extends out to create the draping. On this one there is a separate draping panel that is attached all the way around the neckline and then falls over the inner part.
- The inner dress is cut to skim over the body in a long sheath that widens out as it nears the hem. Here again we see a slight difference in the design. On this dress there is no slit running up the side seam. You can see in the runway photo that ones were created with a slit and from what I understand it was the choice of the client to have that added or not.
- A draped panel of the same fabric is attached all the way around the neckline and then is gathered up in a series of folds at the top of the shoulder. This allows for an incredible amount of fabric to fall from that shoulder and from around the neck. The jersey drapes down over the front and the back of the dress with one side of the draping completely opened down the length of the dress. The gathering on the shoulder causes that side to curve up a touch from the hem while the rest of the jersey cascades loosely down and over the body.
- I love that the edges were finished by machine but then they have been turned under and tacked into place by hand all the way around the top draping so that it lies perfectly. This would have added countless hours to the construction of the dress and shows the level of detail that lies within his pieces. The simplicity of his work hides and extreme attention to every single stitch in line.
- This is an iconic and rare original dress by Halston.
- The dress slips on to wear with no closures. It should fit a variety of sizes since it is not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. It looks 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: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hip: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5297
Reference Photo: (1) Summer 1977 Halston. / (2-3) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. / (4) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (5) Martha Hunt wearing a white version from us in Cannes, 2019. / (6) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. / (7) Halston Form Fit Ad, Vogue, October 1980.
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.
patrick kelly
Iconic Fall 1989 Patrick Kelly Off Shoulder Silver Leopard Print Dress in a Soft Stretch Velour
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in a brown walked the runway for the Fall 1989 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Patrick Kelly.
- We have included other reference photos of various styles of the dress in the same colour. It could very well be that the actual twin of the dress also walked the runway, but there is not always full coverage of his shows to be found.
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosted an exhibit of the work of Patrick Kelly in 2014. The show notes state: "“I want my clothes to make you smile”—that was the goal of late African American designer Patrick Kelly in creating his bold, bright, and joyful creations. Kelly achieved this on the streets, nightclubs, and runways of New York, Paris, and beyond in the heady, inventive, and often-subversive urban milieu of the 1980s....Kelly’s work pushed racial and cultural boundaries with golliwog logos, Aunt Jemima bandana dresses, and his ubiquitous black baby-doll brooches. His playful looks were inspired by his muse, Josephine Baker, and admiration for couturiers Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others."
- The dress is made out of a fantastic stretch velour fabric that will stretch to hug your curves and show off every bit of the body. That said the velvet keeps it flattering and easy to wear as it gives support at the same time it hugs the body. This combined with that leopard print in the more unusual silver tone is fantastic.
- Kelly cut this one so that is can be worn on or off the shoulder while keeping the sleeves long and lean. On the runway it was shown off the shoulder and that is how I prefer it too. That bare expanse of skin is the perfect contrast to the coverage of the dress.
- The cut through the body hugs your every curve and the dress is meant to hug your frame all the way down.
- It curves over the bust, waist and hips and the very lower hem has a slight flare outwards. The stretch that the fabric has is what allows you to walk as there are no slits or vents in the skirt.
- The shape once this is on the body is fabulous and it is very easy to fit because of the stretch.
- It is a showstopper and an amazing example of his work. I love everything about this dress and that it is a true piece of fashion history that is extremely well documented.
- Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. The printed velour finish velvet has stretch. Elastic through the neckline. At some point the bottom hem was let down and I have left it for that extra length. The fabric does have stretch. I have put the comfortable range while laying flat below. You probably still have some extra room beyond the listed range if needed.
- Tagged a vintage Kelly FR38,US6, GB10.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 21" but sits off the shoulder so will sit longer on the arm. They are approximately 12-16" around the upper arm.
Bust: 17-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:14-" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of the neckline to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD5298
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) F/W 1989 Patrick Kelly Runway Collection. / (5) Iman in Patrick Kelly, 1989. / (6) Model in Patrick Kelly. Photographed by Rico Puhlmann for Harper’s Bazaar, August 1989. / (7) Fall 1989 Patrick Kelly Ad Campaign.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
- The of this set is incredibly beautiful and its twin walked the runway for the Spring 2000 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- We have included the runway photos here along with some video so that you can see just how beautifully it moves.
- True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare to come by. It is an incredibly beautiful example and historically important piece of work that the Karl and the Chanel ateliers were doing during this time period. It is absolutely gorgeous to see in person
- There is a tiny area of marks on the top. on one side. Please see the photos.
- Included deep blue skirt, top and inner camisole.
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2001 Chanel Couture Runway, Look 42. Model Madelaine Hjört.
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 lacroix
Incredible Fall 1990 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Silk Runway Backless Dress w Two Elaborate Original Brooches
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in a different colour walked the Fall 1990 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix.
- We have included the runway reference photos so that you can see just how fabulous this one is on the body.
- This dress is extra special as it includes the incredible brooches on both the front and back of the dress just like the runway piece.
- It is unlabeled but was sourced directly from the original couture client. She was fitted by Christian himself and Christian Lacroix told me through Instagram that he remembers fitting her.
- The dress is made out of an iridescent silk and I love how the colour changes depending on how the light hits it. It can go from a deep bronze to a more iridescent blue / purple tone.
- The sleeves are long and there is a row of five silk covered buttons at each wrist.
- It is gathered at one side at the front with the first of two incredible jewelled brooches the dress came with. The brooch is hand made from a gold toned metal with large golden topaz glass crystals mixed with brilliant blue crystals.
- The neckline angles down and across your shoulder to leave one shoulder bare and exposed. At the back, the neckline dips dramatically down into a deep open V that leaves your skin bare and exposed. The second huge jewelled brooch sits at the base of that.
- A panel of silk flares out to one side to create a half bow, half bustle feel. The interior of that panel has extra structure so that it stays perfectly in place.
- The skirt falls below that and depending in your height will sit at about the knee or just above.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with an elaborate mix of a zipper, snaps and hooks at the back with one panel looping through the other over the inner closures. There is a fused strip of rubber ribbon along the inner neckline to help hold it in place and this has degraded a touch here and there. One stone is missing at the bottom of the front brooch. The brooches are tacked into place at present but are removable. You can see little marks on the fabric under them where the pin has been pushed through in different places. There are a couple teeny pinhead snags on the fabric where the brooches have caught on the silk near the brooches. These are all very minor and mentioned for accuracy.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 19.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5294
Reference Photos: Fall/Winter 1990 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture 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
Stunning Spring 1971 Loris Azzaro Deep Turquoise Silk Jersey Dress w Densely Beaded Plunging Front Detail
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 1971 collection and we found a reference photo from the 1971 collection that utilized the same type of beading
- It was made under the creative direction of Loris Azzaro.
- Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved.
- By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this period.
- The dress is made out of a deep turquoise silk jersey that glides over your curves and is very flattering.
- The neckline plunges in a V at the front and then it has elaborate border with a thick application of beads, sequins and paillettes. These start at the back of the neck and wrap around to follow the plunge at the front. From there it expands into a wide panel that ends in a almost medallion feeling embellishment that sits at the waist. The beads are densely applied to sit up and off the dress and it is quite incredible to see.
- The sleeves are long and each one expands on a curve to pouf out just above the cuff. Each cuff has the same incredible beaded detailing that you see at the front.
- The deep turquoise silk jersey glides over the bust and comes in at the waist for shape.
- The skirt falls under that, skimming over the hips and then widening out to fall beautifully to the floor.
- It is the perfect combination of feeling covered yet sexy and the dress is incredibly easy and comfortable to wear.
- Unlined and the dress closes with a hand set back set zipper. Each cuff snaps to close. I see a light bit of colour change to the fabric here and there. It is something that you noticed only when looking really close at the dress and it presents perfectly once on the body. It is there however, and it is priced accordingly. Please see the photos after the label shot for examples. The jersey does have some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range when laying flat. The colour is a touch brighter turquoise then how it photoed. Hand finishes throughout.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26" and are 10-11" around the upper arm with some stretch
Shoulders: approx 14-15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem with 1.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5291
Reference Photo: Michèle Morgan in Azzaro at his workshop, April 1971.
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.
richard tyler
Exceptional Fall 2000 Richard Tyler Couture Plunging Front & Open Back Sculpted Black Ultrasoft Leather Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2000 Richard Tyler Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Tyler.
- Faith Hill wore its twin to the 2000 Grammy awards. I love that we have this reference photo so that you can see how the dress is once on the body.
- Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993. In 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and his dresses made regular appearances on the red carpet.
- Tyler was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailors and seamstresses in the business.
- The dress is made from an ultra soft and supple black leather that has been treated like a fabric for the construction of this dress.
- Beaded straps curve up and over each shoulder and then extend down to meet the dress at each side. There are also beaded straps that extend out from each side of the under-bust seam and are attached in at the sides. At the front they run through a little slit on the seams to pass across the plunge. A final beaded strap hooks into place across the low back and gives the illusion of being a part of the strap that wraps around the front. I love these little added beaded details that up the glamour on the dress that little bit more.
- The straps connect to triangles of leather that curve on an inward curve into a front plunge. The beaded strap that runs across the front helps to hold the dress in place and add a little extra detail. I love the how the seams under the bust turn into a dart to add shape. Just having those extra seams also add subtle detail.
- At the back it curves down into a low V at the small of your back, leaving your entire back bare and exposed. It is very sexy.
- It is shaped to come in at the waist and then curve back and over the hips. There is a horizontal seam placed at the bottom of the hips and then the lower panels of leather fall in a pretty column to the floor to give you one long lean line.
- At the back of the skirt there is an extremely high slit that goes all the way up to meet the seam that wraps around the bottom of the hips. These high back slits were a Tyler signature and allows for a flash of bare leg as you walk away.
- The leather is extremely soft and supple. It is not stiff in any way at all. It is so soft that it does act and drape like a fabric. It is incredible.
- The dress is lined with a black silk through the upper bodice and then the lower skirt is unlined. Closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Tyler 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers to 8" flat across from side to side
Seam under the bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.75" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 30.35" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5290
Reference Photos: Faith Hill, in Richard Tyler, at the 2000 Grammys.
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
Iconic Spring 2006 Roberto Cavalli Front Plung & Open Back Heavily Detailed w Rhinestone Bias Cut Ivory Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2006 Cavalli collection and from what we understand it is a special edition piece that was released on a very limited basis.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- Its twin was worn by Christina Aguilera to the 2006 Grammys and I love that this lets you see how beautiful it is once it is on the body.
- The dress made of a beautiful bias cut ivory silk that has the feel and look of the very best of pieces from the 1930s in 1940s.
- Two wide straps curved down from the shoulder and create a deep front plunge. At the base of the plunge the fabric is twisted and brought down and under the bust. The panels over the bodice have a halter top feel to them that again picks up on the pieces from the 30s and 40s. It skims over the waist and then curves back out over the hips.
- As the skirt falls to the floor, long vertical seaming curves it back in under the hips and then it flares out beautifully all the way around the hem. The extra amount of silk used for the lower skirts gives it beautiful movement as you walk.
- The back is spectacular. Almost the entire back is left bare and exposed. The front panels extend into straps that run down each side of the back and connect into a panel that comes across the mid-back. From the top of the shoulder down to where it connects, the straps have been heavily detailed and covered with crystal rhinestones and beads. It hooks across the middle of your back and this creates a round circle that is completely bare. The entire circle and the panels above have more hand applied glass crystal rhinestones and silver tube beads. I have shown the back hooked in place for all of the shots, however if you needed a bit of extra room, or wanted to be more daring, you can also wear the back unhooked and then it just falls with a more open back edged with all the crystals and beads following the curved line that it creates.
- The dress is unlined and hooks to close at the back. It very much has the feel of a lingerie piece. I see some small, very minor scuffs on the silk here and there, and there are perhaps a couple of beads missing here and there. Very minor but mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: each triangle covers 6-8" flat across from side to side
Waist if worn unhooked: 11-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist if worn hooked: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5286
Reference Photo: Christina Aguilera in Roberto Cavalli at the Grammys, 2006.
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.
stella mccartney
Spectacular 2014 Stella McCartney 'Renee' Red Carpert Documented White Lace Dress w Low Open Cut Out Back
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the From the Stella McCartney bridal collection for 2014
- It was made under the creative direction of Stella McCartney
- An all silk version of this dress was worn by Nicola Peltz, and Beyonce also wore an all silk version to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in 2015. I love that this lets you see how fantastic this is going to be once on the body.
- This version was made with more of a wedding/bridal point of view and it is made out of a beautiful white lace.
- The neckline is slightly scooped and set higher up. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long to the wrist.
- It closes at the back of the neck and then the fabric curves down and over the back of your shoulder from there to leave an open cut out. The cut out starts at the nape of your neck and curves over to each side. It is fully open right to the low back where the top of the skirt is set on a pretty curve. This gives you a beautiful silhouette from the back.
- It skims over the upper bodice with darts for shape. There is a seam set under the bust that tops a panel of the same lace. This wraps around to each side at the front only down to a second seam at the proper waist. That second seam is what curves all the way around to the back to sit under the open cut out.
- It skims over the hips and widens out as it nears the floor. The bottom of the skirt flares out quite a bit so you have a beautiful movement as you move.
- The back sweeps out behind you in a classic rounded train. It is absolutely gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching silk chiffon and has very light padding in each shoulder that acts more as a support to the lace than to add shape. There is a slight touch of transparency. It closes with a back hidden set zipper and each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at its end. The dress is new with its original tag and is in its original uncut length
- Tagged a modern 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulder: 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: no true side seams
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16.6" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 66" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 84" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5285
Reference Photos: (1-2) Nicola Peltz in Stella McCartney at the Transformers Berlin Premiere, 2014. / (3-5) Beyonce in Stella McCartney at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, 2015.
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 Shrimpton Couture Archives
- The twin of this playsuit walked the runway for the Spring 2014 collection as Look 62.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia
- The show was inspired by the opera and specifically, Maria Callas' Madea. Vogue referred to the woman who would wear the clothes as a "mythical sorceress"
- It is incredibly beautiful and it might even make an amazing wedding piece for part of a weekend wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
- The original retail on this was just over $15k USD because of the extensive beading that covers the entire playsuit.
- Both the outer and inner layer are the same deep bronze/taupe coloured netting. The parts that only have netting for the bodice and sleeves are more transparent and then for the shorts portion there is a built-in inner nude silk chiffon lining that allows it to be opaque enough to be worn. Even with the bottom portion being lined, it still creates the illusion of nudity between the extensive bead-work when you see it from a distance.
- Onto the top layer of the netting is an elaborate and extensive design created by thousands of tiny bronze seed beads applied over its surface.
- The neckline is scooped and the shoulders are soft and sloped. They drop into a short sleeve that is cut slightly wider and is also elaborately finished with beads.
- The bodice is cut in a more shift shape over the body with a slightly more generous feeling waist that has horizontal bands of bead-work to define and highlight the waist. The lower shorts flare out below the waist and are cleverly hidden by wide pleated panels that go all the way around. The pleats make it look like the shorts are actually an ultra mini but you still have the safety and comfort of having shorts underneath.
- The design that covers the entire playsuit is made out of the tiniest beads. I have taken close-up shots for you to see how beautiful the design and workmanship is. Wide bands circle the neckline and a double band wraps horizontally around the waist. In between that on the bodice are large round medallions with elaborate patterns worked within the circles. The sleeves and the skirt have more of the same but edged with smaller borders to highlight each pleat. It is incredible.
- Because so much of the playsuit has those beads applied onto it, it subtly catches the light perfectly from every angle, and every angle that you view the jumpsuit from is absolutely stunning.
- My dress form is a touch short through the body so it does not sit perfectly on it. Please make sure to review the runway pieces to see how it will sit properly once on.
- The playsuit is fully lined from the waist down in a nude silk chiffon. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 5.5" from the drop shoulder and are 11" around their ends
Dropped shoulders: approx 22"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 32.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 3"
Modern Sizing Equivalent:SML-MED
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2014 Valentino, Look 62. Model Harleth Kuusik.
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
Gorgeous Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Red Silk Crepe Wrap Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Front Plunge
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- I love that the reference photos shows how amazing it is once on an actual body. The dress has a very Old Hollywood / 1940s feel that I also love. This was a look that he touched upon often in his work and this is classic and beautiful Yves.
- The dress is made out of a red silk crepe that drapes beautifully once on.
- The sleeves are fantastic. Each is a big balloon sleeves that puffs out dramatically over the cuffs. They are gathered into where they attach into the shoulder and then they drop and expand out to phenomenal volume above their cuffs.
- The front crosses over itself in a plunge and hear as well we see gathering start from the shoulders. It wraps and snaps into place around the waist on both the inside and outside with all of the closures hidden from view. A hidden snap that lets you close the V more or you can leave it open for a more full deep plunge.
- The skirt is gathered in under the waist seam with the majority of it, pulled over to the one side. This causes a dripping all the way down to the hem on that side. The skirt itself falls to the floor and gently widens out as it near the hem. This gives it beautiful movement as you move. Everything about the dress is about movement around the body. He was a master at creating shapes that accentuated the body, but without ever having to be very tight and fitted.
- The dress is fully lined in a red silk and closes with a series of hidden set snaps around the waist and behind the opening hidden by the knot of fabric at the side. A hidden set snap at the front where it crosses over into the plunge. Each cuff has a slight elastic in it. There is also elastic around the back of the waist that make the dress very easy to fit. I see one darkened mark near the hem at the front and two little nicks out of the fabric in that same area. These are extremely minor and mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 42
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 25.5" and are very full through the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from top of shoulder to waist and meant to drape over a bit
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5281
Reference Photo: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent 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.
emilio pucci
Spectacular Spring 2012 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 14 Pink Print Dress w Multi Layered Skirt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for Look 14 for the Spring 2012 Pucci collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- Is twin was worn by Anja Rubik that season and was one of the dresses featured in the opening of the New York boutique launch within Saks Fifth Avenue.
- I love that the photos and videos give you an idea of how gorgeous this is on the body.
- The fabric is an ultra light silk mixed fabric. This gives it an almost transparent feel and even though there is a lot of fabric in the dress it still stays pretty light in weight. It has been completely covered in a classic Pucci print and I love how the underskirt have another classic print in a deeper pink and coral for added contrast. I have taken close-ups so that you can see how beautiful the print is and I love that Peter Dundas did such a strong nod to the house legacy.
- Two tiny straps curved up and over the shoulders and the bust curves around at the front. It dips into a shallow V at the back to leave your upper back bare.
- The body skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist to the dropped seam that circles from the top of the hip and slightly lower on the other side. There is a contrasting border around the neckline and another to follow that angled seam that goes around the hip.
- The skirt is set into the bodice on a slant at the front and on a dipped angle towards one side at the back.
- It widens out from there and the more generous feel through the waist and hips have all been done deliberately to support the multilayered tiered skirt underneath.
- The skirt is made up of multiple tiers of wide panels of printed silk stacked on top of each other. All of the panels are set on angles so that they overlap the panels below. Everything is offset to wrap around you in layers. This leaves the front at one side slightly shorter so you have a bit of leg showing when you walk and an uneven deliberate handkerchief hem all the way around you. It curves up at the front and then falls longer at the back. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt and between the ruffles and the lightness of the silk and cotton fabric it has phenomenal movement around you as you move.
- I love how the very innermost layers are a more a coral, pink and red instead of the light pink and ivory. This anchors the dress and gives a shot of unexpected colour when 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 bodice is lined in a pale pink silk chiffon and the layers through the skirt act as the line in there. It closes with hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT 38, FR34, UK6, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 70" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem, 34" to the shortest at the front
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5278
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Spring 2012 Emilio Pucci, Look 14. Model Natasha Poly. / (7-8) 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. / (9) Anja Rubik in Pucci photographed by Scott Trindle for Vogue, March 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 & Chic Fall 1984 Givenchy by Hubery de Givenchy Haute Couture Strapless Pink Silk & Black Velvet Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a spectacular piece of true Haute Couture the dates to the Fall 1984 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- While we have not yet found the exact dress on the runway we have included photos of ones that were very similar. The farther back you go with this label date wise, the more difficult it is to find the full set of runway photos but you can clearly see the similarities.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabrics used for the dress combine a beautiful black silk velvet with a very high quality, soft pink silk for the bodice and matching detachable bow.
- The dress is strapless and there is an attached inner corset that is boned and structured to hold the dress perfectly in place around you.
- The outer bodice skims over the inner corset and then is shaped to come in at the waist.
- The dress curves back out over the hips and falls to the floor. It is in its original length. At the back there is a double ruffle set on either side of the zipper that runs down the back of the skirt starting from the waist. The panels get narrower as they cascade down the length of the skirt to create a beautiful ruffled feel. They end at the slit that runs from the hem up.
- You can wear the dress on its own like this or add the extravagant bow that is made from the same pink silk as the bodice. It wraps around you to hook and snap into place. I love that you can place the bow towards the back and have sit around the ruffles there or wear it towards the front. It could also be worn to either side (not pictured). This gives you incredible versatility and lets you play with how it looks best on you.
- The bow has just enough added glamour and drama but still has that very refined feel that the best of his work had.
- I would like to note that there is a faded area on the bodice. When the bow is on and place to the front it perfectly matches the outline of the area affected. It almost certainly was stored or displayed this way and the light hit it on that side to cause the slight difference in colour. When you wear the bow in any other way, you will see the slight change in colour. I have been meticulous in photoing it from several angles, including laying flat. Again, when the bow is worn to the front, it completely matches the edge of the bow and disappears from sight.
- The dress is fully lined in a hand set black silk through the skirt and the bodice is lined in a combination of pink silk and pink silk chiffon as well as as inner structure on the inner corset. It has a built-in boned inner corset. There are three zippers to close the dress. The inner corset has its own zipper. The pink bodice has its own zipper over that and then the skirt zips over both zippers to the waist. An inner waist stay hooks to close. Completely made by hand to Couture standards. Its proper numbered Couture tag is present.
- There is no size tag since it is a true couture piece. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the note to be read about the bodice above.
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem and the back slit is 22" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5277
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Givenchy 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.
chanel
Outstanding Cruise 2011 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 36 Gold Ribbon & Metallic Gold Cord Knit Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked runway for the Cruise 2011 Chanel collection for Look 36.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- I have had a version of this dress in the shop that had a more tank bodice to it but this is the first time I have had the actual twin of the runway look and I think I love it even more with its one shoulder silhouette.
- The Chanel Cruise collections have an interesting history. Gabrielle Chanel actually sailed and her love of the sport led to her inception of a 'cruise' collection in the 1920s. She was not the first to come up with this concept but hers were among the first to show a complete collection in a fully fledged show. They eventually fell off in popularity within the brand and it was not until Karl Lagerfeld took over Chanel that the Cruise collections started again.
- This was a very successful collection and was lauded by critics. Vogue said that 'It was like something out of a quintessential Riviera movie.... And like the carefree starlets and jet-setters they were channeling, the models traipsed down the street-cum-runway often barefoot, wearing seventies-ish diaphanous caftans, long crocheted dresses, ruffle-lapelled silk jersey trouser suits, and patchwork denim skirts.' They noted that 'Key, of course, is that lightness of touch, the sense of enjoyment and ease. And with fashion once again experiencing a 1970's revival, the show also ended up feeling—as Lagerfeld's Chanel outings often do—very much of the moment.' And the location choice? Karl said the location was a personal choice "I spent many years of my life here," he said. "I know Saint-Tropez like I know Paris. The collection is very casual, very down-to-earth."
- Of course only Karl and Chanel would think a gold knit ribbon dress is casual, to the rest of us this is an incredibly glamorous dress.
- The dress is beautiful. For all the talk of the seventies influence on this collection this one definitely has a nod to the twenties, a decade that Karl often touched upon.
- The base of the dress is made out of a knit that combines a natural deep linen silk cord that has a gold metallic thread woven through it. Gold grosgrain ribbon is braided through the knit and then additional strands of ribbon and silk cords are set vertically over the different parts of the dress to create the final effect that you see.
- The knit that edges the neckline has a chunkier feel to it than the knit that runs through the body. The ribbon on those two parts of the dress is also set into the knit differently.
- For the area around the waist and the seam above the final part of the skirt, Karl treated the knit and ribbon differently again. It is quite interesting to see how he used the change of direction of the knit and different finishes of both the knit and the ribbon to separate and highlight the different parts of the design on the dress.
- Through the body the weave of the knit is all set vertically with gold ribbon braided vertically. Long vertical expanses of ribbon are set over the underlying knit layer along with strands of metallic finished cords that are very fine and delicate. These attached into the seam above and below and because of how they are attached and set they sit off of the dress underneath and create its unusual texture and 3D feel. This is an absolute testament to the genius of Karl and his constant pushing forward of the technical aspect of fabrics.
- At the very bottom portion of the skirt, the final 10" of the ribbon and cord are allowed to fall like a long fringe. When you move these create incredible movement as they swish and swoop around you. You also see your leg through the fringes as you walk. It is incredible.
- Once on the body it simply falls over you and is super easy to wear and just a really interesting and unique dress.
- The gold gives it that added glam factor and you could easily wear this for day with sandals and then go all out for an evening look. It would even make a great bridal piece for the bride not looking for something traditional or as a dress for an event surrounding the ceremony.
- The dress is fully lined through the middle portion in a stretch lingerie feel silk jersey that makes it very comfortable to wear. The bodice is unlined. It has no closures and slips on to wear. It does have some stretch and I have given the comfortable range of measurements below. It appears to have never been worn very little if at all.
Tagged a vintage Chanel 38 - Excellent condition
Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 49" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5275
Reference Photo/Video: Chanel 2011 Chanel Runway Collection, Look 36. Model: Sara Blomqvist.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
oscar de la renta
Dreamy Spring 2019 Oscar de la Renta by Laura Kim & Fernando Garcia Runway Look 57 Gold Silver Bead Caftan Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walked the runway for Look 57 of the Spring 2019 Oscar de la Renta collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia.
- This was a piece that had absolutely beautiful movement on the runway and while it is stunning it is also easy to wear. It is a definite show stopper and I love it.
- The dress is amazing. It is made out of a light weight metallic silk mix lame that is exceptionally light in weight. The colour is hard to define in person because it has both gold and silver ultra fine threads woven horizontally to make up the fabric. This lets it look more gold in some lights and more silver in others.
- I love that since it is in such a light and beautiful metallic colour that this is a piece that might play double duty and also work for a bride or for an extended wedding weekend.
- The dress is cut in a long minimalist sheath that widens out softly as it nears the hem. It is meant to skim over you from bust to hips before it starts to do that soft flare out on the lower skirt.
- The neckline is scooped and the entire upper bodice and upper shoulders are made out of a nude mesh so that from a distance it appears that the dress is just suspended magically around you.
- The mesh above the edge of the neckline and sleeves have a scattering of tiny gold sequins that also scatter down and around the top of the metallic fabric. Set all the way around the entire neckline and around the top of the sleeves are long strand of metallic silver tube beads mixed with fine little gold linked chains. Is create a long and fabulous fringe effect. It is a stunning detail that adds beautiful impact to the dress and also creates fantastic movement as you move. You can see that in the runway video.
- The sleeves are the absolute star of the show beyond the elaborate embellishment added to the top of the dress. A caped sleeve starts with the nude mesh at the top and then changes to the same metallic fabric as the dress. These fall over the top of your arm and then widen out to cascade all the way to the hem. They are open underneath so that they can catch the slightest bit of air and billow out around and behind you when you move. It is the perfect touch of drama added to an already outstanding dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and slips on to wear with a button closure above a back keyhole. The loose and easy cut should fit a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern ODLR large
- Excellent condition
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5274
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2019 Oscar de la Renta, Look 57.
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
Prettiest Spring 2009 Emporio Armani Runway Finale Look 91 Purple Dress w Elaborately Beaded Butterfly Appliques
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2009 Emporio collection for the Look 91 which was the final look of the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- Armani had launched this new addition to his brand lineup just two seasons before this collection and had gotten Beyoncé to be in the first commercial that launched the fragrance that went along with it.
- Models walked out barefoot to show the final collection of the full length evening pieces and the twin of this dress was the final look in the show.
- The dress is made out of a synthetic fabric that has a touch of a metal worked into it. This has allowed him to make the fabric have an almost crumpled, lightly crinkled feel to it that adds an amazing texture over the entire dress.
- It combines three shades of purple. A light, more lavender colour or the bodice, the metal is a dusty deeper purple, and the bottom portion of the dress is a very pale purple. All three panels have a slight iridescent finish to them so as the light and shadows catch the texture in the pattern, the colour changes in deep and slightly in the shadows.
- The front neck line is scooped and the fabric is gathered into it with top stitched please that are left deliberately uneven at the top around the neckline. Straps curve over your shoulder from there to meet and button behind the neck so that they are angled around the back of your arm and up to the neck. The back scoops down lower. and I love how this leaves a bare expanse of skin from mid-back to the neck.
- It skims over the bust and widens out around the waist for a easy to fit feel.
- From under the waist it continues to widen out over the hips all the way to the hem. This makes it very easy to fit and is very flattering once on.
- Applied onto the dress are eight beautifully beaded and sequin butterflies. Three larger ones have been placed around the bodice and then the rest are scattered down the dress from there, circling around you.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead-work that has been done to make up these butterflies. Their little rounded bodies and heads come fully off the fabric and I especially love that that their little antennas are also done in a way so that they sit up and off the fabric and then are tacked back down at the end of their antennas.. The largest butterfly at the very top near the strap has the antennas fully off the fabric.
- The dress is fully lined in pale purple silky feeling fabric and it closes with a hidden side side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5271
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2009 Emporio Armani, Look 91 Finale.
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.
lanvin
Dreamy Spring 1974 Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Pale Blue Print Silk Chiffon Ruffle Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a gorgeous Haute Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
- Made under the creative direction of Jules-Francois Crahay
-
Jules-Francois headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier
- The fabric is a feather light silk chiffon that is covered in a pretty tree and floral print that covers the dress from head to toe.
- The bodice of the dress is fantastic. It is cut halter style and hooks to close behind the neck. The neck and the entire edge of the halter all the way to the back are finished with a double row of the same silk that has been perfect perfectly hand pleated to create this phenomenal ruffle that frames the neck and gives the dress a very pretty and feminine feel.
- I also love that the entire upper back is left bare and exposed.
- It glides over the waist and hips and then the skirt falls to the floor from there widening out a touch as it nears the hem.
- If you wanted more shape you could add a belt around the waist and it would completely change how the dress looks.
- Inside everything has been done by hand to Couture standards.
- It is lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hand set zipper. It hooks to close behind the neck.
- There are no size tags so please go by the listed measurements below.
- I see a couple of tiny nicks on the inner lining that do not show through when the dress is on.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5266
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
Resort 2011 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Deliberately Faded & Lightly Tie Dyed Feather Light Silk Cotton Blue Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for Look 11 for the Resort 2011 Pucci collection and also appeared in the season's Lookbook.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- I love that the presentation photos give you an idea of how gorgeous this is on the body
- The fabric is an ultra light mix of silk and cotton. This gives it an almost transparent feel and even though there is a lot of fabric in the dress it still stays pretty light in weight. It has been deliberately treated so that it has a slight faded effect over the entire dress and there is a secondary very light tie-dye effect that runs over the fabric as well. I have taken a close-up of an area so that you can see it. This is all deliberate to make it feel like a slightly aged heirloom piece.
- Two triangles start just under the bust and they are twisted at their tops where they curve up and over the shoulders. That twisted feel continues to a knot that sits just above the centre of your back and then the straps widen back out to attach to the low back. At the front this leaves the perfect plunge and at the back your entire back is left bare and exposed behind the crossed straps.
- A pretty double layer of a ruffle in the same fabric highlights the seam just under the bust and then continues around you to the curve of the low back.
- It widens out from there and the natural waist has a more generous feel as do the hips. This is all done to support the ruffled skirt underneath.
- The skirt is made up of four tiers of ruffles stacked in two groups with a wide band between. It curves up at the front and then falls longer at the back. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt and between the ruffles and the lightness of the silk and cotton fabric it has 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 triangles at the front are back in the same fabric and then the rest of the dress is lined in a cotton silk mix in white. It closes with snaps at one side. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT40, FR36, UK8, US6
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers to 7" flat across from side to side
Seam under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to the seam under the bust
Total length: 65" from neck to the longest point of the back hem and is 55" to the shortest point of the front hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5262
Reference Photos: Resort 2011 Emilio Pucci Runway & Lookbook.
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.
thierry mugler
Outstanding Fall 1986 Thierry Mugler Pleated Metallic Gold Lurex Pleated Strapless Bodice 'Shell' Dress
I Have a Question
- This wonderful and very rare dress is from the the Fall 1986 "Hiver Russe" collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- 'Mugler saw the fashion show as an opportunity to build new worlds of fantasy, to tell the story of a heroine on an extraordinary adventure each season.' Early pieces of his work are particularly hard to find. I have included several reference photos from the show of pieces that share similar fabric, pleating techniques and that amazing shell feel of the bust.
- We have also included some try on photos from the original owner that show you how it looks on. For reference she is about 5'4" and a size 0-2
- The twin of this dress is currently being exhibited in the "Azzedine Alaia/Thierry Mugler 1980-1990" exhibit at the Azzedine Alaia foundation in Paris
- The dress is a masterpiece. This is a design that has been referenced countless times since it was first made but there is nothing out there that can compare to the original.
- It is made from a lightweight gold lurex that is draped and shaped to cover a fitted inner corset.
- This inner corset shapes the body while the exterior of the dress seems to simply glide over your curves.
- The bodice is amazing. A weightless knife pleated metallic gold lurex is wrapped around the body to meet in the middle. The bottom portion of this extends and curves down and around the hips where it then flares out to exaggerate your curves. Each breast is held in a high set interior cup and the pleats wrap over these, flaring out in the suggestion of having the breasts cupped and held in place by two shells. A small panel of pleated gold fabric strap sits between the cups for added detailing.
- The pleats curve around the back to meet in the middle there mimicking the front and adding to that hourglass feel.
- The skirt is cut to be fitted and curves in at the hem.
- Gold coloured snaps close the back and under those lie hidden interior lingerie hooks to close the corseted portion of the interior.
- I love how the entire dress shimmers in the light because of the gold metallic fabric.
- It is a rare dress and showcases his extraordinary approach to the female form and his tendency to made living sculptures out of his models. I have seen pieces selling for the $10,000USD mark and higher recently.
- The skirt is fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and the bodice lined in a the same gold lame used on the exterior. The corset is lightly boned and with formed and sculpted interior breast cups. Above the waist the inner corset hooks to close with lingerie hooks and then the exterior fabric snaps to close over that. A zipper is set below that starting at the waist. I see a couple of minor marks on the interior, a small tear on one side where it was tacked to the inner bodice, and the skirt has been shortened as mentioned above.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 38.
- Overall excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam.
Hips: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 27.5" from top of bodice to the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5261
Reference Photos: (1) Try on photo. / (2-6) S/S 1985 Thierry Mugler Runway. / (7) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. / (8-9) "Azzedine Alaïa-Thierry Mugler 1980-1990: Two Decades of Artistic Affinities” exhibit at the Fonudation Azzedine Alaïa in Paris.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
roberto cavalli
Spectacular Spring 2007 Roberto Cavalli Ivory & Coral Print Bias Cut Silk Dress w Twisted Halter Front & Low Back
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 2007 Collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- This is an absolutely beautiful bias cut silk dress who's cut is a nod to old Hollywood in feel.
- The entire dress is covered with a very pretty and intricate leaf and bird print. This runs over its entire surface and the print has a slightly metallic feel with colours centring around a deep red, rust and a coral.
- The front is gathered in and up to the neck and at the centre of where it is gathered, there is a gold toned metal snake that is placed so that it sits at the top of the gathers. The silk extends out from there to curve up and behind the neck where it ties into place. There is a tiny keyhole under the snake detail at the front and the front drapes down and over your bust, waist and hips from there.
- The halter neckline leaves the back completely open. I love how the fabric that comes around from the front is set so there is a pretty curve at the base of your back. This is highlighted even more by the silk ties that extend out from the neck trailing down the middle of your back.
- Once passed the hips the skirt flares out beautifully. This full shape at the bottom of the dress is created by the addition of added panels set all the way around skirt to help it flare out. This extra silk placement creates amazing movement when you move.
- This is classic Cavalli and an absolutely beautiful piece of work.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The ties that extend out from the neck can be tied and left to trail down the back. The dress is cut on the bias so I have put the comfortable range when laying flat. The length will come up a touch once on a body. 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: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: approx 65" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5263
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.
paco rabanne
Extraordinary Fall 1992 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Runway Sample Look 31 Metallic Gold & Black Silk Caftan Dress
I Have a Question
- This is the actual dress that walked the runway for Look 31 for the Fall 1992 collection as noted in its hand written tag.
- It was made under the creative direction of Paco Rabanne
- I love that we have runway video of this one so you can see how fantastically that it moves once it is on the body and you are moving.
- The piece would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- There is an inner built in black silk sheath dress that skims over the body from the shoulder to the hem and then you have the multiple added layers of the black silk and silk chiffon placed over that by hand.
- The fabrics used are incredible. Both the silk and silk chiffon have had a metallic gold eyelash weave in a flat velvet applied that gives the dress an incredible bit of a metallic glint from every angle.
- The very top part of the dress that runs across the shoulders is made from a black silk and then the rest of the top layer of the dress is made out of a black silk chiffon. Both fabrics have the gold overlay done over their surfaces.
- It has very full sleeves that have no lining so that you have a touch of transparency. They are set to poof out above a wide cuff at the wrist. Each cuff is made out of black silk and zips to close with a handset black zipper.
- The panels that cover the dress are extreme and extravagant. These are what give the piece the movement and volume that a caftan would have except it is all done in the most extravagant of ways. Long panels are split length ways and upwards to various degrees and this is what allows the silk to move with the slightest bit of air around you. This simple and ingenious extra detail with these vertical splits are really what add movement. It also breaks the pattern as you move, and then when you stand still the pattern, all settles back into place. It is quite genius. It also what gives the hem its pointed detailing.
- The neck is cut wide across the shoulders and then the entire top layer of the dress floats down and around you from there.
- The metallic gold pattern that covers the entire dress is perfectly mirrored from one side to the other. Each piece of fabric would have had to have been pre-planned and deliberately made to specifically piece together to achieve the final look of the dress.
- It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The upper portion of the bodice is not lined and the backing has an almost canvas feel to it. The inner sheath part of the dress is lined in a black silk. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below. Note that it looks like the hem of the inner dress was taken up at some point so I have included how much has been turned under in the measurements below. I see some light marks on the inner dress that do not show but mention for accuracy.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 30" and are 17" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to inner hem with 2.25" turned under. The outer dress extends another 10" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5257
Reference Video: Fall 1992 Paco Rabanne 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.
chloe
Striking Fall 1976 Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Documented Black Silk & Metallic Gold Caped Back Panel Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Fall 1975.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- The evening pieces in this collection were a hit with the press. The Los Angeles Times even said they were "collectors items". On the runway, the dress was worn with a thin gold belt that matches the gold colour on the inside of the back floating panels. I love that this shows you that you can wear it either way and it looks equally fantastic.
- The dress and top layer of the back panels are made from a light weight black silk. The underside of the back panels have been finished in a metallic silk in a deep gold.
- The neckline is cut slightly wide across and it is piped with the fabric gathering softly into it for a subtle detail. The dress falls from there to skim over the bust, waist and hips to the floor and it widens out to be quite wide by the hem.
- The back dips into a low V above hidden set snaps to close it. I love how this gives you a glimpse of bare skin behind the panels when you move.
- Two long panels are attached along the back neckline and they fall all the way to the floor. They are very wide by the time they reach their ends. Each one opens up a full 29" across the bottom. They are lined in a beautiful deep metallic gold silk that has an almost copper tone feel to it. The fabric has a horizontal weave to it which gives it added texture.
- When this is on and moving these billow out and float behind you. It is utterly fantastic.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a back hidden set series of hooks at the base of the V at the back. There is also a hook behind the neck. Hand finishes throughout. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. I see one small area near the bottom of one of the panels on the black side where the fabric is just a tiny bit lighter. It is very minor but mentioned for accuracy
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem, 62" to the longest point of the back panels
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5256
Reference Photo: Fall 1976 Chloe 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.
paco rabanne
Phenomenal Fall 1993 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Runway Sample Look 51 Metallic Gold & Silk Net Evening Caftan Coat
I Have a Question
- This is the actual piece that walked the runway for Look 51 for the Fall 1993 collection as noted on its hand written tag. It may be the only one that exists.
- It was made under the creative direction of Paco Rabanne
- The piece would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- It is such an incredible statement piece and it is very light in weight which makes it so easy to wear.
- The fabric is gorgeous. The base black silk netting has been hand painted with a deep rich gold and then heavier coatings of the same gold creates patterns within the design. The outlines of each of the designs that cover the entire coat are highlighted with a hand applied gold cording. This combination is what makes that spectacular pattern that covers over the entire piece. Once you start looking closely, you see that he has used three different types of netting to achieve the final effect. The use of all that gold gives the coat an incredible glint from every angle.
- A single hook sits at the neck and the shoulders are soft and slightly gathered across their tops.
- It has very full sleeves and like the rest of the coat they have no lining so that you see a bit of skin underneath the netting. The sleeves widen out as they near their ends to be a full 38" around. This gives them incredible movement and it is just striking to have those beautiful wide sleeves.
- The rest of the coat is equally as extreme and extravagant. It falls outward as it drapes over you to the floor and it is extremely wide and extremely full by the hem. You can see how beautifully this allows the pattern to fall in soft folds. It is also extremely long so that it trails and billows around you as you move.
- The pattern that you see on the netting is perfectly mirrored from one side to the other. Everything would have had to have been pre-planned and deliberately made to specifically piece this together to achieve the final look of the piece.
- This is an incredible piece of true Haute Couture and is the perfect thing to add over any piece to add instant high drama and glamour.
- It has a single hook at the top of the neck. It would be very easy to add hidden set snaps or hooks down the front if you wanted to wear it fully closed and more as a caftan. It is unlined so has a touch of transparency. All of the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards.
- There is no size tag present being Couture so please go by the listed measurements below. Its easy cut should it allow it to fit a full range of sizes.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 27" and are 17" around the upper arm
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 63" from neck to hem. The back hem extends another 3" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD5255
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 2005 Original Valentino Runway Look 56 Brown Yellow Floral Print Halter Dress w Sequin Waist Band
I Have a Question
- The twin of this piece walked the runway for Spring 2005 Valentino for Look 56 and was worn on the runway by supermodel Liya Kebede.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- Back in 2005 both supermodel Elle Macpherson and superstar Mariah Carey wore its twin. I love that all of the reference photos give you such a beautiful idea of how phenomenal this dress is once on the body.
- It is incredibly beautiful and very light in weight. The main colour of the dress is a deep copper brown with a gorgeous deep yellow and ivory floral pattern screened onto the silk.
- The dress has a halter front with two triangles extending out from the band that circles the waist. They wrap and button behind the neck. A plunge is created between them that goes all the way to the wide band that wraps around the waist. The triangles curve down the sides and then your entire back is left bare and exposed.
- The detailing at the waist is fantastic. A wide 6" band is that just below the base of the plunge at the front. It nips you in for shape around the waist. Onto the band is the same floral pattern that is seen around the entire lower portion of the skirt but done on a much smaller scale. It has been completely done by hand using hundreds of tiny sequins set side-by-side to create the pattern that you see. As you look closer at it you realize that each sequin is stacked on top of another matching sequin so that the colours are vivid and bright instead of washed with a touch of transparency a single sequin would have.
- The skirt falls from under the band and curves out and over the hips. It is very full and made with many yards of silk. There is an amazing amount of fabric in the skirt and that is what gives it its beautiful movement when you move. If you were too late, the skirt out flat there is enough silk used that it creates a full circle around the bottom part. The back is cut longer than the front so you get a gorgeous sweep of silk behind you.
- All around the bottom portion of the skirt is a oversized floral print that has been screened into the silk using a deep golden yellow mixed with ivory. The use of the paler colours around the bottom of the skirt emphasizes the fullness there and ties it in beautifully with the detailing around the waist. A slit runs up the centre of the skirt so when you walk or sit you get a flash of bare leg.
- The dress is absolutely beautifully made. I see one very light mark on the skirt.
- It is fully lined in the same silk for the front triangles. There is an inner chiffon piece that has its own zipper that holds the dress in place around the waist and then the outer dress closes with its own hidden set side zipper.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle will cover up to 7.5" flat across from side to side, the seam directly under the bust is 15-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 11.5" from neck to seam directly under the bust. The band is 6" wide
Total length: approx 60" from neck to front hem and the back extends another 10" beyond that. The slit is 30" from the ham up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5251
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2005 Valentino Look 56 Model Liya Kebede. / (4-5) Elle Macpherson at the Mary Poppins Gala Evening in London, March 2005. / (6) Mariah Carey performs on Good Morning America's Concert Series, April 2005.
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.
halston
Ultra Rare 1976 Halston Iconic Front Tying Easy to Wear Column Dress in a Bias Cut Chocolate Brown Terry Cloth
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 1976 Collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston
- Halston made several of these dresses in different colours. Mostly they were produced in a bias cut silk or a hammered bias cut silk. Even the silk versions are hard to find and finding one in a terry cloth is very unusual and rare.
- It is said that before even putting scissors to fabric, Halston already had a mental image of how he wanted to dress to look. He believed that evening pieces should be as easy-to-wear and comfortable as day wear but absolutely elegant at the same time. When these dresses were shown for the first time in 1976 the press dubbed them as being "clean and and yet still with sex appeal".
- This is from the main Halston label and at this point in the brands history most of these pieces were custom-made or made to order.
- The dress is strapless and ties at the front of the bust. This creates a little discreet keyhole under the tie. It also allows you to adjust the fit by how loose or tight you tie it.
- The cut is very forgiving as it skims over the bust, comes in slightly at the waist and then curves back out over the hips. It is not meant to be super fitted and this is a dress that is easy to fit. On a smaller frame it drapes more and the bias cut will allow it to move to accommodate if you need more room.
- From there it continues to skim over the body all the way to the hem widening out slightly as it nears the floor.
- The seaming is all set on an angled curve that wraps around the body. This means the entire dress is made out of one piece of terrycloth which is incredible. Don't underestimate its simplicity. Creating the dress in this way is actually quite complex and a technical challenge. Without seaming at the sides, the shape of the dress completely relies on the way it drapes, making it a much more difficult task and complex problem to have it fall over the body as perfectly as it does.
- The dress is made of a light weight terry cloth in a beautiful chocolate brown. The fabric has been set on the bias with how it was laid out and pieced together so it is very forgiving. The fabric choice makes it wash and wear and easy to travel with and to pack.
- The dress is unlined and slips on to wear with a tie at the front that you can adjust for fit. It is in its original uncut length.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam with the ability to adjust the size at the front because of the tie
Waist: 15.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 54.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5250
Reference Photos: (1) ‘The Strapless’ in Women’s Wear Daily, August 1976. / (2) ‘The New York Collections: Easy Winners!’, Jacques Malignon for Vogue, September 1976. / (3) ‘Your Night to Star’, Ladies Home Journal, December 1976. / (4) Elizabeth Taylor in Halston at the 1976 Oscars. / (5) Marisa Berenson in Halston, Vogue 1976. Photo by Richard Avedon. / (6) "Yves Saint Laurent + Halston. Fashioning the 70s" Exhibit at the Museum at FIT, 2015. / (7) Halston's original sketch for the tie-front strapless dress & Lee Radziwell, 1976. From the book "Halston: An American Original." / (8) Rachel Zoe in Halston at the Zoe Report Dinner, 2014. / (9) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (10-12) Spring 1976 Halston 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.
christian dior
Dreamy Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress w Hand Done Floral Embroidery
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 2008 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- 2008 was John's 10th year at Dior and it was also the Dior label's 60th anniversary. To celebrated John created pieces for Spring 2008 based on some of his signature looks from the past decade.
- Finding a Dior dress in this colour and in the perfect condition that this dress is in is rare and I am very happy to have such an exquisite example of his work in the shop.
- The dress is made out of a ivory white silk chiffon that has hand embroidery added.
- When you stand still you get a beautiful long silhouette but the second you move the chiffon in the skirt and the back panels are picked up by the air and the dress becomes even more extraordinary.
- The skirt of the dress is made from bias cut ivory silk chiffon that sits over an inner silk lining. It is set around the waist and heavily gathered at one side to create the extra panel and volume on the one side. A small slit runs up from the hem on that side so you get a little bit of leg when you walk. The other side curves down to fall slightly longer and create a beautiful curved shape at the hem.
- The bodice is strapless and the neckline slightly curved at the front. Inside there is a built in boned and cupped corset that extends down to the waist. The chiffon over the bodice has been draped and gathered over to the side to tie in with the skirt. At the back, on that same side, there are two very long panels of silk chiffon. You can allow them to just drape down and behind you to catch the air and move as you walk or you can take one and drop it over the shoulder to get a more caped feel. I have photoed it both ways for you to see.
- His signature row of silk covered buttons runs down the other side and then the last perfect detail is the extraordinary flowers that are embroidered over the dress.
- The flowers are what take the dress to its magical level of beauty. Soft pastel flowers are heavily embroidered onto the dress by hand so that they have a slight 3D effect. Little gold threads are mixed in between then along with tiny sequins and beads to catch the light. They are reminiscent of the flowers that Mr. Dior often used in his early work.
- It is a magical nod to the archives that perfectly combines past and present.
- Fully lined in an ivory silk. It has a full built in boned and cupped corset. The corset closes with a series of lingerie hooks and the dress buttons to close over that at the side.
- Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to the longest point of the hem and the panels extend to 59" from the top of the back bodice.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5245
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
Superb Spring 2013 Yves Saint Laurent Hedi Slimane Debut Runway Blue Dress Silk Chiffon w Matching Cape & Sash
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare full dress, cape and sash set from the Spring 2013 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane and this was his debut collection for the label.
- A series of these dresses in a mix of colours walked the runway for the finale of the show. Look 55 had the twin of this blue coloured dress and Look 64 the twin of the cape in blue.
- All three pieces of the set are made from a bias cut silk chiffon in a striking and beautiful blue. It is slightly brighter in colour than how it photoed here and it is even better in person.
- The neckline of the dress has a tie in the same fabric that loops through little embroidered edged open circles placed all the way around the neckline. This allows you to tighten or loosen the neckline as much as you want. You can wear it more up on top of the shoulders, wear it off the shoulder or with one shoulder left bare and down. The ties end in extraordinary silk cord tassels finished with wrapped silk cording around their tops.
- The shoulders are soft so that you can wear it multiple ways as noted above and the sleeves narrow down to a cuffed wrist. The bodice has a deep slit at the front and is cut generously over you to the low set seam at the waist.
- The skirt is still in its original length and falls from under that in a swoop of bias cut silk that widens out spectacularly as it nears the hem. There are two layers of chiffon stacked on top of each other for the skirt and it has a phenomenal amount of volume to it. As you move it billows out around you. I love that the back is cut longer than the front.
- The matching sash comes with the dress. It has a rectangular panel that is 14" in length of a backed silk chiffon to give a bit of structure and then single panels of the chiffon extend out from either side. You can wrap and tie this around you as you wish.
- Last is its original matching cape that perfectly completed the look and brings Hedi's full vision to life for this look. The cape is made out of a single layer of silk chiffon with a second tassel attached at the neck to hold it in place. Two wide panels of silk chiffon fall over each shoulder at the front. These curve down and around at the sides and then one large panel extends down the back. The cape is incredibly light in weight since it is all just a single layer of silk chiffon. This allows the slightest bit of air to pick it up so that it billows out around you as you move.
- The dress is unlined through the upper bodice and sleeves so has a touch of transparency. The skirt is made of two layers of silk chiffon. It ties with the tassel at the front and closes at the side with a series of snaps above the waist and a zipper below the waist seam. Each cuff closes with five silk covered buttons and loops. The cape has attached tassels to tie it at the front end is a single layer of silk chiffon. The easy cut makes it an easy fit as long as the waist works. Both pieces have their original tag attached and were never worn.
- The dress is tagged a modern YSL FR38 and the cape FR36.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: approx 28" and will blouse up once on. They are 16" around the upper arm.
Bust: 17-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 20.5" from the top of the natural shoulder to the waist. It will blouse over once on.
Total length: 67" from top of the natural shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 10" past that
Cape: 63" from neck to hem and will come up a touch when on the shoulders
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5239
Reference Photos/Videos: Spring 2013 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Finale Looks.
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
Phenomenal Fall 2010 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Deep Blue & Silver Metallic Knit Dress w Glass Pearl Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Act 1 Fall 2010 Chanel collection. The Act 1 is the collection done for shops between the Pre-Fall collection and the runway shows. These are often specialized items that are made on an extremely limited basis.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- The dress is made out of a slightly more open feeling woven cotton mix knit. The base net is a deep navy and then that has a silver metal thread running through it. This gives the entire dress a subtle shimmer.
- These amazing textiles are a testament to the commitment that Karl had to continually developing and pushing the envelope when it came to fabrics. This is a fabric that was specifically developed for Chanel.
- The weave of it gives it a touch of transparency and the dress comes with a little silk chiffon half slip to be worn underneath and make it wearable. I love that the slip is separate because it gives you the option to wear something more bare under it and play on its touch of transparency.
- The openings for the arms are extended low so they are longer than a normal arm hole. Curving around each is a wide hand braided band made out of blue and white silk cord. There is also a white silk cord that has been hand covered in silk chiffon so that it breaches the colour of the darker blue and white. Chanel's iconic glass pearls are then looped through the cording on each side of the braiding. These have a slight movement to them and it's incredible. A wider band of the same textile is that all the way around the sea that sits at the top of the hip.
- Given the cost of jewellery with those famous glass Chanel pearls I cannot even imagine the cost to produce this now.
- The bodice skims over you from its wide, scooped neck line to that seam at the top of the hip creating one long line through the body.
- At the back there is a long slit that runs from the button at the neck to the seam at the top of the hip. There is a hook hidden about midway down that you can choose to wear it more closed or you can leave that slit open all the way.
- The skirt falls to the floor from there and it is gathered softly into the band that circles the top of the hip. It widen out slightly as it near the floor and there are high slits that run along the outer edge on both sides so that you get a flash of leg when you walk.
- This is a spectacular Chanel and my photos are not coming close to doing it justice.
- The inner matching slip acts as the lining and slips on with no closures. The outer dress slips on and hooks at the back of the neck. There is a hook halfway down the opening of the back and then it has hidden set hooks on the band that circles around the top of the hips.
- It is brand new with its original hangtags and its Chanel packet and was never worn. These fantasy level dresses are currently $15-30K+ at Chanel.
- Tagged a vintage Chanel size 38.
- Excellent condition
Outer dress
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Band at the top of the hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to the band at the top of the hip
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem but may come up once on, depending on where the band sits on the top of your hips
Slits: 24" from the hem up
Inner slip
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36.5" from top if the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5238
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
Exceptional Fall 2010 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Look 42 Blue Silk Chiffon Caped Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 42 for the Fall 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- Both Constance Jablonski and Rachel Zoe have worn the twin of the dress and I love that all of this documentation lets you see how amazing it is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a deep royal blue silk chiffon that gives the dress incredible movement around you as you move and walk.
- The front is a halter style and is gathered in all around the neck line. It hooks at the top of a slit that runs from the neck to the waist.
- Where it hooks there are suede tassel ties dyed to a matching blue and detailed with bronze metal beads that create a gorgeous bohemian feeling detail.
- The sides dip deep to the waist and at the back it has an almost racer back cut so when you move you get flashes of bare skin.
- The waist is elastic so it is very easy to fit. On the runway it was shown with a very wide corset belt but it looks equally good without a belt or with a skinnier one.
- The skirt falls to the floor and widens out as it goes. It is made of two layers of the blue chiffon and has a high front slit for a flash of leg as you walk.
- The cape effect that the dress has is phenomenal. The panels that create the cape are attached and made from a single layer of the same silk chiffon. It falls to the floor and extends past the hem. It is fantastic. When you move and walk it billows and floats out around you. I love that you can wear it either over or behind the shoulders for two very different looks.
- The main body of the dress is made from two layers of the chiffon. It slips over the head to wear with an elastic waist and then hooks at the top of the front neck as described above. It is in its original length and appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT44, FR40, UK12, US10.
- Excellent condition
Bust: each front triangle covers 6-7" flat across from side to side with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 17" from neck to waist and will blouse over a bot once on
Total length: 65" from neck to front hem and the back hem and cape extends up to another 14" beyond that.
Slit: 36" from the front hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5237
Reference Photos:/Video (1-3) Fall 2010 Emilio Pucci Runway, Look 42. Model Jac. / (4) Constance Jablonski and Peter Dundas at the amFAR’S Cinema Against Aids Gala, May 2010. / (5-6) Rachel Zoe, in Pucci, on Gossip Girl Season 4 Episode 7.
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.
etro
Prettiest Pre-Fall 2016 Etro by Veronica Etro Printed Silk Chiffon Dress w Embroidered & Beaded Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from 2016 and we believe it is from the Pre-fall Collection based on a very similar dress that we have shared here in a different colour way.
- It was made under the creative direction of Veronica Etro
- Vogue said of the collection that "For her latest collection, Veronica Etro didn’t disappoint, as she was inspired by the work of the early-20th-century French painter Henri Matisse.Like the many divergent moods of Matisse, the designer’s choices of print were similarly flexible and wide. The lineup alternated between the organic and the geometric."
- Tamsin Egerton wore its twin that season in a different colour way letting you see how fantastic it is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a bias cut silk that is virtually weightless. The silk is covered in a beautiful paisley print that covers the entire dress. The colours are all done in soft pastels on a deep blue backdrop and it is just one of the prettiest things.
- The shoulders are soft and the front comes down in a low V. The neck line is slightly gathered for a little added detail and the V stops at the peak of the band around the waist.
- The sleeves are incredible. Each is wide and done in a beautiful balloon cut. At the wrist there is a tie that loops around so you can cinch in the wrist as much as you want, and then the silk forms are ruffle under that.
- It skims over the bust to a band at the waist that peaks upwards at the front. An added panel has been beautifully embroidered in rich red, purples and blues. It is then detailed with chain stitching around its edge, little bands of black tube beads mixed with muted gold beads.
- From there, it curves over the hips and there is an amount of fabric in the skirt. It is in its original uncut length and when you move, it moves beautifully around you.
- The dress is fully lined in a purple-blue silk, except for sleeves which are online. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and you tie the ties on the wrist. It appears to have been worn very little if at all and has its original My Theresa tag still attached at one wrist.
- Tagged an Etro size 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to bottom seam of the waistband
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5234
Reference Photos: (1) Tamsin Egerton at the Disaronno/Etro launch party, October 2016. / (2) Pre-Fall 2016 Etro, Look 2. / (3) 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.
emilio pucci
Chic Spring 2018 Emilio Pucci Runway Look 26 & Ad Campaign Printed Stripe & Dot Silk Dress or Cover Up
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 2018 Pucci collection as Look 26.
- Its twin was also used in the ad campaign that season
- The dress was presented as a cover-up over a swimsuit and it can absolutely be worn that way or as a proper dress since it does close all the way down the front. It is very pretty.
- It is made out of a beautifully weighted silk that has a classic Pucci print that combines multiple coloured stripes with little dotted rose. Everything is set vertically, so it adds length to the piece..
- It skims over the bust and waist and is cut to be more full and easy through the body.
- It has a neat pointed collar, and the shoulders are soft with dropped seams that fall over the top of your arms. The sleeves below that are set wide and full.
- It completely buttons down the front and the buttons are hidden under the centre stripe that runs down the length of the dress. This is what allows you to fully open it or where it closed.
- It is full and loose over the bodice and there is elastic that runs around the waist. And most of these photos I've shown it with the top blousing over the waist, but I've also included one where it's more pulled down. You can get a few different looks out of this by belting it wearing the waist high, low or wearing it more open down the front.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and it is wonderfully full by the time it reaches the hem. This gives you fantastic movement around you as you move. You can really get a sense of that from the runway photos.
- It is beautifully detailed and the design is properly and carefully thought out and executed. Its loose and easy cut through the body make it an easy to fit dress.
- The bodice is unlined and closes down the front with hidden set buttons. There are pockets on each hip and little belt loops around the waist if you wanted to wear a belt. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The Pucci signature is seen throughout the fabric. Its loose and easy cut makes it an easy fit. It will just rate more on a smaller frame.
- Tagged a modern Pucci, IT 42, FR 38, UK 10, US 8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 23.5" from the natural shoulder and are 18" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true shoulder seam
Bust: open to approx 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 13.5-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 17" from top and shoulder to waist and can be worn higher up with the top lousing over
Total length: 64.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5236
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2018 Emilio Pucci, Look 26. / (3-4) Spring 2018 Emilio Pucci Ad Campaign. / (5) 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
Amazing Fall 1973 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Off Shoulder Ivory Dress w Hand Applied Dots
I Have a Question
The Shrimpton Couture Archives
- The twin of the dress in black walked the runway for the Fall 1970 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- I love that we have a reference photo for you to see this dress on the body. It is very hard to photo these when they are on a dress form and the runway photo really shows you how it comes to life once it is on.
- This would have been made completely by hand to Couture standards in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from deep ivory silk chiffon that has little silk dots covering the entire surface of the dress. When you look at the back side of the fabric you can see how these have been lightly hand stitched into place. Incredible.
- The neckline is wide which allows you to wear it off the shoulder. I love how this leaves a bare expanse of skin across the top of your shoulders.
- The sleeves narrowed down to the cuffs and are unlined so they have a touch of transparency. Each ends in a series of five handmade silk covered buttons and loops.
- The bodice blouses over you slightly and the waist is seamed. You could add a belt if you wanted to add more shape and definition.
- It skims over the hips from there and widens out as it nears the hem. The entire hem is finished with an 11" ruffle all the way around and it is set so that the front sits higher than the back. There is a second 6" panel of the same fabric underneath the top ruffle to help hold a bit of volume.
- The ruffle around the hem beautifully ties in with the 5" ruffle that goes all the way around your shoulders. When the dress is on and you move you get slight movement from both sets of ruffles and it is very pretty.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset silk through the bodice and skirt. The sleeves are unlined. The inner body closes with a handset zipper and then the dress buttons to close over that. The silk of the dress feels like it has softened slightly and I see a bit of stress to the edges of some of the silk covered buttons and some teeny tiny areas here and there on the fabric. There is the tiniest bit of grubbiness around the edges of the shoulders and along the seams under the arms. The zipper feels slightly loose but does stay up. I am being extremely picky but mentioning all for accuracy.
- There is no size tight present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent overall condition
Sleeves: 23" and are 11" around the upper arm
Inner bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from top of natural shoulder to waist
Total length: 49" from top of natural shoulder to front hem, 57" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Reference Photo: Fall 1973 Yves Saint Laurent 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.
yves saint laurent
Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Pink Silk Dress w Purple Bodice & Long Front Panel Detail
I Have a Question
- This amazing dress is from the Spring 1985 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The reference photo we found is of a version with a different sleeved, more covered bodice but has that same long front trailing panel down the front.
- The dress has a very Old Hollywood / 1940s feel that I love. This is an era that Yves often touched upon in his work.
- It is made out of a combination of a brilliant pink and a purple with a bit of a pink undertone. The fabric is a silk crepe that drapes beautifully once on.
- The front is cut across you and I love how the more purple toned silk has been draped and brought over from the sides to wrap all the way around the bodice. At the front he has created the illusion that you have simply tied the dress in place by draping it over itself at the front and then the fabric left extends down from under that all the way to the floor in a flowing panel.
- The skirt is gathered in under that to fall to the floor. As it reaches the hem it widens out so that when you move it has beautiful movement around you.
- Tiny piped straps curve over each shoulder and then meet in the centre of the dress at the back.
- The dress is not perfect but is wearable if you do not mind that it does have some small flaws. Please make sure to read the full description below carefully. This is still an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a pink silk through the bodice. The inner bodice of the dress is boned for support. It has its own side set zipper to close and then the dress closes with a zipper over that at the side. The purple panel wraps over that to snap and hook into place along the top of the bodice and at the centre of the front. The dress has fading and some marks throughout the purple parts. There are along the hem and it has been re-hemmed at some point. I see a couple of faint marks on the skirt but they are under the front tie once it is on. Please see the photos after the label shot. The actual silk is sound and stable. The dress could potentially be dyed if you preferred not to wear it as is. Sold as found and priced accordingly.
- There is no size tag present since it is a Couture piece. Please check the measurements below.
- Great overall condition.
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and the outer waist is open
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 47" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5229
Reference Photo: Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent 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
Prettiest Early 1990s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Rose-Pink Silk Wrap Skirt & Tank Top Set Dress
I Have a Question
- This is original Haute Couture piece dating to the late 1980s, early 1990s.
- The set was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a stunning two piece set done in a pale pink silk that has a hint of a lavender undertone. The silk is very high-end quality.
- The top is a classic and easy tank cut. Wider set straps curve over the shoulder and the front is scooped. It has a full and generous cut through the body and flares out slightly at the hem. This is a piece you just slip on and it is very easy to wear.
- Inside there are little handmade straps across the top of the shoulder that snap into placed to hold your undergarment perfectly. Every stitch is done by hand. Little hidden set hand covered silk snaps close the top up one side.
- The skirt has an inner band at the waist and it wraps over itself at the front. It closes with hand covered silk snaps and then has hook and eye at the side of the waist. It is gathered into soft pleats along the front and then is opened down its length where it wraps over itself at the front. When you sit or walk a certain way you get a bit of flash of bare leg. It is cut generously over the hips and then narrows down to the hem. The back is cut slightly longer than the front for a pretty line.
- The top is unlined and the skirt has a nude silk chiffon inner handset lining to just past the hips. The top has snaps up one side as described above and the skirt closes along the waist as described above. A teeny tiny bit of pulling here and there on the back of the skirt. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
- There is no size tag present because it is couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and widens to 21.5" by the hem
Total length: 22" from top of the shoulder to hem
Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam.
Total length: 44" from the waist to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5228
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
Exceptional Fall 1991 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Strapless Hand Draped Iridescent Silk Dress w Bow
I Have a Question
- This spectacular dress is true Haute Couture from the Fall 1991 collection and its twin walked the runway that season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress has a beautiful structure to it and it is meant to have an hourglass feel once on the body with inner support and it's cut all done to achieve that goal.
- The dress is made out of an iridescent pink-burgundy-red silk taffeta that has a gorgeous subtle shimmer over it. That slight iridescent quality helps to highlight the cut, curve and draping in the dress.
- The top of the bodice is rounded and shaped to plunge between the breasts. It curves around the back from there to leave the upper back bare and exposed.
- The silk has been hand draped over the bodice and I love how it crosses over itself at the front. The shape of the bodice is very sexy and a nod to Old Hollywood.
- The draping continues down on an angle to the hip on the opposite side. The silk sweeps over the hips and one side falls to just above the knee. That is all gathered up and into the bow on one hip. This wrapping around the body with the deliberate placement and angling of the hand drape silk is what really gives you that hourglass feel.
- The oversized bow on one hip is made from the same silk with added handmade velvet flowers at its centre. The velvet flowers are handmade and have their own label.
- Set under the angled seam that makes the top portion of the dress is a spectacular tiered and ruffled lower skirt that is created by spiralling the silk around the body. This also allows it to have that beautiful flare that you see. When this is on and moving, the skirt kicks out around you and adds too the bombshell feel the dress has.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching silk. There is built in hidden support and boned structure through bodice. The dress closes with a back set zipper. Where some of the stitching is done and along the edges of where the zipper is set, you can see the under colour of the taffeta. Please see the photo after the label shot. There are some minor marks around the hem at the longest point. This is all very minor and mentioned for accuracy
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5222
Reference Photo: Fall 1991/92 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.
oscar de la renta
Spring 2008 Oscar De La Renta Black Embroidered Beaded Ribbon Work Floral Silk Organza Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in an ivory walked the runway for the Spring 2008 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta
- I had an ivory one in the shop before and know that the original price for the dress at retail was just under $20,000 USD even back in 2008 (the equivalent of just under 30k now).
- Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.'
- The dress is strapless and cut to hug your curves from the bust to below the hips.
- From there is flows into a stunning skirt that sweeps around you and trains outwards at the back.
- Inside is an intricately constructed corset with boning and built in cups to shape and hold you and the dress in place.
- The fabric on this one is just extraordinary. The base is an black silk. Onto this is a complex design that is made up of stiffened black silk ribbon that has been folded into flower like designs that run over the entirety of the dress. These are all placed so that they sit slightly up and off of the fabric so that it has this wonderful 3D feel to it. Interspersed around these are black thread embroidery. The black embroidered parts are a combination of knotting, to add to the dimension of the design, and flat embroidery work. Various sized black beads are then worked into this pattern to add yet another element to the design. The end result is that every inch is covered with this amazing hand work.
- The dress has a true old world Haute Couture feel to it and it is rare to see a piece done so elaborately over every bit of the fabric. No matter how good it looks in the photos it is even better in person and on the body.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk. The bottom hem of the skirt is finished with an interior wide band of stiffened netting and the dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It has a built in interior corset bodice that is cupped and boned to be shaped all the way around you. There are pads that just inside the bust and if you need extra room they could easily be removed as they are just tacked in place.The interior corset closes with its own zipper. Finished to couture standards and tons of work by hand.
- Tagged an Oscar size 6
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to hem at the front and the back extends another 15" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5221
Reference Photos: Spring 2008 Oscar de la Rental Bridal.
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
Spectacular 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet Floral Cut Out Dress w Gold Metal Flowers
I Have a Question
- This is a spectacular piece of true Haute Couture that we believe is from the early 1980s.
- It was made under the direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric of the dress is a beautiful silk velvet that has been hand cut into an open cut out floral pattern.
- All of the edges of the flowers have been embroidered so that they are finished perfectly. There is an inner black silk fabric that lies under the top layer so that it is safe to wear with those open cut outs falling from the neck line to the hem.
- The dress is strapless and there is a inner cupped and wired boned corset that holds the dress perfectly in place around you.
- It skim over the inner corset and then is shaped to come in slightly at the waist for added shape.
- The dress comes back out over the hips and falls to the floor. At the hem there is a little bit of a flare set all the way around with extra fabric at the back.
- That extra panel at the back is set so that it falls slightly longer than the front for a very pretty line.
- All of the flowers have a little gold town metal flower set in their centres. These are scattered over the dress and add the perfect finish. It is just enough added glitz but still has that very refined feel that the best of his work had.
- The dress is fully lined in a hand set black silk. It has a built-in boned inner corset that closes with its own zipper and then the dress closes with a zipper over that. An inner waist stay that hooks to close. I see one missing gold flower near the bottom. Its proper numbered Couture tag is present.
- There is no size tag since it is a true couture piece. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 50" from the top of bodice to front hem, 53.5" to the back hem with 3" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5220
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.
















































