Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally made a couture house he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers". Here we have a piece that a custom made on off piece and is absolutely exquisite that most likely late seventies to early eighties. This is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser who was a close friend and muse of James Galanos. "Through her career, Betsy appeared on the cover of important magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Charm, Town & Country and GQ. She was inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1971." She donated many of her pieces to museums, particularly The Met, so it is an honour to have this here available for someone to love and collect.

The dress is constructed into his signature long lean sheath silhouette and is deceptively simple. I cannot convey how amazing this is on person. It literally weighs ounces and was made of three layers of fabric layered over each other - an interior, fine silk chiffon layer in nude, a black chiffon layer between and the top a feather light, fine lace with a floral trellis woven into its design. It is suspended form the shoulder with two tiny silk straps and the bodice runs down and curves very deep while the back takes on a more angular plunge. It skims over the body and is so light you feel quite scandalous - it is like you are wearing nothing at all. A high slit up one side gives a flash of leg as you move. It is so insanely sexy and so obviously couture upon first glance that you will literally have your breathe taken away. If you have been looking for the ultimate dramatic statement gown that is sexy but refined at the same time this could just be it. Exquisite in every way, in museum quality condition and supermodel length. Excellent, appears unworn condition

Under the top layer of lace are two attached layers of silk chiffon as described above with hand finished edgings. It closes with hidden set side zipper. All hand work and finished inside.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2112

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 twin of this dress looked amazing on the runway for the Spring 1999 collection and I am so pleased to have this one in the shop. Finding runway references for Mugler's work is not always easy as he would often change designs for production and produced many pieces that were not shown on the runway. It's an extraordinary find and a gorgeous dress.

What I love the most about this Thierry Mugler gown is that the layer underneath the top chiffon layer is done in his signature soft blue colour. The effect that this creates as it peeks through the black top layer is just fabulous. It changes it from a black dress to a colour that seems to not quite fit a category as the two layers play off of each other. You get a sense of this in the photos I have taken but it is more apparent in person. The depth of colour changes over the course pf the dress too. As the light catches it in different ways you get different variations how dark or light it feels. He then played with that idea further and created a edging of triangles around the top of the bodice but folding and seaming the black chiffon to create the dark angled detailing that you see. The chiffon used for the top layer os all cut on the bias and set on long vertical panels. This gives it wonderful movement as it floats over the interior pale blue layer. The entire dress falls from the bodice which is shaped and formed to hug the bust. Inside it is molded and shaped to create inner cups. Tiny straps suspend the dress from the shoulder and it widens out as it nears the floor. The lightness of the fabric gives it lots of movement as you move. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Ot is made up of three layers. A transparent black top layer of chiffon, A middle baby clue silk layer and then those are lined with a baby blue silky rayon. The bust is seamed so that it is shaped and fitted. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a size 42 and appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2110

Reference Photos: (1-2) S/S 1999 Thierry Mugler Runway Collection.  /  (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is also wearing the Magnetic Midnight Egyptomania 'Nefertiti' Head Piece (click here to shop).

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

This black silk shift dress is the epitome of chic. It was most likely custom made and came from the same estate that some of my other custom Norell dresses came from. The finish on it is incredible and it is very well tailored, beautifully constructed and made from the best possible silk that you could acquire. Every line is a study in thought and detailing. The neck is high with a wide cream collar collar and the sleeves each end in a matching cream cuff of equal width. What is incredible is that both cuffs and the collar are constructed so that they can be removed and all the snaps to do so are hidden. Which means you can transform this into a chic little black dress in moments.  The dress buttons up the back with fabric covered buttons that become a design element in themselves. It has its original tie belt so you can add shape, without it it is a classic shift dress. His signature, hand set, deep hem is done invisibly along the hem of the skirt and the weight of that deep hem acts as a hidden design element that keeps the drape of the dress perfect. Really a fabulous Norell day piece that can be transformed to a cocktail dress with a change of accessories. Very chic and very rare. Excellent condition.

Lined in a fine grade black silk throughout. It closes with the back fabric covered buttons. The cuffs and collars snap on and off with hidden set snaps. The belt was originally attached to the dress at some point and there is the teeniest pull at the front where it was stitched. Once belted you do not see it all all. The very slightest of yellowing to the silk cuffs and collar that may brighten with one more cleaning. I have priced it accordingly, and both these are very minor and forgivable as is.  Hand finished and the silk is of extremely high quality and a very luxurious weight.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2107

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

This amazing and rare, early Donald Brooks Boutique piece is the absolute epitome of that early seventies flower power hippie movement. Any of the big name super models of the time would have easily graced the pages of Vogue in this two piece set. The skirt is maxi length and has a fabulous flare to it. The fabric is just fabulous with a multi-color floral print on a cotton mix with a nod to a seersucker texture. That combination of flowers and stripes running over it make you instantly seem taller and leaner. The top is adorable with its halter top, cropped cut - it is made to fit to perfection and show off a taut, tanned stomach. Its cut leave the back almost completely bare too! I love the edging of bright flowers that adorn the waistline and hem of the skirt as well as run around the bottom, top and sides of that sexy little top. The boutique label was only produced from 1971 to 1973 and based on similar pieces held in musuem's I believe this to be from that very first year of production. What a beautiful piece! Excellent condition

Both the top and skirt are unlined and the cotton very light and easy to wear. The top closes with a series of three dome buttons at the neck and on the back strap. The skirt closes with a hidden set zipper and hook & eye above that.

Top
Bust: variable as there are no true side seams
At strap under bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx. 13.5" from back of neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2105

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 dress is amazing and finding anything from the ateliers of Chanel is special but the true Haute Couture pieces even more so. The gown is two pieces layered over each other and both are entirely done by hand . The ribbon weave silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and has a beautiful custom print. It feels stupendous on. The top is loose fitting and the sleeves slightly voluminous above their cuffs. A classic Chanel tie sits smartly at the neck and you can tie it as I have shown or do a looser more casual version. Each sleeve has a row of tiny hand covered fabric buttons on its cuff and I love the effect of the transparent panels of fabric as they run down the sleeve. The skirt is a masterpiece of fine, flat pleat work and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is spaced perfectly and so finely done you hardly realize they are there until you look closely and realize that is what gives the skirt volume - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to do this. You will also notice that each line of the pattern in the silk brilliantly lines up with the ones beside it. The interior dress is a simple sheath and acts as a lining. It is so well made it could be worn on its own so in effect you almost have two dresses! It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this.

The exterior dress is unlined with all interior seams hand finished. It closes with the buttons down the front and hook& eye. The interior dress is fully lined in black silk and it closes with a handset side painted metal zip. The cuffs button with a series of hand covered silk buttons. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture number 50228

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2103

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

A luxurious, rich black velvet maxi dress has a stunning slim column cut. This gown by Yves Saint Laurent is stunning in its simplicity. It flows to the floor in a widening fall of velvet. Yves takes that and then adds a classic YSL detailing through the shoulders and neck with  twist with wide flat braids set into the seams - an adornment used over and over on pieces form this time period and making it instantly identifiable as a YSL piece. The cut is simple - a high, rounded neck and long sleeves and then that beautiful drape of fabric that makes up the skirt. It is so flattering and both creates height and is very forgiving to any perceived body flaws. I love the the matte of the braid against the richness of the velvet. Lined in silk so feels amazing on and with the finishing details you expect form a Yves Saint Laurent piece. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and it closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2096

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

Unbelievable Hanae Mori set that is just stunning and I have not seen another like it. It is completely off her norm and yest still quintessentially a Hanae in every way. I love the bold print used on the black backdrop of each piece. The contrast of using a knit for the top and the silk chiffon for the skirt is wonderful and really make the ensemble feel fresh and modern. The top is a light, fluid metallic knot that has brilliant pops of a metallic purple and pink woven into it on the front and back. The subtle shimmer of the fabric is the perfect contrast to the bias cut silk chiffon skirt. The skirt is classic Hanae Mori with a bold pattern on black, screened onto bias cut silk chiffon. The waist nips in and then the skirt cascades to the floor with a panel of fabric fluttering down one side. It is quite beautiful. Ii still has an original hang tag attached. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

The top is unlined slips on. The skirt is fully lined  in a black silky rayon and closes at the side with a zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. There is the the slightest run on one arm that I have photoed for you to see. It really does not detract and looks more apparent in the photo then in real life.

Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15-17"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 20" from shoulder to waist

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2091

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

This amazing Pauline Trigere set, done in one of her signature floral prints, is absolutely spectacular. It is one of my favorite pieces that I have had by her so far and that is saying a lot. Done in a brilliant green mixed with pinks and purples on a light scarf weight silk that holds the color amazingly well. This fabric choice works perfectly with the draped and caftan feel the set has and when on weighs ounces so is insanely comfortable to wear. The top is cut deceptively simple but is pure genius - it is two panels of fabric back to back so has no true side seams. The waist is gathered in an elastic front and back and hooks on each side. This creates that wonderful volume and an almost kimono-esque cut that is stunning on. This tops a beautifully cut, long, lean silk skirt. It looks like nothing special off a body but once on - wow. Then the original tie belt cinches in the waist to give it some shape. Amazing concept and a beautiful couture level piece. Excellent, appears unworn condition

The top is unlined and slips on and hooks at either side of the elastic waist. It has a button above the keyhole opening at the back neck. The skirt is lined in a green silk chiffon and closes with a flat hook at the side waist with an elastic through the waist. Has original tie belt in matching fabric

Top
Width: 44" flat across the full width with no defined side seams at bust
Length: 28" from neck to hem
Elastic waist: 13.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam

Skirt
Elastic waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2088

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

This beautiful and early example of Christian Diors work is quite extraordinary. This is the New York label so is what I consider to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made in, and for, the American market but were based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated. When held off the hanger it actually has some weight to it, not because the fabric is thick or bulky but because there is so much of it worked through the skirt. Once on it feels perfectly balanced but it is astonishing how much fabric there is. This is due to the clever design. Inside the skirt is a shorter inner silk lining and over this are two panels of fabric that wrap and overlap each other ending at each opposite hip. Each has a gathering of flat pleats mainly where it ends at the hip and the amount of fabric within the pleats is deceptive from how it lies when on. Under each hip is a bit of tulle to help gently curve the hip and create that desired hourglass. The bodice is equally remarkable and it buttons into place and has a high point design element on one shoulder. Little notched cuffs pick up this angular design and a saucy pocket sits on one hip. Big bow adorned silver toned buttons are the perfect finish. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Lined through the skirt and the bodice and sleeves are unlined. It closes with a side zipper. The panel on the bodice buttons and snaps into place. Some elements of tulle through the panels of the skirt to add slight volume where intended. Note that the buttons show patina where the top layer of silver coating has degraded. Since the dress appears virtually unworn I feel this is from the passing of time and not from wear. Please see the close up of the label to see what I mean. Easily replace or re-coated but left as is as they are original to the dress.

Sleeves: approx 19"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2086

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

In 2007, when the ads came out featuring the beautiful Kate Moss wearing this silver baby doll Burberry Prorsum coat, the coat instantly sold out worldwide. Only a limited production was done of the coat and it is virtually impossible to find. It may be the single most recognizable coat they have produced, especially with the Kate Moss association. For me this really marked the point where Christopher Bailey came into his own and really started to push and raise the bar with the Prorsum division. On the runway it was look #28 and was featured endlessly in editorials worldwide.

It is cut in a dramatic baby doll silhouette that is fitted across the upper shoulder and high chest area. The rest of the coat swings out from there with remarkable fullness. In the back the volume begins from the panel that runs across the shoulder so has even more volume. The buttons are large silver tone metal buttons that have since become a signature feature and indeed, act as a design element here. The pockets sit on either side of the hip and each is accented with another large silver button. It can almost bee worn as a dress if you wish. The fabric is amazing and is extremely high tech and complicated. It is literally thin strips of aluminum metal woven through cotton cording and fabric. It is like an updated woven version of a twenties lame and it is surprisingly light weight and moves very well while still retaining its intended voluminous shape. Excellent, unworn condition.

Fully lined in a logo embossed light taupe fabric. It closes with the buttons at the front as shown. Tagged a size 42.

Sleeves: 19.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C374

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

This silk chiffon gown with its hand made fabric that has a gold leaf design woven through its surface, is amazing and it its simple silhouette belies the masterful attention to detail that is shown in every breathtaking stitch. It is insanely sexy with its simple wrapped cut and transparent outer dress. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather - it literally floats and swirls around you. The outer dress is lightweight and floats over and inner silk under dress and the sleeves are left as a single layer of silk. The outer dress is a soft, milk chocolate color with that amazing gold thread worked through its surface. It is cut to float over the body in a cascade of silk only to be caught up at the waist with volume above created with the wide puffed sleeves and volume below through the amount of fabric in the skirt. The draping and effect that all that fabric creates is incredibly romantic and beautiful. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs voluminously above the fitted cuffs that close with a series of tightly spaced hand covered buttons. The skirt is soft into the waist with soft folds and really has a light, ethereal effect. It is amazing how fine the silk is and to have worked that gold thread through it and also to work with it to piece the gown together would have taken hours and hours of painstaking work. It is truly a brilliant, brilliant gown and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction and by its sheer, breathtaking beauty. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

In the present world of Haute Couture, a gown like this would have a starts price of well over $75,000US dollars. Consider too that the Yves Saint Laurent atelier is no longer producing Haute Couture and the exclusivity factor goes up tenfold. The rarefied world of true Haute Couture and the truly limited productions of each piece makes finds like this especially gratifying. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client and has not been on the market prior to my having it here. It is also from early on in Yves career, making it that much more desirable

The inner dress is made of a high quality silk and acts as the inner lining to the outer dress. The inner dress closes with a side hand set, metal zipper. The outer dress wraps at the waist and closes with hook and eye in two spots. Each cuffs buttons with four silk covered buttons and silk loops. Both pieces completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It is even more wonderful in person.

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38.5" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2082

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

An incredible early piece by Bill Blass that is just beautiful and very rare and special. It really shows his love of fabrics and unusual textures that he would use early on to contrast his simple cuts and elegant designs. This is an aesthetic viewpoint that he continued throughout his career but I feel that the earliest pieces, like this one are the best. His love of fabrics meant that over the course of his career he produced glamorous and luxurious pieces but it is the early ones like this that everything else stemmed from. I also feel that the earlier pieces really showcased his extravagant, dramatic side which, as he became more commercial and his company larger, was sometimes diluted down to meet sales standards rather then his own design standards. This full length dress is constructed from a beautiful silk chiffon that has a combination of a silk velvet and a gold metallic thread fused and worked through its surface to produce the design you see. The shape is a simple column that widens out slightly as it nears that spectacular hem. Both the neckline and hem have a circle of an extravagant, hand set, wide panel of hand-dyed feathers laced through with fine gold threads. The collar is a spectacular 6 inches and the hem just under a foot of layers feathers that move with the slightest bit of movement. I love that each sleeve is cut wide and full. The construction throughout is beautiful - all hand finished and meticulously done. An exception, museum quality gown Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk that is all hand set with the sleeves left unlined. It has piped silk fabric finishes at the inner hem. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. The feathers are handset and are in excellent condition with no apparent shedding

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2081

Reference Photos: Fall 1973 Bill Blass Runway.

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

This set is so spectacular that it really belongs in a museum and would certainly be the show piece of any collection or exhibit focusing on Vollbracht's work. The gown part of the set is stunning. It is made of a fine silk with a hand painted design of red and a pale mustard that depicts huge over sized leaves covering its surface. It is cut to fall loosely around the waist and just simply drape over the wearer. The way it falls once on a real girl is just wonderful, that extensive bead work that covers the entire dress and follows the pattern on the silk, gives the fabric a bit of weight and this really makes the way it falls once on quite wonderful. All the bead work is done by hand and covers the entire dress. The beads are little red tube beads and this gives the dress a subtle sparkle in the light as well. Over this is an amazing quilted kimono-esque coat that is really more of a cape in some ways. When off and flat it is a rectangular shape (see the photos provided), consisting of a single panel of fabric at the back and two at the front. Once on, this cut allows it to drape and fold beautifully to create the most interesting shape. It too has that same huge print over the surface and the fabric was also quilted for an added, extra dimension and texture. The pieces look amazing together and are also very versatile as they can be split up and worn separately. Excellent overall condition

The dress is unlined and slips on the wear. Here and there are light storage spots and some beads are missing but these are very minor and when on none of these areas stand out or detract  - it presents as excellent. The coat is quilted and the inside is a solid red of the same cotton fabric as the exterior. It has no closures. The dress is hand finished and the fabric of both pieces are hand painted.

I have marked it suitable for a variety of frames as I feel on a smaller frame it just drapes more and is not meant to be super fitted, it just has more of a caftan feel. The coat is one size fits all.

Dress
Sleeves: approx. 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Kimono
Width: 60" across from top to bottom
Length: 39.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2080

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

This would have been designed and created under the eye of Yves himself for that famous 'Opéra Les Ballets Russes' collection and this has the added specialness of coming directly from the daughter of the Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this. The blouse is exquisite and of course it is entirely hand made as the parameters of Haute Couture define. The silk chiffon is of the finest grade and you can feel the difference at first touch. I love the little row of tightly spaced, hand covered buttons that run down the front. On either side are tiny, perfect hand done flat pleats and a feminine bow sits at the neck. The body of the blouse is cut loose and easy and each sleeve has a slight puffed volume above the buttoned cuff. It is absolutely exquisite and a stunning example of Haute Couture while Yves was alive from a collection that changed the fashion world. Excellent condition

The body of the top has two layers of the silk chiffon with a third layer between them in a nude silk chiffon on the front only. It closes down the front with a series of hand covered silk buttons with a attached tie at the top. Buttons cuffs. Entirely hand done

It is always a privilege to have true Haute Couture pieces pass through the shop. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special. You also get a lot for your money in many ways with vintage versions as the cost of current Haute Couture has skyrocketed.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 13" (slightly inset)
Bust-Hip: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# S582

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

Early Rabanne pieces are so rare to find and I have three spectacular example of his work in the shop today. This one is a stunning plasticized aluminum chain mail dress in gold with the signature green backing that this particular range of dresses were known for. They were made for a season by Softwear for Baumann AG in Switzerland. The same company that produced the large panel of this that Rabanne used for curtains and room dividers for his home wear line. The gold Plastic pieces linked aluminum rings make the pieces very light and fluid. This would have been cutting edge fabrication at the time and the entire dress would have had to have been meticulously constructed by hand. It creates an almost bias cut effect so the sizing will work on a variety of body types and what you choose to wear under it will dramatically change the feel of the piece. Onto the chain link are round disc that dangle - they are placed in clusters over the body of the dress and edge the hem. Light gold toned aluminum chain edges. Love the V dip front and it is even lower in the back where the edges drape. Exceptional. Excellent, museum quality condition

Slips on to wear. The nature of the dress makes the sizing extremely variable. No identifying marks, though these had none when made. Similar pieces have been sold at auction and it is absolutely Rabanne.

Width from bust to hip: approx 15-20" flat across from side to side
Length: approx 52" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2078

Reference photo shows Paco Rabanne adjusting one of his disk dresses with pliers, 1966.

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

Early Paco Rabanne pieces are so rare and hard to find and I have three spectacular examples of his work in the shop at the moment. This one is a stunning plasticized aluminum chain mail dress in gold with the signature green backing on each disc that this particular range of dresses were known for. They were made for a season by Softwear for Baumann AG in Switzerland. This is the same company that produced the large panel of materials like this that Rabanne used for curtains and room dividers for his home wear line. The gold plastic pieces are linked with aluminum rings that make the dress very light and fluid. This would have been cutting edge fabrication at the time and the entire dress would have had to have been meticulously constructed by hand. The way it is put together creates an almost bias cut effect which is lovely. It also means that the sizing will work on a variety of body types. What you choose to wear under it will dramatically change the feel of the piece. Worked onto the body of the dress are round discs that dangle - they form a diamond pattern on the front and edge the trim of the hem. Light gold toned aluminum chain also adorn the edges of the dress. I love the V dip front and that dip is even lower in the back where the edges drape. This dress also includes an extraordinary head piece that drapes into place once on. I love that the headpiece has no center which allows for endless possibilities for hairstyles.Exception. Excellent, museum quality condition

Slips on to wear. The nature of the dress makes the sizing extremely variable. Has extra disc and links. No identifying marks, though these had none when made. Has extra disc and links. Similar pieces have been sold at auction and it is absolutely Rabanne.

Width from bust to hip: approx 15-19" flat across from side to side
Length: approx 53" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2076

Reference photo shows Paco Rabanne adjusting one of his disk dresses with pliers, 1966.

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

For the Prada collector this dress will be instantly recognizable. From the runway of the F/W 2003 collection is that fabulous little dress done in a floral silk whose print was reissued from the 1960 Holliday & Brown archives. Holliday & Brown was a tie maker who produced custom silks in Britain for a good 80 years before falling into a bit of obscurity in the 80s and the brand was sold and subsequently floundered. In 200s Prada did a collaboration with the brand and re-issued prints from the archives. This dress is one of those and because of the limited production of just this one season is very collectible. Interestingly the print was used once again when the book "Fashion Designers A–Z" was released. Each book came in a Plexiglas box, crafted by hand and was stamped with a unique number. For the Prada Edition of 2,000 numbered copies, Miuccia Prada selected four classic prints from previous collections and re-printed them on cotton: the feminine tiny “hearts,” the Baroque-inspired “bananas,” the abstract geometric “diamonds,” and the same one as this dress - the floral reissued for Prada from the 1960 Holliday & Brown archives.

The dress itself is a simple fitted sheath with a nod to the early 60s in cut that the print originated from . The sleeves fall just past the elbow and the top skims over the bust to a fitted and defined waist. The skirt is fitted and just above the knee. The print is the star of the dress and it is screened on a high grade silk twill. The simple cut allows the print to shine and the silk allows for maximum saturation of color. A beauty and still retains its extra label denoting it as a a special reissue of the arched print. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a dark taupe silky rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Tagged a 42 but please check measurements as Prada does run small.

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2074

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

This stunning dress has a double dose of celebrity. Originally it belonged to Mildred Davis Lloyd, who was an actress that entranced audiences during the heyday of the silent film before giving up her career when she married comedian Harold Llyod. After her death it was acquired by long time Hollywood memorabilia collector Debbie Reynolds for her once dreamed of Hollywood costume museum. I have acquired directly from my client who bought it at the latest Debbie Reynolds auction in May of 2014. The dress will come with a certificate from the auction house guaranteeing its provenance.

Even without its amazing celebrity connected background the dress is exquisite and a wonderful example of the high end workmanship that dresses in the 1950s were being made with. It only has its I. Magnin label, but I am sure it is a high end designer piece as it has all the hallmarks of one. The lace work is astonishing and very beautiful. It appears to be a hand made lace done to create a beautiful floral design on a fine net backdrop. Each flower has twisted knots of velvet cord to highlight its center. This creates a beautiful 3D effect. The lace lies over two other layers of tulle in the skirt, one plain and one dotted to crate depth and more texture. Under this is a boned corset and underskirt in a layer of nude fabric. The skirt is very full and I have styled it over a light crinoline so you can see the fullness through the skirt (crinoline not included). The bodice has a pretty wide shoulders done in lace and a V back. I love how the lace finishes in a scallop at the bottom hem and how that same delicate detail is picked up where it lies over the silk edge on the top. Excellent, museum quality condition. 

Fully lined in a nude colored silky rayon with three layers over that making up the skirt as described above. The interior bodice is boned and covered in black net. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2071

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

This phenomenal heavy black silk evening gown is undeniably exquisite in its cut and design. The sheer simplicity of line combined with that beautiful fabric combine to create one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever had pass through my hands. The fabric is a black silk that has just enough weight to it to hold the shape and volume the piece requires. The front and back both plunge right to the waist with just elongated triangle panels curving up and over each shoulder. At the base of the front plunge sits a beautiful applique of think silk cord and beads, hand sewn to create a subtle glimmer against the back drop of silk. The interior is lined in a heavy silk in a matching black and is hand set. The skirt is cut with a dramatic fuller cut that swings out from the waist and is also a touch longer in the back for maximum impact. It is tremendously full with yards and yards of fabric but sits perfectly once one. I have included a ohoto of Verushca in a plunging dress of the same time period but I personally htink this version is even better. Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he "was a genius at draping". By the time he opened his own atelier in 1966 he was in full form and was a master cutter as well. His work is on par with couture and each piece is hand finished and has all the lovely high end details one looks for in proper couture. He is without doubt one of my favorites and I treasure each piece I can acquire. Excellent, museum quality condition

Fully lined in a high grade silk and closes with hidden, hand set, low back painted metal zipper and snaps at the back waist. Hand finished. Note that this would be the perfect match to the Halley coat we have listed.

Bust: no true side seams, variable
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist with a 1.5" band
Skirt: 43" from lower waist band seam to front hem, 44" at the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2070

Photographed for creative purposes by Ted Belton, Stylist: Amanda Lee Shirreffs, Hair & Makeup: Erin Heather. Reference photo of Veruschka in George Halley by Richard Avedon for Vogue 1967.

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 Balenciaga Haute Couture atelier opened in 1937, closed briefly from 1940 -1945 and then reopened until Cristobal's retirement in 1968. The label continued under a licensing agreement, not as a Haute Couture house, until 1986 and closed again until 1987 when it was bought as a ready to wear label and the present day Balenciaga shops appeared in 1989. Though the label has been revived and is doing well in the present day,it is important to note that the current Balenciaga label is not a member of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris and the house only produced Haute Couture during the years above. A very short time period.

This is a lovely example from the 1950s made of a hand made lace and entirely done by hand for the construction as well. It has the Haute Couture label and is numbered as well. I have reached out the the archives and if I can get an exact date I will add it or send that information to the new owner. The exterior is a silk net lace with a black silk cording hand applied through the net to create the suggestions of blossoms running over the surface. This top layer skims over an inner sheath of fine black silk and under that is a highly structured foundation garment. The interior corseting has all the things one looks for from couture of this time period. It is boned by hand with a complicated construction of lingerie weight elasticized fabric combined with built in cups that are covered in a silk net and silk for comfort. This interior corset closes with a series of lingerie hooks and they have even added a panel of soft silk velvet that is placed under the hooks and against your skin so you do not feel the hooks at all. Examples of his work are held in museums world wide and it is a fabulous opportunity to offer this dress here today. Excellent condition.

In the present world of Haute Couture, a day dress starts at a price tag of $30,000US dollars and a cocktail dress would go up from there. You also get the added exclusivity that automatically comes with the rarefied world of true Haute Couture and the truly limited productions of each piece, especially when the label is one of the true masters of Couture as this is. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones.

Fully lined in a black high grade silk with a full interior, built in corset. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a side handset, fine painted metal zipper and the interior corset closes at the side with a series of lingerie hooks. Over both of these the lace exterior closes with a series of handset snaps. Haute Couture number 90903 though it looks like there might be one other faint number before the first 9. Note that in person the color is a true black. It is even better in person!

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of front bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2069

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

This incredibly fun and dramatic jumpsuit and cape set was most likely meant as beach wear. Pedro Rodriquez was a couturier based in Spain that became as famous in that country as his more globally known contemporary, Balenciaga. Rodriquez designed from the late twenties through to the early 70s and had his own boutiques throughout Spain. From what I can gather this was done under a sub-label to be sold as a more "ready to wear" line in the boutiques, and its inspiration was taken in the same spirit of the Formfit Rogers done with Pucci during this same time period of fashion. Made of a printed nylon jersey the jumpsuit has little straps and a formed bust. The pants are cut wide and full, and each then ties harem style at the ankle. The cape is hooded and made of a semi-sheer chiffon in a matching print. The hood is fabulous and I love the sherbert color combination of yellows and pinks mixed with pops of a soft blue. Really fabulous and dramatic and one of those unique pieces you only find in vintage! Excellent condition.

Both pieces are unlined. The jumpsuit slips on with ties at each ankle and the cape has a tie at the neck

Jumpsuit
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to cuff
Inseam: 30"

Cape:
Length: 58"
Will fit a variety of sizes.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD2068

Reference Photos: Ad in Vogue February 15, 1966. (Pedro Rodríguez from Spain, Norman Hartnell from Britain, Sorelle Fontana from Italy and Jacques Heim from France created these spectacular nightgowns for Celanese Nylon fiber)

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 museum quality, amazing silk chiffon set by Hanae Mori is just spectacular. It is so rare to find one of her hand beaded pieces and when it the design is as beautiful as this one is, it just makes it that much more special. This set has all three original pieces - the long flowing silk skirt that tops a flowing hand beaded silk column gown and the little silk satin strapless dress that sits under the other two pieces. I love that you can wear it with or without the skirt and get two very distinct looks. With out the skirt it has a more formal feel and once the skirt is added it really has that  draped, goddess, flowing feel to it that collectors crave when they look for the best of Hanae's pieces. This is couture on the highest level with everything about the piece deliberate and constructed to work as a whole. The sheath dress is a simple cut with bead work hand applied to follow and highlight the neckline and shoulders. The skirt wraps and secures over this and once on, flows to the floor in a beautiful drape of silk chiffon. The effect of the two layered over each other is wonderful. I love how the skirt waist band has a heavy and dense applique of bead work to give it that little extra pop. A charming little extra bead work is done over the design in the silk just above the waist as well. Museum quality. Excellent, seemingly unworn condition

None of the three pieces are lined individually but act as lining once layered over each other. The inner silk stain strapless column acts as the lining for the dress and slip on with elastic at its top hem. The main dress closes a series of silk covered buttons down the back and hook & eye at the back neck. Her signature tiny fabric covered snaps sit at each cuff. The skirt wraps and closes with tiny hidden snaps and hook & eye. Nude hand made, rounded shoulder pads. You can clearly see the handwork on the back of the fabric.

Inner silk satin strapless dress
Top elastic: 14-20"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam and widens to 20" the rest of the way to the hem
Length: 50" from top to hem

Dress
Shoulders: approx 16"
Sleeves: 24" at longest points
Bust- hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam (could be adjusted up to 1 inch if needed
Hips: open
Length: to 47" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# DD2065

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

This stunning and romantic printed silk chiffon gown is by Oscar de la Renta. I have seen this before both in a similar version and this print so despite it being unlabeled and that combined with the information from the original owner has me sure on the matter. It looks very odd off the body as the top portion is an immense double panel of silk chiffon  caught up with little stitches spaced across the shoulder that both allow a glimpse of skin and cause it to drape down and over the top portion of the skirt beautifully. The skirt flows to the floor in a double layer of silk. It is light and airy and moves extremely well. Really a beautiful gown! Excellent condition.

The bodice is a single layer of the silk chiffon, the skirt is two. It slips on to wear and has elastic at the waist. Very forgivable size wise as it just sort of drapes on.

Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist once on
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2064

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

From the 1987 collection "Secrets of the Nile" is this beautiful gown that is a combination of silk organza that has been hand painted, Hand done bead and sequin work, and embroidery are done in a beautiful combination of blue and gold. The bodice is made of a  silk with a intricate design that has been created through beading and embroidery. Both the back and front are densely covered and I love the long drop waist silhouette. The sleeves are stunning and set to sit low and off shoulder, and are quite wide and full with the fabric wrapping over itself. That skirt is just amazing with a beautiful customs design by Zandra running over its surface in gold, all completely hand painted and done to create a myriad of starts scattered across the surface. It has an inner skirt of black jersey but the fullness you see is crated purely by the choice of the fabric and the cut and way it is set into the waist. A keyhole that ties at the back of the neck is the perfect finish. It is just extraordinary and very special and over the top in the best possible way! Excellent, appears unworn condition!

Fully lined with a black silk through the bodice and a stretch jersey lining though the skirt. It closes with a back set zipper and ties above that as shown. The bead work, sequins and embroidery and the painted fabric are all done by hand. There is a little tiny split in the fabric  just above the seam under one arm - I have photoed it - you cannot see it at all when its on because of the volume of fabric in the sleeve. It appears stable. Priced accordingly

Sleeves: 15"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from neck to center waist
Skirt: 36" from center waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD2063

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

This is a fabulous dress from the 2002 runway. If you have been looking for that perfect, strapless LBD, look no farther as this is it. Exquisitely made and despite it being such a great basic there are still lots of great high end detailing. From the curved peaked bodice that is lightly boned for shape, to the kick pleat skirt with its center pleat at both the front and back. Its simple exterior belies the masterful construction inside as you expect from a piece from Prada. The bodice is lightly boned and the waist supported with a stretch fabric to help shape the wearer into a a girl with curves. Though the black perhaps does not photo as well as some of the brights you can be assured that this dress is a beauty in person. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

It is also from a collection that showed Miuccia could do "sexy". Style.com's review of this show said:

Thank you, Miuccia Prada, for reminding us about sex. Tight skirts that show a woman's shape, high crocodile boots, see-through macs, and models that are the antithesis of innocent waifs. All these factored into a collection that sent the fashion world spinning away from its current fixation with hippie peasant clichés.

In a show that was densely layered with references to the history of fashion, Prada cut a strong, curvaceous and erotically charged line to give grown-ups a whole new reason to buy. From the moment Eva Herzigova appeared, silhouetted in a black nylon bomber jacket with fur sleeves and a black, wickedly seamed skirt, it was obvious Prada had her sights set on a new kind of adult sophistication. High-waisted tweed skirts, bomber jackets cut to show the waist, and blouses with stiff puffed sleeves signaled her belief in the power of a new, hard chic. Revisiting structured tailoring—which is where she began in the '90s—was only one of her ideas. She also worked in duchesse satin, gathered at the neckline to emphasize breasts, Monroe-esque silk sunray pleats, and '30s showgirl lingerie playsuits. Great oversized rubberized raincoats with inside-out seams and a black satin jockey cardigan with knit sleeves also stood out from what was a vast inventory of must-have items.

Prada referenced many of her own past collections, from her bourgeois ladylike phase to her militaristic moments and her love of vintage lingerie. But her achievement was in making something inspiringly new out of confronting a personal taboo. "I was fed up with people saying I can't do sexy clothes!" she stated backstage. It was said with a laugh, but the designer has done nothing less than change the fashion agenda overnight.

Fully lined through the bodice in a stretch cotton jersey while the skirt is unlined. Boned through the bodice and closes with a back zipper. Tagged a Prada 44 but know your size in Prada or check measurements as Prada runs small

Bust: to to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to top waist seam, waist band approx 3.5"
Skirt: 20" from bottom waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2054

Reference runway photo from style.com

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

Leo Narducci won the Coty Fashion Award for Young Designers in 1965 and it is a bit of a shame that he is an oft overlooked designer. His work really was wonderful and he focused on the fabric. Here we have the dress that was used in the national campaign for the brand. You can see that it was photoed on Super Model Marissa Berenson. The textile design was done by Ed Diamond, who Narducci worked with often, telling him his vision and then Mr. Diamond would create a fabric for it. I love the bold graphic feel of the piece with its stark black and white striping on silk mixed with those incredible dots.The cut os a long slim sheath. The neck is high and it has attached ties that you can wrap and style or simply leave to trail down the front or back. The sleeves are cuffed at the wrist with slight volume above. I love it and its a treat to have such a well documented piece - designer, date, textile and the campaign & model information!

Fully lined in a white silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has a fabric covered button to close. The ties at the neck are attached.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD2050

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

I had this listed as from a slightly earlier collection based on the range of time that I knew the owner was purchasing couture during, and also on similar gowns from another season. However, since then I have found the editorial from Vogue, 1973 featuring a young Catherine Deneuve and am certain that this is the twin of this dress. It also apparently appears in the September issue of Elle from that same year but I have yet to hunt that one down. I will add it once found.

The gown is amazing and it its simple silhouette belies the masterful attention to detail that is shown in every breathtaking stitch. It is insanely sexy despite the fact that it covers you from head to toe and is not fitted in anyway. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather - it literally floats and swirls around you. Two layers of fine, lightweight bias cut silk chiffon sit atop each other through the body with the sleeves left in a single layer. The top layer is a soft, romantic pastel periwinkle blue and the inner layer a soft dove grey. It is cut to float over the body in a cascade of silk from the angular cut shoulder. The draping and effect that all that fabric creates is incredibly romantic and beautiful. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs voluminously above the fitted cuffs. The closure is hidden along one of those angled seams and is a series of tiny, fabric covered snaps that lie under the seam. The attached ties is miles long and you can style is numerous ways -some I have shown here. That shoulder line is one that he repeated often through the years and it is wonderful to see one of the first examples of what became a signature design detail. He actually repeated this design in the 1980s collection and an example of that is held at The Met, however by then he was also experimenting with tiers and layers rather then one flowing length to the floor as we see here. I have included the Vogue editorial with Catherine Deneuve in the dress and also a shot from a recent shoot we had done so you can see how the dress sits on a modern girl. It is truly a brilliant, brilliant gown and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction and by its sheer, breathtaking beauty. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition with two small items to note below.

The Yves Saint Laurent atelier is no longer producing Haute Couture making the exclusivity factor of owning one of their haute couture pieces even greater. The rarefied world of true Haute Couture and the truly limited productions of each piece makes finds like this especially gratifying. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client and has not been on the market prior to my having it here. It is also from early on in Yves career, making it hat much more desirable

Lined in a high grade bias cut silk chiffon with the sleeves left unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a series of handset, fabric covered snaps that run under and along one of the angled shoulder seams. Each cuffs buttons with a silk covered button. There is one tiny smudge of darkening to the fabric on the fabric near the hip but when on it gets lost in the folds and does not detract in any way (pictured). I see one well done repair on the sleeve and again with the volume of fabric there this is mainly seen when lying flat and being inspected. Priced with these in mind and that it presents as excellent once on. It is even more wonderful in person.

The bias, open cut allows it to fit a variety of sizes as it will simply flow and drape into place.

Sleeves: approx 28" but puff up when on
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: bias cut allows approx 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2044

Reference Photos:  (1-2) Catherine Devenue for Vogue, 1973.  /  (3-5) Fall 1973 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Presentation.  /  (6) Photographed for creative purposes by Ted Belton, Stylist: Amanda Lee Shirreffs, Hair & Makeup: Erin Heather, Model: Karis.

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

This is perhaps one of Zandra's most well documented pieces and examples are held in museums and private collections world wide. On the Zandra Rhodes website the text describing this dress reads:

"Certain dresses in particular have become known as Zandra Rhodes classics that are revisited every season and reworked, such as her best-selling dress known simply by its style number '73/44'. This feminine silk chiffon dress first came out in 1973 with a 'Field of Lilies' print, and has a deep v-neckline, long wide sleeves, and a full length skirt. It is finished with a satin sash in a contrasting or complementary colour, which is another Zandra Rhodes trademark

Her site further references versions of this gown that can be found in these books: The Art of Zandra Rhodes (Rhodes and Knight 1984) this dress is shown in a different colourway as butterfly no. 66 and is shown photographed flat (p.102); the style number 73/44 is described as a 'CLASSIC' (p. 238). Zandra Rhodes a lifelong love affair with textiles (Monsef et al 2005) this dress is shown in a photograph by David Bailey taken for British Vogue 1974 (p.90). This style number is described as Zandra Rhodes' 'best-selling garment' that has 'graced celebrities, royalty, models and women around the world' (p.91). Fifty Dresses that changed the world (Design Museum 2009) the style number 73/44 is included with the title 'Painted Chiffon Dresses' (pp.62-3)."

The V&A Museum notes about this print: "Zandra Rhodes considers the Lily prints to be the best of her work, and particularly significant. It was while developing the Lily textiles that she developed the method of reversing the silkscreen to produce a mirror image of the print and create symmetrical patterns. This went on to influence many of her future significant prints, such as 'Lace Mountain', 'Cactus Volcano' and 'Scribble Turnaround'. The Lily prints also represent the introduction of handwriting and calligraphy into her textile designs. Another point of significance for Zandra is that the Lily dresses were the first dresses that she started applying beading to, which would become a future trademark." It also comes with its original silk satin pink sash that has the Zandra Rhodes Sample label hand sewn to its back. Making this perhaps one of the first of these dresses to have been produced!

This rare and amazing, entirely hand painted, silk caftan gown is just wonderful. This version is a beautiful combination of a pale cream with a soft, pastel mint and the belt is a soft blush. Made entirely of hand painted silk chiffon with a satin sash. The bodice is cut loose and full and dips dramatically to plunge almost to the waist at the front and is embellished with pearlised shell shaped beads that run around and behind the neck and are scattered on each long and wide 'butterfly' sleeves. The waist is a wide gathered elastic band and that flows to the floor with a satin bow detailing over the elastic. The skirt is full and cascades to the floor. The print is entirely done by hand with beautiful lilies painted on it and the field of lilies text she is infamous for is scrolled across it top to bottom. 'I love beautiful flower' 'Beautiful flower' 'A lily flower, a lily, a lily' 'A field of lilies' 'Lilies lots and lots of beautiful lilies a field of yet more lilies' 'Zandra Rhodes, Zandra Rhodes' 'Grass' 'Leaves more leaves, leaves green' 'Zandra's beautiful lilies' is written on various parts. It is a true work of art, exceedingly rare and very special. A true piece of fashion history. Excellent, museum quality condition

Partially lined with a second layer of nude silk chiffon through the bodice only. The dress has an elastic waist and slips on to wear. The sash snaps into place with hook & eye and fabric covered snaps at the waist. There are more shells on one shoulder then the other but it would be easy to move some if this bothered you. Hand finished throughout and entirely hand painted.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Sleeves: approx 31" to longest points
Bust: no trued defined side seams
Waist: 12-16" across
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2036

Reference photos: Jane Goddard in Zandra Rhodes by David Bailey, Vogue UK, 1974. / Bianca Jagger wearing a Zandra Rhodes dress for Cosmopolitan, 1974.

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

In the present world of Haute Couture, a gown like this would have a starts price of well over $75,000US dollars. Considering that House of Dior is still producing Haute Couture that fact easily makes a dress like this a virtual steal. You also get the added exclusivity that automatically comes with the rarefied world of true Haute Couture and the truly limited productions of each piece. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client and has not been on the market prior to my having it here!

The gown is amazing and the attention to detail shown in every stitch breathtaking. It is insanely sexy despite the fact that it covers you from head to toe. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather - it literally floats around you. It has a opening that runs down the middle front that goes right from the neck to the waist with a long tie that partially covers the opening so you get just a hint of bare skin as you move. It is so well made that I found that it worked with this opening at the front or the back and I have taken photos of it on the mannequin both ways and with different tying options. The top is cut to float over the torso and is left unlined so is semi-transparent and incredibly romantic and beautiful. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs voluminously above the fitted cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of bias cut silk chiffon as it floats and cascades to the floor form the waist. It is truly a brilliant, brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction and knocked out by its sheer beauty. A masterpiece. In excellent condition with a minor note to review below

The skirt is lined in a nude, high grade silk while the bodice and sleeves are unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a handset, side painted metal zip and part of the bodice snaps into place at the waist with a series of hand set, fabric covered snaps. Each cuffs buttons with a fabric covered button.There is the teeniest bit of fraying on one button and I see some marks near the hem of the V side of the dress. They almost look like a part of the pattern and with the amount of fabric in the dress you would never see these when on. Photos of the button and mark after the label shot. Inner waist stay the hooks to close. Haute Couture number 004087. Note that in person the color present as more pink overall then how it photoed. It is much better in person.

Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2037

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 twins of this stunning spring/summer 1977 two piece set by Yves Saint Laurent is held in the archives of both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and  the Indianapolis Museum of Art (the last two photos are their collection archive photos respectively). Given the scarcity of Haute Couture productions this may very well be the only other set produced in the world beside the one held in the YSL archives! This stunning evening ensemble is constructed from a combination of silk chiffon over which a cotton lace is applied in wide swaths at the collar, waist and hem. It also rings the beautiful wide cuffed wrists and finished with a silk ribbon in pink there.

As the description that accompanies the ensemble held at the IMA states "He is credited with many innovations in silhouettes, among which is the introduction in 1976 and 1977 of a collection based on rich peasant costumes and nicknamed “Cossack” or “Russian.” The couture ensemble in this exhibit is an example of the exotic peasant style, with a blouse of silk georgette and a long, full skirt of the same material". The top is a perfect example of that peasant influence with its loose full cut, while the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of silk and lace. It is stunning and a rare and wonderful example of one of the greatest designers of our time. Presents as excellent condition but please read the description below as the ensemble does have some small issues.

Both pieces are fully lined in silk chiffon and the entire outfit is of course constructed by hand as defined by Haute Couture. The top slips on and the skirt close with a painted metal zipper. There is a light discoloration under each arm (see photo included of the areas), however when on you actually do not see this because of the volume of fabric. I had the outfit specialty cleaned and my cleaners felt that with another cleaning they could perhaps lighten it even more but since it is HC and important I chose to take the more conservative route and leave it as is since I feel it is wearable now. The zipper on the skirt is also broken. Again I chose the more conservative route and left it as is since it is original to the piece and it would devalue it for the museum or Couture collector to have it changed by anyone by the YSL atelier. Finally there are two very tiny storage spots on the skirt that are really only mentioned for accuracy and they don't affect the wearabilty or value whatsoever. It is priced far lower then what I would have priced it at and I feel this is an incredible price for a Haute Couture piece held by two major museums.

Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2032

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

On the runway this was paired with amazing open toed kid leather boots giving it a head to toe silhouette of cream. You will also note that on the runway it was shown long but it works equally well styled with the skirt sitting higher on the hip letting the fabric create a second soft fold to mimic the blousey effect of the bodice. It is a stunning dress made entirely of a luxurious silk and cut masterfully as one would expect form Chanel. It has never been worn and is the exact duplicate of the runway piece you see. The sleeves are especially lovely - they are cut very full and ballon above the elastic that sits at the elbow. I also love the back with its draped detail effect and keyhole that runs down the outermost layer. It is very well made and the seaming details just scream chanel and high end. A rare runway piece from a master. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Style.com said of this collection:

"Billion-dollar babes." Karl-ette Caroline Sieber nailed the essence of the Cruise collection that Lagerfeld showed for Chanel tonight. The venue—the Hotel du Cap, in Antibes on the French Riviera—is, as the designer himself pointed out, possibly the most expensive hotel in the world, and he booked out the whole joint a year ago for however many days it took to get this show on the runway. Plus, he'd flown in a cast of top models and glamorous front-row horseflesh. Plus plus, he accessorized his looks with real jewels, diamonds, and pearls, like the comet of sparklers that traced the armhole on Karolina Kurkova's top. "Too much may not be enough," Lagerfeld mused at show's end.

Fully lined in a matching silk and closes with a hidden set zipper and signature Chanel button at the back neck. Each sleeve has elastic. Tagged a recent Chanel 40 but please check actual listed measurements

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD2031

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

This 1970s handkerchief hem, cream lace dress is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful example of Giorgio di Sant'Angelo's work and aesthetic. He first hit the fashion map when Diana Vreeland asked him to design clothing for a desert location shoot that starred Verushka in 1968. That shoot is now legendary - it created such a buzz that his clothing was instantly sought out by all the most fashionable women on the planet! In 1976 he dropped the "di" from his name meaning that this is a pre-1976 piece, making it even more collectible. His pieces were sexy, bold and had a hippie flair to them that few other designers could match at the time. This amazing dress is quintessentially chic and has that perfect "Stevie Nicks", bohemian feel to it. The skirt falls in points and moves fantastically - its entirely made of a layer over a layer of light cream colored embroidered lace and is very full with lots of movement. The bodice of the dress skims over the torso with a sexy plunge at the front.Please suoer-size the photos to see the wonderful pointed  insets of lace along the waistline! It captures that same floating feeling with the amazingly wide and full lace angel sleeves. Exceptional! It is romantic, sexy and fabulous! Museum quality condition

Fully lined in his signature stretch jersey finish through the bodice and the skirt panels are backed with a tulle net.. It closes with a hand set painted back zipper. Note the color has a slight more cream tinge to it then it does a true white as photoed.

Sleeves: approx 32" to the longest point
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to longest points ofhem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2030

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

Maggy Reeves was a couture designer in Canada and her pieces are as rare as rare can be. It is a delight and privilege to be able to pass on a piece of her work! This dress is extraordinarily beautiful, It is constructed of beautiful, heavy weight pink silk and over that base it is entirely covered  in a combination of cord lace and hand done, dense bead work. The bodice has a simple cut with a high neck and elbow length sleeves.  I love how the sleeves are cut straight and wide and finish with a scalloping of the lace. The back dips dramatically into a plunged V. It is all hand finished and the workmanship is amazing. It is meticulously done and of very high end construction. The skirt is long and lean and has an almost apron effect as the lace top portion wraps around the inner silk satin. The sides are then caught up with a series of bows that run down the back. The gown is a superb example of high end couture workmanship. Presents as excellent condition with some minor bead loss. See below for full description

Fully lined in silk crepe and a layer of silk satin sits between the inner lining and the exterior beaded lace. The lace is hand made and hand beaded. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. All hand finished. There are some small areas here and there where the beads have fallen off - due to the extensive amount of bead work and the lace the result is minimal in terms of being able to see it when on. You really have to be viewing up close and looking for the areas. Priced well below where it would be otherwise. I have an extra envelope with replacement beads as well.

Sleeves: 11"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2024

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

While researching the Haute Couture pieces I have just gotten into the shop, it came to my attention that in the present world of Haute Couture, a day dress starts at a price tag of $30,000US dollars. Starts. That is an incredible amount of money and easily makes a dress like this and priced for what it is here, a virtual steal. You also get the added exclusivity with this dress by virtue of the fact that the house of present day Saint Laurent no longer produced Haute Couture, and that this dress was produced and made by hand, under Yves himself. It is a true treasure. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this

The dress is made of a hand made corded detail lace and I have included a close up of the back of the lace so you may see the hand stitching and threads as a result of the hand placement of each motif on the net backdrop. My client told me that the dress this is based on walked the runway as a longer version but her mother had it ordered as a cocktail length to both suit her frame and also because she was so in love with the fluted skirt that she wanted to make it the highlight of the piece. The red was also her choice, the color the same as the runway gown, and this is quite possibly the only version of this dress that exists as a result making it that much more covetable. The sleeves are left unlined to fully show the stunning design and they have a high set shoulder, a classic Yves touch. The neckline plunges and is edged in a scalloping of the lace. It skims over the body so is very flattering. The skirt widens as it nears the hem and then finishes with those rolling curves that sit so perfectly around its hem. It is important to note that those beautiful curves are created solely through the placement of the lace using the grain of the fabric and the cut to create this. Its a stupendous achievement and in person the entire dress is even more breathtaking then how it has photoed. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Fully lined in a matching red silk organza and closes with a side set hand painted metal zipper. Hand made fabric. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture number 51630

Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD2020

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

While researching the Haute Couture pieces I have just gotten into the shop, it came to my attention that in the present world of Haute Couture, a day dress starts at a price tag of $30,000US dollars. Starts. That is an incredible amount of money and easily makes a dress like this and priced for what it is here, a virtual steal. You also get the added exclusivity with this dress by virtue of the fact that the house of present day Saint Laurent no longer produced Haute Couture, and that this dress was produced and made by hand, under Yves himself. It is a true treasure. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this. A similar dress to this did sell at auction several years back through Kerry Taylor, but the HC number was different and it had some subtle differences in design.

The dress is amazing and a classic Yves Saint Laurent cut and silhouette. It is entirely done by hand and the silk is of the highest possible grade. It feels stupendous on. The top is loose fitting and the sleeves slightly voluminous above their ruffled cuffs. A ruffle finish goes around the neck and down the front edging. Each sleeve has an elaborate ruffle. The skirt is a masterpiece of pleat work and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is very deep and uses an excessive amount of fabric - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to so this -  and each line of the pattern in the silk brilliantly lines up perfectly with the ones beside it when the pleat closes. It comes with its original long tie that can be worn around the neck or waist. It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

In the clip below you will see a vignette from the runway show. It does not include the dress however I thought it was of interest since you can clearly hear the music that is reflective of the tartan plaid used and was the inspiration for the opening of the show. The black and white photo is from the fall Rive Gauche ad campaign. His RTW collections often were inspired by the Haute Couture collection of the season before and it is interesting to see the progression from this dress to the later ready to wear collection.

Unlined with all interior seams hand finished. It closes with a handset side painted metal zip on the hip and then hand set fabric covered snaps close it along the waist. It buttons from the neck to the waist. The buttons are a muted gold tone metal with a ring of black rhinestones set around their edges. Small padding in each shoulder. The cuffs button above a circle of fabric through which your wrists slip through - very unusual. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture number 47729

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14" (slightly inset)
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD2019

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 combination of silk taffeta and lace with the added touches of the hand painted design (perhaps done by Thea herself) makes this Couture label gown very special. The bodice has a strong nod to the corset and this silhouette was a signature of Thea's. Here it is done in a moire textured black silk taffeta with flat velvet trim. Over the high waist and cascading over the skirt is a layer of fine hand made black lace giving the piece a beautiful texture and feminine feel. The sleeves are created from only the lace so you see the skin of the arm through them. They are great voluminous things and each is caught up at the wrist with a combination of elastic and pretty velvet ties. The velvet ties are picked up at the waist as to perfectly bring it all together. Whimsical nosegays are painted onto the front and back and this subtle bit if color give it both a pretty and unique touch. Stunning and rare. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Note that it does close fully at the back but was too small to do so on my mannequin. I have included a photo of it completely closed. I have also had a few queries on being able to let out the seams so I have included two photos - one of the extra fabric around the zipper and the other the fabric at the seam. This same amount is also present on the other sides seam of the interior and on the other side of the zipper.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a hand set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. Each cuff has elastic and the black velvet ribbon bow to finish. Hand painted fabric.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 11" (inset)
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2015

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

Earlier Pucci pieces often combined his print with panels of solids and he liked to play with the concept of using more then one color panel. Here he combined a solid black with green and then ties the two together with his signature print on the bodice using those same two colors. I believe this to be from the 1972 collection based on that dramatic fringing use in place of a traditional sleeve. Another example of a fringed Pucci from that year is seen in The Met's collection here. The bodice skims over the torso and has a nice V plunge to the high waist. From there the skirt flows to the floor with those four panels of black and green fabric. The fringe is of course the star and create great movement as you move about. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a hand set painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. No label but the fabric is signed throughout the bodice.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from neck to mid-waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2011

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

This gown is absolutely divine and might be my favorite of all the Halley gowns I presently have on the site. It is made even more special as it is constructed to couture standards. I love the richness and instant impact of the fabric and the elegant cut combined with that feminine palette of pastels. A George Halley design always starts with the fabric choice and this fabric is amazing. It is a rich silk organza with a stunning custom design in swaths of pretty pastels running over its surface in a soft, romantic wash of color. Over the design and following its pattern run beads and sequins, hand placed and used as an outline to give the fabric an extra layer of depth and texture. The bodice has a high neck whose collar is densely applied with hand placed jewels. The beautifully cut sleeves widen as they near the wrist and had a beaded trim. The waist sits slightly above the natural waistline giving it an almost baby doll effect. The skirt is tremendous with a great volume of fabric and full underskirts to give it the shape and fullness you see. An opulent, heavily beaded belt finishes the pieces perfectly. Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he "was a genius at draping". By the time he opened his own atelier in 1966 he was in full form and was a master cutter as well. His work is on par with couture and each piece is hand finished and has all the lovely high end details one looks for in proper couture. He is without doubt one of my favorites and I treasure each piece I can acquire. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Fully lined in hand set cream silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout with a multi-layered inner skirt of silk organza and silk in addition to the inner silk lining. All of the bead work and sequin application through out is entirely done by hand. Couture level construction. Note that there are beads missing and a small tear to the fabric near the collar on one shoulder, near the seam under one arm and a tear across the upper arm of one sleeve. Please review the photos provided. Slight discoloration under the arms that does not show when on. Unlabeled but absolutely a George Halley. Priced accordingly but please remember this is a one of a kind, rare, hand done gown it is extraordinary!

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom of 1" waist band
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2010

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

Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally made a couture house he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers".  Here was have a piece that is likely late 1970s, early 1980s and is absolutely exquisite. The skirt is is trademark, long lean sheath of fabric and the slit allows for a good amount of leg to show. The fabric is a liquid, flat wet look jersey upon which silk is hand painted. The bodice is quite obviously the star of this garment and I cannot convey how amazing this is on person. It is densely and heavily hand bead and appliqued entirely with crystals and quite heavy and substantial. It is cut to wrap around the torso of the wearer like a corset of crystal. Each band is sewn together completely at the back but at the front slits are left open above and below that skin subtly peeks through. The top and bottom band are done in silver and the middle glossy black. It is so insanely sexy and so obviously couture upon first glance that you will literally have your breathe taken away. If you have been looking for the ultimate dramatic statement gown this could just be it. Exquisite in every way. Excellent, appears unworn condition

Fully lined in a black tissue silk through the bodice and it is boned and formed. The skirt is lined in a black silk organza and the interior seams ribbon and piped finished. It closes with two zippers at the back - one on the inner corset top and the other on the exterior fabric down the back. All hand work inside. Note that it was too small to properly close on my mannequin. On the proper size girl it does of course close entirely.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Empire waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to empire waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with a 25" slit up one side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2009

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

This stunning and dramatic black and gold, hand painted gown by Zandra Rhodes is deliciously decadent in every way. The bodice is made of a  silk with a velvet fused floral pattern highlighted with glitter. The sleeves take this a step further with the pattern set on net so you get glimpses of skin through. The top of the bodice and waist are highlighted by little silk satin rosettes. The shoulders are left bare which perfectly off sets the fullness of that amazing skirt. That skirt is amazing with Zandra's signature design running over its surface in gold, all completely hand painted. It has its own built ion layers under the exterior so the fullness you see is built in and nothing extra has been added. A row of gold toned buttons run down the front to finish. It is just extraordinary and very special and over the top in the best possible way! Excellent, appears unworn condition!

Fully lined in a black rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The bodice is formed and boned on the interior and the skirt has an additional layer of tulle between the lining and the outer skirt.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD2008

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

This amazing gown only gets better as you get nearer and see the many details that have been added to its entire surface. Rarely do you see a piece so heavily encrusted with appliques as this piece. It is entirely hand finished and meticulously crafted. The fabric is a stunning green silk brocade and just the pure beauty of that perfect green makes its own statement. I believe it to be hand woven silk and there is a secondary color at play underneath giving it a very subtle color change - in the photos this picked up slightly as yellow but in real life it comes across as pure green but with a slight textural play to it. The entire gown from neck to hem is heavily covered in clusters of tube beads and hand set rhinestones. Near the neck are varying sized pearls set amongst these same beads and rhinestones to create a wearable neck piece that adds even more glamour to the gown! The cut is very simple and the stark, flowing towards the floor in a sleek column. It has a delicious regal feel to it and I love the fabric and all the special touches - it is stunning and made to couture levels. Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he "was a genius at draping". By the time he opened his own atelier in 1966 he was in full form and was a master cutter as well. His work is on par with couture and each piece is hand finished and has all the lovely high end details one looks for in proper couture. He is without doubt one of my favorites and I treasure each piece I can acquire. Excellent, museum quality condition

Fully lined in a fine dyed to match, hand set tissue silk and closes with a hand set painted metal zipper. The pearls are glass and all the bead work and embellishments are hand applied. The fabric has a slight "picked" quality to it with a tiny bit of thinning near the zipper - please super size the photo of the back zip to see. It present wonderfully when on and these tiny issues do not detract from the beauty of this incredibly beautiful gown made to couture standards.

Note that the light has given some parts of the fabric a slight yellow undertone that is only in the photos and not in person - the dress is a solid beautiful green in person.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2003

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

My client knew Gianfranco Ferre, he was a personal friend, and he made this piece custom for her. Similar pieces were seen on the Haute Couture runway in the 1989 collection but here the silhouette was taken once step further and it was made even more dramatic and breathtaking through that amazing purple and gold silk brocade fabric and lush, rich hand dyed fox collar. The cut itself feels like it just stepped off the Haute Couture runway - the cropped length of the body combined with those huge puffed sleeves is heaven. The hood of the jacket is a Couture fantasy with its exaggerated cut and depth. It can be worn slung low on the back, up in a dramatic framing of the face, or pulled more up and around the shoulders to create an almost shawl feel. Finally for that perfect over the top finish the hood has an embellishment of a custom Lesage silk and metallic embroidery. Truly spectacular and a one of a kind piece that no one else in the world will own. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Both the inner and exterior of the piece is the same silk and gold thread brocade fabric. The fur is hand dyed fox and the embroidery work on the hood and back is Lesage. No closures

Sleeves: approx 14"
Shoulders: approx 15.5" on the interior but they sit off shoulder when on so it could almost be considered to have no set seams at the shoulders.
Bust: approx 18" flat across from side seam to side seam but with the same caveat as above for the shoulder measurements
Waist: open
Length: 11" from top of bodice to waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2002

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

This is a true treasure. Very few of these Crystal encrusted pieces were made - it seems that he did a small collection of them once a decade up to the 80s and beginning in the early 60s. Most that still exist reside in Musuem's or private collections - the last photo of the purple dress here is from the book "Pucci" and shows a later version that is similar but from a later 1980 collection. The label and additional Saks Fifth Avenue label on this one along with the "plumage" print has me certain that this is from one of the earlier collections when Emilio himself would have been alive and designing and overseeing the atelier. It is an extraordinary piece of Italian Couture.

At first glance it appears to be a gown but under the stunning panels are in inner jumpsuit or palazzo evening pajama as Emilio termed them. Made of a beautiful custom screened silk organza the fabric drapes down and across the body beautifully. It is adorned with a heavy detail of large, fine Swarovski crystals and beadwork. These are applied, by hand, in dense clusters over the straps, around the bodice and down the edge of the front and back panels. More adorn the hem of the outer panels and also the inner pant legs. Again, all the work on the entire piece has been done by hand! This is true couture from one of the great Italian masters. It presents as excellent condition and is of museum quality. This is literally a once in a life time opportunity to own one of these very rare pieces and would be the pinnacle of any Pucci collection.

Fully lined in a blue, hand set tissue silk and closes at the side. There are two, hand set zippers - one on the interior boned corset foundation. This also has a waist stay that hooks into place. The inner jumpsuit also closes with a hand set, metal zipper and the very exterior overlay has hidden, hand covered silk fabric snaps to close. The straps hook on the front interior and it looks like they were extended slight at the back where they attached. This is left as found (please super-size photos of these areas to view). The crystals, sequins and bead work are hand set. Note that there are some small stress point on the fabric - one near the top of the zipper and another near the seam at the base. There are also a series of splits to the silk in the interior where the jumpsuit pants are connected. These appear stable and are left as found since this is an important piece and completely original. Please review all the provided photos

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam at the inner waist stay
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner hip
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to pant hem
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2001

Reference photo from the book "Pucci" and shows a similar garment from a later 1980s collection.

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

If this seemed instantly recognizable you probably remember seeing it on Kim Kardiashian. She wore the twin of this one everywhere last season. I have included just a couple of the shots I found of her as well as the runway shot from the Celine pre-fall collection. Its not hard to see why this coat would be a favorite. It has those strong and simple lines that Celine is so loved for. The huge pearls that close it add both a bit of whimsy & wit as well as a beautiful feminine touch. This sold out instantly world wide and I am very excited to have this one that still has its original $4100 pre-tax price tag still attached. It has never been worn and the pockets are still tacked shut. Love the men’s overcoat feel and the strong bold cut. Its a good winter weight without being bulky and made of a black wool. Excellent, tags still attached condition

Fully lined in silk and closes with the large glass pearls as seen. Has original tags and the pockets are still tacked shut. This has never been worn and is in perfect off-the-rack condition. Has an inner button pocket inside the front. Extra button in original packaging. 100% wool exterior. Tagged a modern Celine 42.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C373

Pre-fall reference photo from style.com / Kim Kardashian photos credits unknown.

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

Phenomenal black silk opera or evening coat that was certainly a custom piece. It is exquisite in its cut and design with the simplicity and stark lines allowing that beautiful silk brocade and brilliant cut to take center stage. The fabric is a black silk brocade that has a beautiful floral design running through it. Onto and over the floral design are scattered glossy black sequins and larger sequins topped with beads. The sequin and beads are all hand sewn across the surface of the coat, giving it a subtle glimmer. The interior is lined in a heavy silk in a matching black and is hand set. The shoulders and sleeves are cut structured and fitted to the body and then the great length of the coat goes out from there as it sweeps to the floor. The back is cut with a dramatic fuller cut that swings out form the waist and is also longer giving it an almost trained effect for maximum impact. It closes at the front with hidden silk covered snaps. It is stunning and made to couture levels. Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he "was a genius at draping". By the time he opened his own atelier in 1966 he was in full form and was a master cutter as well. His work is on par with couture and each piece is hand finished and has all the lovely high end details one looks for in proper couture. He is without doubt one of my favorites and I treasure each piece I can acquire. Excellent, museum quality condition

Fully lined in a high grade silk and closes with hidden silk, hand covered snaps. Hidden silk lined pockets along each hip. Hand finished and hand applied sequins and beads

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 58" from neck to front hem, to 62" at the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C371

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

In 1979 LaVetta was featured in Ebony magazine (click here to see it on our blog) and in that article she says "We're known for the dramatic drop dead entrance". Dresses cost upwards to $10,000 when they were produced, which was a remarkable price tag in 1979. At the time she was "the only black person designing and marketing her own line" according to that Ebony article. She traveled to Italy and the Orient for silks twice and year and you can see that Eastern influence here on this stunning piece. It is entirely hand made and hand pieced together. The sleeves are cut wide and full, giving a nod to the kimono sleeve. Both the back and the front plunge and it is cut so that the weight of the lower skirts keep it perfectly in place despite the lowness of the cut. The skirt is magnificent and literally has a full 360 degree sweep. This gives it incredible volume and movement. The silk itself is incredibly light and fine - a very high grade. The print and the way it is mixed is magnificent. Each of these dresses was entirely hand made and each is entirely unique, with no two having the same mix of silk squares and patterns and how those squares are laid out. A wonderful unique and rare piece that is highly collected by a great African American couturier. Excellent, looks to be unworn condition

The top portion is unlined and the skirt has an inner lining of a lingerie weight stretch nylon. No closures - slip over the head to wear. The caftan/kimono like cut will fit a variety of sizes

Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: variable as there are no defined side seams
Empire waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner skirt lining
Bodice: 11" from neck to mid waist
Skirt: 47" from mid waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:SML-LRG

Item# DD2000

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

This set was photoed for L'Officiel in 1976 where it was shown with a red cape. What is particularly interesting is that I acquired this several years ago and the seller bought it from a model who was often paid in the clothes that she wore. It is interesting to think that this may be the very same set that you see in the editorial photo. The set is gorgeous and consists of a top that can be worn as a top or layered as a light jacket and a long skirt that has a beautiful cut. The top is cut to be won loose and I have photoed it tucked as presented in the editorial photo, and also un-tucked so you can see the full thing. The sleeves are cut wide and full and the front closes with matching silk fabric covered buttons but set so there is a wide key hole that runs down the front. It is edged in gold piping that though discreet, adds a beautiful finish. The skirt flows to the floor and has flat pleats around the hip so its skims the hips beautifully. Once past the hip these open and allow volume and movement. It is absoltuely beautiful and a wonderfully documented and rare set. Excellent condition

The top is unlined and closes with a button at the low neck and three buttons near the waist. The skirt closes with a hand set side zipper and hook & eye at the waist and is fully lined in a solid color red silk chiffon.

Image by Roland Bianchini for L’Officiel de la Couture N. 625, 1976

Jacket/Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 19" but meant to drop off shoulder
Bust: 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 21" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1999

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

In 1978 Yves Saint Laurent did a collection of furs and layere dthe fur to create a "feathered" appearance. A coat similar to this one but done in two tones of badger fur appeared in the October issue of Vogue Magazine (see attached photo). My version here is done is a luxurious cream fox with white tips combined with a blonde mink trim. It has been made so it has a feathered appearance with the fur set in small vertical rows each slightly layered over the other to create the most beautiful effect. The cuffs, collar and edges are trimmed in the mink. The contrast is wonderful and quite stunning. It is cut in that fabulous over the top seventies style with wide, almost bell sleeves and a simple boxy full cut through the body. It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No thinning, issues or shedding. This is a rare and wonderful documented vintage fur from an important couturier. A coat by Yves Saint Laurent purchased now would cost tens of thousands of dollars. Truly a treasure and exquisitely beautiful in person - on par with couture level pieces.Current ready to wear collection fur pieces from the Saint Laurent collection are running upwards of $20,000+ for equivalent pieces and wont be one of a kind like this on! Excellent, appears unworn or worn very little condition.

Fully lined in a cafe au lait silk. Pockets at the front and one hidden one along inner inside seam. Embroidered with the name Madeleine inside. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple, soft and shiny.

Sleeves: approx 27"
Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C368

Reference photo by Stan Malinowski as seen in Vogue US, October 1978 for the story "Fur... All the News/Excitement to Look For". Hair by Marc Pipino, Makeup by George Newell.

I have a small collection of historically important, designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting over the course of this year and next. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go and refrain from any further buys from here on in.

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