This is the second time I have had this dress and this one has the added provenance of having just been worn by Sunrise Ruffalo to the National Board of Review Awards with her husband Mark. The twin of this dress was the closing look of the Pre-fall 2010 presentation by Stefano Pilati. When Vogue reviewed the collection Sarah Mower said; 'There are two ways of looking at pre-fall in terms of what it means in the great relay race of fashion. A designer can follow through on designs from the season before, but also perhaps start trying out ideas that will determine the look of the next show. In YSL's extensive new collection, Stefano Pilati had plenty of scope for both.' She also mentioned the draped dresses in particular saying; 'Anyone with a hankering for rushing ahead will, however, want to study Pilati's ankle-length A-line skirt, wide-leg pants, and draped wrap satin dress. Whether the Saint Laurent seventies that these pieces referenced is a fleeting transitional moment or something Pilati will commit to for Fall, they were the most interesting pieces in the collection.'

This was the strongest dress of the collection and in addition to met own added provenance on it as described above,  its twin was worn by Halle Berry that year and also in a blue version by Jennifer Garner. Several years later one was also worn by Martha Hunt. I love having all of these reference photos for you because you can see just how beautiful this dress is on the body. The silk is biased cut and it is suspended from one shoulder. Starting at the top of the shoulder a twisted rope extends down one side of the back leaving the rest of the back bare. This strap ties in a knot at the low back on the side. Long panels of fabric drape down from the knot to cascade down one side. The front of the dress wraps around you and it is seamed and secured underneath the base of the edge of the back waist. This wrapping effect leaves a high slit up the back of the leg that you can see in the runway presentation photo. The shape at the front is created through a combination of the bias cut and the way the fabric has been gathered up and underneath the base of that knotting detail. The boas cit lets it skim over and fall down the body highlighting your curves but without being tight. The biased cut also gives this incredible movement as you move and is an extremely sensual and sexy feeling dress once on. That deep red colour is amazing. I love the panels that drape down on the one side. They add incredible movement floating out behind you as you move. I think this was one of the strongest dresses of his time at this label and it is a stunning dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and completely cut on the bias. It slips on to wear. The bias cut of the fabric allow it some stretch and movement. Tagged a YSL 36 but the bias cut makes it more flexible in sizing. It should accommodate a range of sizes. This was incredibly difficult to measure so I have given the comfortable range of the fabric laying flat. It may have additional give beyond that. The length may come up once on due to the bias cut

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12 or smaller-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: to 62" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Reference Photos: (1) Pre Fall 2010 Yves Saint Laurent Collection, Look 41. Model: Yulia Kharlapanova.  /  (2-3) Sunrise Ruffalo in this dress for the National Board of Review Awards, 2024.  /  (4-5) Halle Berry in Yves Saint Laurent at the 32nd Annual Carousel of Hope Ball, October 2010.  /  (6-8) Martha Hunt in Yves Saint Laurent at The Double Lover Premiere, Cannes, May 26, 2017.  /  (9) Jennifer Garner in Yves Saint Laurent at the BAFTA Brits to Watch in July 2011.

John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This dress is one of two pieces I have from his Fall 1981 collection today and both are the original samples from his archives. No photos were found of the runway presentation of either of these two pieces but we did find a series of photos of pieces with the same beadwork so you can get an idea of how beautiful they are on the body. 

The fabric this dress is made out of is a beautiful light weight silk chiffon in a moss green. Onto that is a dense application of beads that are set in vertical rows that cover almost all of the dress except for the one sleeve and shoulder. This is done deliberately and acts as a part of the pattern of the dress. All of the beads have been applied by hand and are set in perfect little rows onto the silk. This makes the dress glimmer softly from every angle. The cut of the dress is simple and it is an incredibly easy dress to wear and is very flattering on the body. The neckline is a simple scoop and closes with a hook and eye at the back of the neck above a keyhole. The bodice is cut to skim down over you to the waist. The waist has no seam to break the eye and is cut loose and easy to give the dress a slight caftan feel through the body. The skirt falls to the floor under that in a swoop of fabric flaring out a touch as it nears the hem. Each sleeve is cut slightly different from the other and I love this little interesting detail. One sleeve is completely covered in beads with the cuff gathered and folded into a rolled finish. The other sleeve is a single layer of the silk chiffon and the cuff on that side has been lightly stitched inwards a touch so that you get a bit of a puff above the cuff. All of the work on the dress is all done by hand and the workmanship is fantastic. It is gorgeous and falls like a dream once on the body. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a second layer of the same fabric and it closes with a hook and eye above a keyhole at the back of the neck. I see the tiniest little pull in the fabric near the neck and there are minor missing areas of beads here and there. Please see the photo after the label shot. Note that the rolled sleeve is just tacked in place. I think that was done for the runway show and that it could be unrolled so the lengths match. I left it as is since it is how it was received and photoed. 

Sleeves: the rolled beaded sleeve is 25" as it is now and the chiffon one is 28". The upper arm is 16" around
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" 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
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4569

Reference Photos: (1-6) Fall 1981 John Anthony Ready to Wear Advance Preview.  /  (7) Fall 1981 John Anthony Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this amazing set was Look 55 in the Fall 2008 Chanel show. This piece has the extra distinction of being a sample which is rare and hard to get in the Chanel collector's world. The book 'Chanel Catwalk' noted that; 'For this new collection, a large Chanel carousel took centre stage in the Grand Palais, featuring not horses but large-scale figurines of the icons of Chanel style; bows, quilted bags, Coco Chanel's own signature boater hat, strings of pearls, the Chanel jacket and much more. "The basis of Chanel is still very French, we had all the symbols typical of Chanel: the camellia, the buttons, the pearls, the handbag, everything" Lagerfeld explained "but in the show, there was almost nothing just one small handbag, because fashion has to change". Near the end of the show there was a series of beautiful lace dresses and this is one of those. It is an extraordinary little set and I love that we found runway photos and a small video clip for you to see it on the body and moving.

The dress on its own was worn by Emma Roberts that year and then Charlotte Casiraghi wore it to the Chanel show in 2010. On the runway Abby Lee Kershaw was stunning wearing the twin of this set. I love the versatility the two pieces have. The dress on its own is in a beautiful example of Chanel and it is a piece that you can wear for day or cocktails. Then when you add that extraordinary cape over it, it becomes something else entirely. The dress is a slim pencil line cocktail dress made of a deep blue lace. It is sleeveless and has a small V at the top for the neckline. The very upper bodice is unlined so you see a touch of skin through the lace and then the rest of the dress has a nude silk chiffon lining. Flat pleats of the lace are stacked in a chevron pattern all the way down the bust to the waist and then the pattern turns to angle upwards from the hem of the skirt to the waist. There they meet under a silk chiffon band that wraps around the waist. A ruffle of the silk chiffon and lace runs down the centre of the dress and ends in a little chiffon bow. The bottom is finished in a lace ruffle and I love how it comes up a little bit at the front and then the back is a set bit longer and on a pretty curve. At the back the pleats are set flat across so that all of the main detailing is at the front. The cape goes over that and it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The cut is simple and is meant to skim over the dress and you. It buttons at the back of the neck and it has a fantastic full high collar that combines the lace and silk chiffon  with gathered detailed and ruffles. Pleats create a high full collar that sits across and on top of your shoulders and then the cape falls sleekly under that to past the hem of the dress. The entire edge of the cape is edged with more silk chiffon, ruffles and lace and it is just magical. When worn together every detail picks up on each other and it is just absolutely fantastic. It closes with handmade buttons at the back and the buttons were their own little homage to the show. There are four in total and each one was made to look like the top of the carousel if you were above it and peering down at the top. Amazing. This is quintessential Lagerfeld and it is one of the most beautiful sets I have ever seen. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a nude silk chiffon, and it is beautifully constructed. It closes with a back hidden set zipper and then there are hook and eye at the top of the neck. It is tagged a modern Chanel 38. The cape is lined through the upper ruffle only and the body of the cape is unlined. Maybe a touch of grubbiness around the edge of the arm opening. It closes with hook and eye then the four hand made metal carousel buttons at set under that. It is also tagged a modern 38. Both pieces have a Chanel sample tag. The original price of this set was $16700 in 2008 and pieces at this level from the runway would be 25 - 28k now

Dress
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15,5" from neck to waist
Total length: 33" from top of the shoulder to shortest point of the front hem and 39" to the longest point of the back hem

Cape
Neck: 13" around and it is 54" from he neck to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4567

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Fall 2008 Chanel Look 55, Model Abbey Lee Kershaw.  /  (6-7) Emma Roberts the Premiere of the Curious Case of Benjamin Button December 9, 2008.  /  (8-9) Charlotte Casiraghi Chanel Metiers D'art Show December 7, 2010.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Marc Bohan began his career in 1945 under Robert Piguet and stayed there for four years. He then became an assistant to Edward Molyneux and then went on to design for Madeline de Rauch for a year. In 1953 he produced one single collection under his own name and then was wooed away to design for Jean Patou where he designed their Haute Couture collections. In 1958 he landed at Dior where he designed the Christian Dior London label until September of 1960. It was at this point that he took over from Yves Saint Laurent and remained the Creative Director at Dior until 1989. This dress is from those very early days designing the London label directly under the eyes of the very young Yves Saint Laurent. We have had a Haute Couture raspberry Dior from 1966 that feels very similar in feel to this dress and it is interesting to see that progression through those early years froths dress to the couture version. 

This is an amazing little dress that still feels perfectly on point for our modern girl which shows you just how well great design holds up even after 50+ years. It is cut in a sleek little shift that skims over the body to the hem with just the slightest bit of a flare as it nears the bottom. This gives it that perfect neat and chic silhouette that has an almost sculptural feel to it that was so prevalent in this era. The dress is beautifully constructed and it is cut to fit and flatter the body. Dresses from this time period were made to Demi-couture construction levels and that level of  workmanship in the dress clearly shows. The neckline is finished with a wide panel of the same fabric that sits across the shoulders and leaves the opening of the neck wide. At the back this falls and extends down into a panel that falls  to just above the waist. Under that the sleeves are capped and simple with a touch of a wider cut. I love it. The shape through the body of the dress is a boxy silhouette with just the tiniest suggestion of shape through the waist. Set down the front are six large dyed to match buttons. The fabric is a gorgeous deep blue nubby boucle. It has an almost coarse feel to it and the added texture that it gives the dress is wonderful. If you are looking for a simple and chic statement dress, this is it. It is simple, chic and elegant, yet extremely glamorous because of that stunning colour and nubby fabric choice. The dress even still has its original metal hang tag on in inner seam. It is a fantastic little piece of Dior history. Excellent condition with a minor note to below

Fully lined in a blue silk the same shade as the exterior. The dress closes with a metal zipper at the back and another that runs down the centre of the back panel. Ribbon edge finishes on some of the main seams. Hand finishes. One button has some tiny nicks in it. Please see the photo after the label shot. The label is numbered.

Sleeves: 14" around
Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem with 2" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# DD4566

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Zandra Rhodes is one of my favourite designers and I love the pieces that she did in the 1980s. This dress is from her Spring 1981 collection that featured the 'Kenya and Zebras' print through out and is referred to as her "African collection'. It was based on a trip to Kenya that she took in 1980. The twin if this piece walked the runway and appeared in both of the books on Zandra Rhodes that are referenced below. This is an extremely rare and special piece of her work. We have included references photo of it from the various sources we found so that you can see how wonderful it is on. It is an extraordinary find for the collector and a very rare piece of her work from this time period. 

This is one of those magical little pieces that you will only find in vintage, It is a piece that you just slip over just about anything and it instantly adds a little vintage magic. It is extremely light in weight and is made out of a printed silk chiffon. For the print Zandra wove sketched of zebra skins with stripes, and then, as a background filler, use the dashes and dots from the Kanga prints, to give the feel of Africa as she had experienced it. She also included the Chinese trellis as part of the design you'll see this often in her prints, where she'll link new and old prints together to form something uniquely Sandra. The edges of the piece are uneven, and again are meant to evoke the idea of with brown and beige, striped turkey feathers, and these are added all around the edges, and between them are her signature little pink beads that run throughout all of her collections. It was an homage to Kenya, the Messiah, and the animals that she saw on her trip and the pieces in the collection all reflected the beauty and power of what she felt once there. The final detail on this piece is the tie at the front, and each tie ends in a cluster of the same beads and one long single feather. It is dramatic and extremely beautiful and a joy to see. This is a valuable and rare piece that is very well documented. Excellent condition.

Unlined with a simple tie at the front and slits along the side for your arms. Hand painted and hand finished throughout. Unlabeled .

Width: 37" flat across from side seam to side seam at the widest point
Length: 50" from neck to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA (one size fits all)

Item# DD4563

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1981 Zandra Rhodes.  /  (3) Kaftan, 1981, Style 81/79. Kaftan jacket in “Zebra Skin” print on earth coloured silk chiffon, cut to shape of print; edges hand-rolled and trimmed with feathers. From the book “Zandra Rhodes: A Lifelong Affair with Textiles”.  /  (4-5) Zandra’s African Show, Olympia, 1981. From the book “The Art of Zandra Rhodes”.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Mr Blackwell label was launched by Richard Blackwell in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 which in modern dollars converts to up to $10,000 a dress. He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. His 'custom' label were the pieces that were made-to-order and were one-of-a-kind pieces that were fitted to a specific client in the couture tradition. During the 1960s he became the first in history to present a collection during a television broadcast and he is also the first to be attributed  making for his line available for plus-size women. This is an extraordinary dress from this time period and really showcases the length he went to for his clients. 

This is a stunning dress. This is the kind of piece that you only find in vintage because they just could not make things at this level anymore. The price would be too cost prohibitive. The dress is made from an ivory silk that has an extensive design done over it. The design covers every inch of the dress. I have never seen anything like it. The base layer of the appliqué work is an ivory silk cord that is hand stitched in vertical rows so that they curve and loopier the dress from the shoulder to the hem. Little silk ribbon runs down each row and then is brought in with gold thread. Then on top of all of that you get the elaborate floral design. On the body of the dress this is made from green and embroidered raffia that has mother-of-pearl feeling sequins that are cut so thin they have a touch of transparency to them. Big green beads highlight the design along with knots of silk cord and big prong set glass rhinestones. These trail down the front of the dress and then there is more near the hem and even more curve over the shoulder. A large design of the same runs down the centre of the back. The dress zips to close at the front and then on either side of that is a wide band that has a double row of the big prong set glass rhinestones. These are all set on top of a silk ribbon and then there are rows of pale pink beads set around pink silk flowers that sit up and off the fabric. These are interspersed all along and mixed into the rhinestones. This goes all the way around the collar and all the way around the hem and then around the end of each sleeve. They add a glorious bit of shimmer as they catch the light from every angle. The cut of the actual dress is very simple so all of that extensive hand-work and detail can take centre stage. It has little cap sleeves and then the dress falls in a simple open sheath from the shoulder to the hem. The neckline has a tiny V front where it goes down to meet the zipper. It zips to close partway down the front and then the bottom under that is left open a bit so you see some of your lower leg and you can walk. It is magic. This might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a pale pink silk and it closes partially down the front with a painted metal zipper. All of the cording, ribbon, beading etc., have all been set by hand onto the entire surface of the dress. I do see the occasional loose thread and minor fraying to some of the cord, some old restitching of the cord and a tiny bit of fraying near a seam around the arms. This is all very minor and reflective of its age and minor wear. Please see the photos after the label shot. It is truly amazing.

Sleeves: 7" and the opening is 15" around
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem
Slit: 22,5" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4565

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy. He has always been strongly associated with the work that he did dressing Audrey Hepburn but his range was incredible as a designer behind that relationship with her. Some of my personal favourite vintage pieces over the years have been from his work. His Haute Couture pieces are always amazing to find and this wonderful dress is an extraordinary example of his couture work during this time period. It is completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards and the workmanship and craft out into this dress is extraordinary. This is also the actual runway sample and you can see its near twin in the reference photos that we have added here that would have been in the same grouping as this one, which makes its place in fashion history even more special. As good as the dress is on the dress form you can see how it transforms even further on an actual body. This is true Couture and it is fabulous. I love it. 

What a beautiful piece of couture. The bodice of the dress is made from a black silk with a slight sheen to the finish and the fabric has a touch of weight that allows it to hold the shape that you see. For the skirt he used a black velvet with a thick pile finish and this fabric choice also really allows it to hold those beautiful lines that you see in the photos. Its beautiful shape is almost sculptural and it is a testament to the level of workmanship that you only see in true couture pieces. The bodice buttons to close down the front and the buttons run all the way up to the neckline. Each button is a thick circle of black with a glass rhinestone set inside. The neckline has no collar and it is just a simple, elegant swoop around your neck. The bodice has vertical darts so that it follows and accentuates the curves of the body. It narrows in slightly at the waist and then curves out and over to the top of the hip below the natural waist. A ribbon is tacked at the back and then ties on the front to give the dress the same look as how it was shown on the runway. The sleeves are amazing. Each is cut on a curve to follow the shape of the arm in the traditional manner of making a sleeve. They are set into the shoulders with a beautiful series of soft pleats so that you get a bit of volume at the shoulder. There is stiffened tulle just inside the edge of the shoulder for shape and this lets them puff out slightly around the upper arm and then it narrows down to their ends.The skirt has some built-in fullness around the inside of the upper hip that allows it to lift slightly off and away from the body. There are also weights that are set all around the inner hip so that it sits perfectly on the body once on. The skirt curves down and inwards from there. The skirt at the front is cut on a curve that swoops up at the centre so that you see a flash of leg as you walk or sit. The back is fuller and it also falls a touch longer so you get a beautiful curving line from the side. The sleeves are works of art. Each is detailed with hand applied prong set glass rhinestones in red green and clear to form a stunning red flower with trailing leaves that run over and down the outer edge of each sleeve. Little hand cut velvet bits are hand applied in and around the flowers to give them depth. The rhinestones catch the light beautifully. It is incredible. These have all been added one by one by hand and the entire dress is completely hand made to couture standards. I have taken some detail shots of the interior seams for you to see the fine Haute Couture workmanship inside. It is an incredible piece and beautifully made. Excellent condition with a small note below

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a black silk organza. Built in panniers around the hip area with weights that I have photoed. It closes down the front with the buttons as shown and the skirt snaps into place under that. A little hidden set snap is set on each cuff. Hand finished throughout. The proper runway sample tag is present. Two rhinestones are broken, the top and the one that lies under the ribbon when it is tied. Please see the photo after the sample tag of one. Some of the seams show minor stress. A minor repair at the base of the front opening. Made to Haute Couture standards with a tremendous amount of detail put into its construction.

Sleeves: 25" and 14" aroid the upper arm. 6.5" around the wrist
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and meant be cinched with the ribbon
Seam across top of hips: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 20" from the neck to the seam at top of hips
Total length: 41" from neck to shortest part of the front hem, 58.5" to the back hem with 2" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Modern Sizing Equivalent:

Item# DD4562

Reference Photos: Givenchy Fall 1978 Haute Couture Advance.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This dress is from his Fall 2012 collection and is the original sample from his archives. It is gorgeous. 

This dress is fantastic. The dress is pure simplicity and elegance and yet is still has a sense of drama. The dress combines a sleek fine black wool jersey for the upper bodice and then the skirt is a beautiful taupe coloured silk with a bit of a sheen to it. The bodice of the dress is done a sleek turtleneck that is gathered slightly around the neck and then it has his signature low dropped opening for the arm. I love this little detail as it adds an unexpected touch of skin at the sides but in a very elegant way. It skims over the upper bodice and slightly gathers around you as it drops down to the waist and is just easy to wear and feels easy on. A matching black tie belt that is extra long cinches in the waist and can be wrapped around you or left to trail down the length of the skirt. Underneath that the skirt flares out in a dramatic swirl of silk. If you were to lay this skirt out flat it is an actual fill circle skirt which I absolutely love. This gives it tremendous movement and volume as you move and it swishes and swirls as you walk and move. It is lined in a featherlight silk organza dyed to match and it is just beautiful to see on as it moves. Pockets are hidden on each side of the hips for that perfect quiet ease. The silk has just a touch of an iridescent quality to it and is beautiful in the light. It is very chic and minimalist. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

The bodice is made of a double layer of the jersey and the skirt is fully lined in silk organza. It zips to close with a hidden set zipper at the back. Comes with its original matching tie belt and has pockets along each hip. The top has some stretch. Hand finishes throughout. 

Bust: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 20" from neck to waist but gathers up a bit once on the body
Total length: 69" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4561

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

"The end of this catwalk show was greeted by 10 minutes of a standing ovation, following Yves Saint Laurent's homage - via 119 designs - to the hugely talented men and women who had thus far influenced him and made an impression upon him" is how the notes on this collection in the book 'Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk' begins. The portion of the collection that featured this fabric, done in several colour ways, was a dedication to his time at Christian Dior. The twin of the suit walked the runway for Look 74 and one was purchased by the great Catherine Deneuve who wore it to the premiere of Indochina in 1992. I have also included a snap of the original sketch and fabric swatch to round out the incredible provenance on this spectacular piece of Haute Couture.

The suit is one of those pieces that just stops you in your tracks. It is insanely cut and tailored to a master level. Both pieces are made from a rich silk damask brocade in that wonderful combination of colours that you see. The colours in person are even better than how it photoed. The camera really doesn't capture the depth of the colour or how much the silk thread has a slight metallic feeling sheen in the light. The pattern is worked directly into the fabric and this lets it sit slightly off the base black silk. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that has some fullness through the upper body. The collar is small and neat and that panel extends out from around the neck and down the front to the hem. Two slanted pockets are set on the front at each hip and the shoulders are padded for shape. Each sleeve is cut slightly wider at the top near the shoulder and cut on a slight curve to follow the arm in the traditional way of tailoring a sleeve. As each sleeve narrows down to its hem it is caught up in a series of the most amazing buttons I have ever seen. These are incredible works of art on their own. Each is a slight dome that has a circle of little pearls around the outer edge. Three circles of soft gold toned glass crystals work towards the centre and then a large ivory natural looking glass pearl tops each button. Five of these jewels sit on each sleeve on top of properly done silk covered button holes. Three more of them close the jacket at the front and these front three are larger in size for more impact. No need to wear jewelry with this suit. There are 13 of those beautiful jewelled buttons in total on the suit. The skirt is simple in shape so that the jacket takes centre stage. It is cut in a simple slight A-line. The waist is banded and zipper is hidden along a seam that is set slightly to the side at the back. Once on the suit transforms. If you even remotely like it in the photos you will be overjoyed when you see it in person as it is far better in real life and on. Yves' suits change the way we approach woman's wear and this particular one is a particularly wonderful example of how he combined strong tailoring with full on glamour. It is spectacular. Excellent condition

Both pieces are lined in a hand set rich heavy green silk. The jacket closes with the three jewelled buttons at the front. The skirt zips to close. Two slant pockets on the jacket. Five jewelled buttons on each sleeve for a total of 13 buttons. Padded shoulders.  Hand made buttonholes. Incredible. Made to Haute Couture standards with a tremendous amount of detail put into its construction. Proper numbered couture label. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Jacket
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at bottom hem: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from neck hem

Skirt
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from waist to hem with 2" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4559

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. Model Gloria Burgess.  /  (2) Catherine Deneuve at the premiere of Cyrano de Bergerac, 1990.  /  (3) Catherine Deneuve at the premiere of Indochina, 1992.  /  (4) From the Christie's Catherine Deneuve Yves Saint Laurent Auction.  /  (5-7) From the book "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: L'oeuvre Integral 1962-2002"

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

"Over almost a decade of ground-breaking experimentalism, Miuccia Prada has explored everything from irony to deliberate ugliness to intellectual subversion. She’s been there, done that, and has the souvenirs to prove it. For Spring 2004, the designer turned her attention to the stiffest fashion challenge of the day: how to make feminine, happily nostalgic clothes without rehashing the clichés of vintage?“ It was about tourism and craftsmanship, many things,” she said of a show that revisited the optimistic fifties to bring back a full set of densely packed suitcases." said Vogue of this collection. The twin of this dress walk the runway for Look 31 and the plaid pattern that adorns it was shown in a series of pieces in the show. The dress is as light as air and an extremely pretty and easy to wear piece. I love it. 

The dress is made out of silk chiffon and then the silk has this soft plaid pattern printed into it in a purple and grey with pops of white green and red. It gives this fabulous soft overall feel. The silk has a touch of texture to it which adds to its vintage flare. The dress is sleeveless and simply ties in the back above an open keyhole. I think that it's so well-made that you could actually turn it around and wear the keyhole at the front if you wished. On the runway the dress was shown belted and you could easily re-create this at home. This adds shape and by changing the colour of the belt it gives you endless styling opportunities. The front of the bodice and all the way around the skirt has been finished in soft inverted pleats that are exactly the size of each other. This adds to the airy feeling the dress has. It skims over the bust and waist snd has an easy and generous feel. Under that the skirt flares out and you can see in the runway photo and video reference how much swing this gives it. This is an easy dress to wear on holiday and has a chic and easy feel to it that I absolutely love. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a grey silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper and a tie at the back of the neck as shown. Tagged a modern Prada 44

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4557

Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2004 Prada, Look 31. Model Sonja Hulsman.

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"For Prada's resort 2014 collection, designer Miuccia Prada found inspiration in tropical prints paired with retro, 1940s silhouettes. Always known for adding a bit of quirk, the transitional season plays on the motif of a Hawaiian flower–a long staple of resort attire. But Prada manages to make the cliché refreshing with a color palette of dark hues such a black, burgundy or blue grey contrasting with bright pastels." Was what Vogue said in their review. This collection was insanely good and the added crystals to so many of the pieces just made the already amazing dresses even better. This dress was wildly popular and we have included reference photos on some of the many people that were spotted wearing it that season. It's twin was also featured in the ad campaign so it holds a significant place in Prada's history.

This dress was sold out and waitlisted worldwide and for good reason. It is gorgeous The pieces from this show even had their own special label that were a take on labels from the 1940s. The dress is made out of a black moss silk crepe and combines an inky black with the perfect forties feeling dusty dark pink colour. The sleeves fall to just past the elbow and are cuffed and finished with a little black button closure. The neckline is scooped and then the dress falls over the body to skim over the bust and the seam at the waist and then goes to a low seam that curves just above the hip area. The skirt is set into that seam and gathered so that it has a touch of fullness underneath. This is what gives it that swingy feel that you see in the runway video. I love the little nod to the forties in the way that it is top stitched and gathered along the side. The front and all the way around the skirt are finished in that pretty floral print and then the upper back and sleeves are a solid black. Wide panels of grosgrain ribbon have been set on either side of the zipper at the back for extra detailing. The final perfect detail is the spectacular addition of glass crystal rhinestones in both a clear and a blue colour that adorns the dress down the front. These have all been sewn into place by hand and the way they catch the light is spectacular. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk except for the sleeves. It closes with a hidden set zipper down the back. Each cuff buttons to close. The inner waist stay hooks to close. All of the crystals that are doing the dress have been hand set. Tagged a Prada modern 40

Sleeves: 18" and 14" around the upper arm, 9" around the cuff
Dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at the seam 5" below the waist seam: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4556

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Resort 2014 Prada.  /  (4) Resort 2014 Prada Ad Campaign, photographed by Steven Meisel.  /  (5) Daria Strokous for Americana Manhasset Spring 2014 Lookbook.  /  (6) Miranda Kerr at a Swarovski event, May 2014.  /  (7) Kiernan Shipka at the Elle Women in Television Event, January 2014.  /  (8) Rita Wilson at the 21st Annual ELLA Awards, 2014.  /  (9) Juliette Binoche at the Charity Dinner for Children Of The World For Rwanda, December 2013.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This spectacular dress is from his Spring 1993 collection and is the original sample from his archives. It is truly a special piece and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

This dress is absolutely stunning. This is the kind of dress that you will only find with vintage or in modern day Haute Couture. The fabric is a fine pale gold coloured silk net that is cut on the bias. It is lined in a nude silk chiffon and then the entire dress has been hand beaded from top to bottom with thousands of tiny glass tube beads and seed beads in a mix of gold, clear and ivory beads onto the netting. The silk netting and chiffon lining are both feather light and the placement of the beads help it to hold the intended shape that John wanted it to have. The dress is suspended from a single shoulder that curves up and over the shoulder. It angles down in a soft line on the front and back. I love the beaded panel that falls from that shoulder and trails down the back. This adds a little extra detail and movement when the dress is on the body. The iridescent quality of the more clear beads mixed with those tiny metallic coloured ones catch the light and sparkle from every angle. The dress flows beautifully over the waist and hips. The bias cut lets it drape perfectly over you and shows off the body without being excessively tight. The skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out as it nears the hem. The back is cut longer then the front so you get a bit of a trained effect behind you as you walk. Around all of the edges including the hem is a dense border of the beadwork that gives the dress the perfect finishing touch. It also gives the skirt a touch of weight to hold the shape and volume as you walk and stand. It has this lovely feeling of being an heirloom piece and it is fantastically beautiful to see in person. It is a very special piece. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and the outer netting is backed in a white netting. It closes with a hidden set side zipper slips over the head to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. This is the original runway sample. Handwork throughout and cut on the bias. 

Bust: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem, 69" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4554

Reference Photos: Daria Strokous in this dress, May 2024.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this dress walked the runway in the Spring 2003 show for Look 59 and I think it and was one of the best dresses of that collection. I love that we have tons of photos of it on the runway and the runway video so that you can see just how fantastic this dress is on the body. It is so hard to capture it on the dress form but when you see that video it is stunningly beautiful. The show was a huge success and the Vogue loved the evening pieces especially; "For the evening review, it gets even better. Valentino's communiqués from his couture collection show up as delicate metallic-embroidered chiffons made into fragile capes, cardigans or dresses. And for the grand occasion, there's a full battalion of the designer's fabulous signature chiffon gowns." The dress moves beautifully once on and that one shoulder silhouette makes it feel insanely sexy while still keeping with the elegance that label is know for. This is a beautiful example of the magic of original Valentino pieces.

I love this dress with its amazing use of bias cut silk chiffon. This is an incredibly difficult fabric to work with and Mr Valentino and his team were masters at it. The silk is so light that you get this fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from the one single shoulder that curves up and over the shoulder with a little gather of the silk at the top. The strap glides into the fabric of the bodice and then the dress drapes over the body to the hem. The silk is all bias cut and the shape that you see is from the incredible way the fabric has been laid out and gathered up and into the one side. On one side there is a heavily embellished detail that is meant be a huge leaf trailing up the one side. it is under this that everything is gathered into place. The leaf plays on the beautiful leaf print on the silk. It is made from thousands of teeny tiny sequins laid out and slightly overlapping it neighbour. I love how the colour of the sequins perfectly picks up on the colours used for the print of the silk. They catch the light beautifully and it has this slight 3D effect. The top of the bust is angled down and over you and it does the same at the back. The shape though the waist is created by the silk gathered into that sequin leaf and this makes it very easy and comfortable to wear. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. Two layers of the silk chiffon flow over each other and it is all cut on the bias. The layers flow out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground on one side and on the other the hem curves up and is spilt at the side all the way to the base of the sequin detailing. You can see in the video that this leaves your entire leg bare when you walk. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically dramatic effect as the silk floats around you with the slightest bit of movement. This is a stunning dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Made of two layers of the same printed silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side zipper. The sequin detailing looks to have been done by hand and is back with a combination of hand applied silk chiffon and nude silk netting. Tagged a vintage Valentino 10.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 34" from longest point of hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4553

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2003 Valentino, Look 59.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This jacket is from his Fall 1984 collection and is the original sample from his archives. We also were able to find the runway photo of the jacket and you can see just how amazing this one is on the body.

The first thing you notice about this jacket is the weight. Thousands of glass tube beads and sequins cover the jacket and this gives it weight yet once on the body it does not feel uncomfortable to wear. It is stunning. It has a beautiful tailored cut and it sits wonderfully on the body. This one has a single closure at the base of the collar and is meant to be layered over other pieces and just be that easy but super luxe piece you just throw on. The shoulders have some padding for a slightly more rounded shape and the sleeves fall from there in a straight sleek line so that they have a touch of width. The waist is brought in with meticulous shaping and seaming so it has a beautiful curve. The is a hidden hook and eye and then a single decorative button at the front. The hips flare out from there for beautiful shape. It is meticulously tailored. John told me that creating jackets was one of his favourites things to do. They are infinitely challenging to have them sit perfectly on the body and his are tailored to a master level. It has a neat rounded collar and the neckline is a sleek V. The upper part of the body of the jacket has a touch of volume and you can see this on the runway photo. The entire jacket is covered in glossy black glass tube beads mixed with deep grey matte silver sequins. The beads and sequins are all applied by hand and are set into a tight chevron pattern over the entire jacket. They completely cover the silk that the jacket is made from. Each sequin is laid out so that it slightly overlaps its neighbour. To think of the man hours put into this jacket is incredible. The personal attention to each piece is clearly seen in the workmanship of his designs. His work is very expensive and beaded jackets like this retailed for up to $6,500 in the 80s and 90s which would be around $25k in modern dollars to recreate at this level. This is the actual sample jacket and it is the one that appears in the runway photo we have included here. It is meant to have that slightly oversized feel. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk with a hook and eye closure. The button is decorative. Padding in each shoulder. Made by hand, one of a kind and pristine. 

Sleeves: 23" long and 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 17"
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: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4552

Reference Photos: Fall 1984 John Anthony Runway. Model Catherine Timmer.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this walked the runway for Look 27 as part of an entire outfit made out of this same fabulous print. The program notes told the audience of the Spring 2009 runway show that Mcqueen had been thinking of Charles Darwin's theory of the survival of the fittest and 'the deleterious results of industrialization on the natural world'.The show was title 'Natural Dis-tinctions, Un-Natural Selection' and the McQueen book notes that 'the cat walk was filled with antique taxidermy, including an elephant giraffe tagger zebra and polar bear, in an art space that was formally of Paris morgue.' The twin of the dress was a part of the second portion of the show that was meant to 'continue to draw inspiration from natural forms, flowers, crystals and minerals, but here they were engineer with a hard as an enhanced to convey the synthetic qualities associated with modernity and human touch. Prints were angular and invoked crushed crystal, metallic structures such as the Eiffel tower and a granite mountain that was borrowed from a Dan Holdsworth triptych.' This collection was noted as being one of his most commercial to date during this time period and these print pieces were spectacular.

This is a very recognizable Alexander McQueen piece that you know is by him at a glance. The fabric is almost like a neoprene in the way it looks and feels and yet it is not a true neoprene. It is lighter and thinner with just enough weight to it to hold the shape that he wanted but without it feeling restrictive on the body. The jacket showcases his remarkable tailoring skills and eye for detail. The shape begins at the shoulders which are padded so that they sit up on top of the shoulders and have shape. The jacket  skims over the bust, nips in at the waist with two buttons and then curves out and over the top of the hips. The collar is rounded and notched and I love how the vertical seams are all set in a curve so the jacket follows the shape of the body. A flap pocket sits on each hip. At the back the curve is emphasized even more and there is one of his signature little flare out at the centre back under the waist. This precise seaming and cut are all done to give that exact distinct shape that he wished the piece to have. When styled on the runway with the plastered hair around the face it had an almost alien feel to it that was unbelievably fantastic. This is a fantastic way to add a little vintage McQueen into a modern wardrobe. It looks to have never been worn and is in mint condition. Excellent condition

Fully lined and closes with the buttons at the front. Flap pockets on each hip. Tagged a McQueen 46

Sleeves: 21" long and 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4550

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2009 Alexander McQueen, Look 27. Model Iris Strubegger.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Shrimpton Couture Archives

• The twin of this amazing dress walk the runway for the Fall 2007 show Look 19
• It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
• The dress was also spotted on Naomi and Elle Pompeo that season. Dita also wore a version without the beading. The one I have today is true to the runway vision. 
  
• In the book "Dior Catwalk" they remark on Galliano's ability to "translate the intricate Japanese inspired references and techniques of Galiano's previous Haute Couture show for ready-to-wear. From origami folding and gravity, divine pleased, elegant, draping, teared skirts, striking headpieces, and bright colors." Women's Wear Daily hailed the collection as "a brilliant blockbuster, a glorious celebration of the grand and glamorous."
• The dress is very rare and everything you look for in a Galiano piece for one of his day to evening silhouettes.
• A panel of the fabric is secured at the back that curves over the shoulder and becomes a half bodice at the front that angles towards the opposite side. This is also the side with the sleeve. The sleeve extends out from the shoulder with a beautiful rounded shoulder. All done in proper traditional tailoring techniques.
• Under the panel the front is cut like a strapless piece with a full built-in boned and wired inner corset that holds you in place.
• Onto the front is an amazing hand applied design done in black beads and rhinestones that are various sizes and shapes. I love the detailing and the sense of glamour that this gives the dress.
• The back is scooped into a low square for a bit of bare skin to show. 
  
• The waist nips in and then the dress curves out and over the hips and then narrows in slightly to the hem.
• At the back of the skirt there are two overlapping panels that fall past the hem of the dress.
• The patterning on this is absolute perfection and it shows just how talented his dressmaking and tailoring skills are.
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk with a full built-in inner corset as noted above. The inner corset closes with a two rows of hooks to adjust the fit to you. The outer dress zippers to close over that.
• Tagged a vintage Dior FR34, GB6, IT38, US2
• Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeve: approx 25" and is 10.5" around the upper arm
Bust: 15-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem and the back panels extend another 5" past the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 2007 Christian Dior, Look 19. Model Jessica Stam.  /  (5-7) Naomi Campbell for Dior, London Fashion Week Fashion For Relief Show, 2007.  /  (8-9) Ellen Pompeo at the Christian Dior Fall 2008 Haute Couture Fashion Week Show.  /  (10) Dita Von Teese at the 15th anniversary of the Polish edition of Playboy in Warsaw, 2007.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Fall 2022 Rodarte show as pure magic. Vogies review of the show noted; 'Look at the gentle kiss of snow on the hedges in Kate and Laura Mulleavy’s new fall 2022 imagery, the fallen magnolia leaves, the Leonardian impossible landscape in brooding rose and dust. 'The fantasy of what we want to do and create is the number one driving force,” demurs Kate, but when the Rodarte fantasy intersects so potently with reality as it does here, the designers’ honestness can feel more relevant than ever. The Mulleavys dug deep into their core for this collection. Ballet has been a long time reference for them, the fury of dancers’s fragility and power vibrating in most Rodarte collections.' This was Look 9 in the presentation and sold out around the world. It is just the prettiest little dress. 

The dress combines a bias cut liquid feeling silk that has a touch of sheen to it that evokes the feel of dresses from the thirties and forties with masses of silk chiffon ruffles added for drama. The top of the dress has layers of the pink chiffon and these sit slightly wide on the shoulders. A pretty little flower is attached at the front for a romantic touch. They wrap all the way around the shoulders to give a bit of a cape feel. I love this. The dress skims over the body past the bust, waist and hips and then flares out to the hem. It is very flattering and easy once on the body. The silk hints at the body underneath but the ay that it just drapes over you makes it feel extremely comfortable and easy to wear once on. The bottom hem is anchored with more tiers of those beautiful ruffles. This also gives the dress a touch of weight at the bottom, so it sits and moves beautifully around you when you move. I love the vintage feel that this dress has and it is so very pretty. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. The pin at the front is removable. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a modern Rodarte 8.

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4547

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2022 Rodarte, Look 9. Model Josephine Lanford.  /  (2) From the Rodarte Website.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is a very well documented dress and it is gorgeous. It is the second one I have had in the shop and I love it even more this time around. The twin of the dress walk the runway on Liya Kebede and then Karl photoed it himself on Supermodel Daria Werbowy for the Chanel campaign that year. That photo also appears in the book  'Chanel; The Karl Lagerfeld Campaigns' on page 357. Tinsley Mortimer also wore on that year.  For this show Karl had the runway finished with a red carpet. This was in tribute to the  Baz Luhrmann Chanel No5 directed advertisement that yer that had starred Nicole Kidman. All the super models of the day paraded down the catwalk 'Fame' blasting through the room. At the end of the carpet the girls posed for a pack pf photographers with flashbulbs popping off and adding to the excitement of the show. The runway reference photos and tiny clip of video we found give you an idea of the incredible movement of the dress.

The first thing that you will notice when you see this dress in person is how incredibly light it is. It is a dream to wear. It is an absolutely stunning dress and no matter how good it looks in these photos it is even better in real life. Tiny little lace straps curve over each shoulder and then a floating panel of the chiffon is attached around its outer edge to drape over your arm. It curves up a the front and then goes all the around the back for a bit of a cape feel. The front plunges and crosses over itself to the first lace trimmed angled seam. The lace trimmed seams continue down over the dress crossing over the body from just under the bust all the way down to past the hips. Starting at about the waist area on each side are floating chiffon panels that drape down to the floor. Another panel sits across the centre of the back and then more panels of chiffon are attached under that all the way around to create the lower skirts. The front is cut to curve up and finished with a deep ruffle so you see a flash of leg when you move or sit and then the back trails out behind you. It is so gorgeous to see. As you walk you get this sweeping feel created by all this individual panels as they catch the air and float around you. The colour is a soft pale and pretty pink and the silk has a subtle touch of texture to it. It is absolutely beautiful. This might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition with one minor note below

The dress is lined with a second doubled layer of a matching pink silk chiffon. The inner layer closes with a zipper and then the exterior layer of the dress buttons in place over that with a series of enamel double C logo buttons. Some of the buttons have slight patina to them and one button is not a Chanel button but it is hidden under the very top ruffle so you would never see it. The bias cut should allow it to work on a range of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame. Tagged a vintage Chanel 44. The close up of the label is the best photo for colour

Bust: 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to shortest part of the front hem and 68" to the longest point at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4548

Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Spring 2005 Chanel Runway, Look 55. Model Liya Kebede.  /  (7) Daria Werbowy by Karl Lagerfeld from 'Chanel; The Karl Lagerfeld Campaigns' .  /  (8) Tinsley Mortimer at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Young Friends Benefit Dance, "The Grand Tour", November 2005. 

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

These gorgeous pants are unlabelled but they are attributed to being Yves Saint Laurent Couture. They would date to the early to mid 1970s and are quite extraordinary and special. The entire pant is covered in tightly spaced hand placed sequins and I love how the colours have been set so that they fall in wide bands down the entire pant. The base of the pant is a black silk chiffon lined with a grey silk chiffon and this creates a beautiful backdrop to the sequins and keeps the pants light in weight.  The colour of the sequins alternate between silver, gold and green. When you move the sequins catch the light and make the surface of the pants have an almost liquid feel to them. They are banded around the waist and fall flat at the front so you get a nice neat tailored feel. The legs are cut straight to the hem with a slightest bit of flare at the bottom. This touch of wideness through the legs give them incredible movement as you move. They are completely hand done through out and extremely well made. Excellent condition with a small note below

 Fully lined in a grey silk, chiffon and close at the front with a painted metal, zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. The occasional missing sequin. Some sequins show a tiny bit of patina form normal aging. 

Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 4" turned under the hem
Inseam: 28.5"
Gusset: 17" from back of waist to inner seam

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4546

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in pristine condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.

These pants are just fabulous. They are from the Fall 2012 collection and their twin walk the runway for Look 43 and again in Look 46. They are an exceptional piece of Chanel and are extremely well-made. The fabric is a silk lame that showcases a combination of silver and gold medal threads that have been layered to create a rich texture and the metallic colour that you see the button that closes the pants is also metal and it's made in the form of a crystal. The button is handmade which showcases how extraordinary Chanel ready-to-wear craftsmanship really is. "Nature is the greatest designer" said Lagerfeld. The skinny cropped silhouette was one of the main themes of the show and these pants were shown twice in the lineup and were one of the most interesting of fabrics.

The pants are cropped and made of a silver and gold metallic lame thread as mentioned above. The metal of the thread gives them just enough weight to allow them to keep that sharply tailored shape and silhouette. The way the thread is set is done to suggest the classic Chanel tweed which is extraordinary. They fall flat around the waist from a simple band, skim over the hips and then glide down the legs to just above the ankle depending on your height. A simple curved slash pocket sits on each hip  at the front and the back is left smooth and simple. Their beautiful minimalist shape hides master tailoring and they are immaculately constructed. The metal softly catches the lights from every angle, The metal of them makes them appear heavier than they are but once on they are actually extremely light and comfortable to wear. The fabric is extremely beautiful. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in soft taupe silk and closes with a front zipper and hand made metal button  at the waist. Tagged a Chanel 38. Current Chanel runway pants start at $3500 and range up to $8500USD + for pieces with this level of detailing. They appear to have been worn very little if at all.

Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from waist to hem w 2" under
Inseam: 24" from waist to hem
Gusset: 35" from back of waist to inner seam

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4544

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2012 Chanel Runway. (1-2) Look 43, Model Kasia Struss.  /  (3-4) Look 46, Model Monika Sawicka.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in pristine condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.

The twin of this top was shown on the Spring 2019 runway as part of Look 34. This is classic Chanel and is extremely well-made. The fabric is a pale silk crêpe de chine with a darling little parasol print mixed with the Chanel double C's covering its entire surface. The show was inspired by the beach in Deauville where Gabrielle Chanel had one of her first boutiques. The parasol print that covers the top are meant to mimic the beach chairs and umbrellas that are  set up at the hotels along the Riviera. The print is done from above giving us a birds eye view of the umbrellas. The show set was a trip to the beach complete with fake waves and this print was shown on several pieces throughout the line up. The twin of this same top was worn as part of Look 34.

I love that this top kind of walks the line between being a top and a soft jacket in feel. Its shape is also a nod to the work that Chanel was doing in the twenties and I love that as well. The front of the top is detailed with two panels of the silk that fold over at the outer edges before the silk underneath curves around to the back to meet at a centre inverted pleat. The neckline drops down into a V and it is bordered with a panel of the same silk. The cut is easy through the body and skims over the bust to a band at the waist that gives it shape. It is meant to blouse slightly over this banding so that it has a soft easy feel. It continues down and over the hips with a top set pocket set on each side. This adds to its easy feel and is the prefect finish. The top buttons down the front with the most beautiful pale lavender dome buttons that look like a stone with a touch of translucence to them. They each have the little double Cs on them as well. They are incredible. The sleeves are long with a slight puffing out over the cuffs. Each cuff is detailed with two smaller versions of those same wonderful buttons. It is an outstanding piece of Chanel. New with original tags and never worn. Excellent condition 

Unlined and buttons down the front and on each cuff as described above. Original Chanel packet present. The base colour is slightly more a nude bush pink than how it photoed. Current Chanel blouses with this level of detailing are retailing for $4800-5000USD. Tagged a modern Chanel 38

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to top of waist band
Total length: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4541

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2019 Chanel, Look 34. Model Tami Williams.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in pristine condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.

The twin of this skirt was worn for Look 25 and its near twin without the extra sequin detailing was shown for Look 22. This show holds an extra special place in the history of the house because it was the final collection designed by Karl before his death. The show took us to the mountains and as Vogue noted; 'models assembled, one by one, on the snow-covered steps of a faux alpine hostelry, the Chanel Gardenia. There was a minute’s silence. And then, Karl Lagerfeld’s voiceover, from a recent Chanel podcast, spoke in French, until the last sentence, where he burst through in English about his pleasure in imagining the detonation of a surprise on an audience in, “Oh! It’s like walking in a painting!”

This skirt was meant to combine the idea of a cozy Nordic sweater with thoughts of snowflakes and the twinkle of ice at night through the sequin detailing added to it. It is almost a full circle skirt and is a masterpiece knit that mixes a light fine wool with yak fibreand metallic threads. The base is the softest knit possible done in a black and then that gorgeous fluffy design in white is woven through the black to give it a slight 3D effect and texture. It is fantastic. On the mid-portion of the skirt a row of open diamond shapes circle all the way around you and each of those has a two tiny rows of sequins placed side-by-side with the sequins stacked over each other to follow the design. The innermost row is a deep blue and then between that and the white fluff is an iridescent rainbow coloured row that picks up the light from every angle. A wide silver metallic ribbed knit band lets it sit perfectly around the waist and I love that Chanel and those famous double Cs are woven directly into that band. Since the band is a knit it is also incredibly comfortable to wear as it has a little stretch to it. From the banded waist it glides over the hips and flares outward with all that volume that you see. We did not photo it with anything underneath but if you really wanted to make an even fuller bell shape you could add an underskirt for more support and volume. It is beautifully made and sits perfectly on the body. Everything about it has that meticulous attention to detail that Chanel gives their pieces. It is an outstanding piece of Chanel. New with original tags and never worn. This is an important piece of Chanel history. Excellent condition 

Unlined and closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Original Chanel packet present. The knit band has some stretch. Current Chanel fantasy skirts start at $5500 and range up to $8500USD + for pieces with this level of detailing. Tagged a modern Chanel 38. 

Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4537

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Chanel Runway. (1) Look 25. Model Alina Bolotina.  /  (2) Look 22. Model Aivita Muze.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special. This dress is from the Chanel 2015 Cruise show that was set in Dubai. The show was inspired by the rich colors of the country and vibrant traditions. There was an entire series of pieces done in these feather light silk chiffons that were a dazzling array of colours and prints. The twin of this dress in a different colour way walked the runway for Look 51 and Margaret Qualley wore one to the Chanel Paris-Salzburg Metiers Art Launch in March of that year. I love having these and the runway video so that you can see just how gorgeous this dress is on the body. 

The dress is a work of art and the silk chiffon used to make it is some of the finest, lightest chiffon I have seen. The fabric is notoriously difficult to work with and with all the intricate detailing, putting this together would have taken a ton of man hours especially at this level of workmanship. It is just spectacular. The dress is covered in the most beautiful floral print in red, blue and green with pops of white and black. It is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over each shoulder. The halter top is made of two layers of the silk chiffon fabric that are then shaped into modified triangles of fabric to cover the breasts. The seam is set directly under the bust for an empire feel and this gives it a very feminine feel and also softens the feel of the plunge. The dress falls from there in a swoop of that feather light silk chiffon to a raw hem that goes all the way around. The a signature Karl silhouette the dress falls shorter at the front and then curves down and around to the back longer hem. I love the curve this creates from the side. The skirt of the dress is constructed from two layers of the chiffon and then at the back there is a third added layer that creates a back panel that trails just past the hem. The movement this dress has once on is incredible. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with two notes to review below

The halter is lined with the same fabric and then layers as described above act as the lining through the skirt. It closes at the back with hidden set zipper. Current Chanel silk chiffon dresses with this level of detailing are retailing for $9000USD and over. Tagged a modern Chanel 38Tagged a Chanel  6

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist- hips:nope
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Total Length: 46" from top of shoulder to the front hem, 57" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4534

Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Cruise 2015 Chanel Runway, Look 51. Model Sasha Luss.  /  (3-5) Margaret Qualley at the Chanel Paris-Salzburg Metiers Art Launch, March 31 2015.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

As soon as I saw this dress I knew I had seen it before and it turned out that I had already saved the photos of it in my archive photo library long ago because I had loved it so much. So it was a thrill to actually have it in hand at last. The dress was Look 155 on the runway for the Spring 1981 season and was one of a series of highly beaded dresses with different patterns. These dress were also a bit of a nod to his 1965 collection where he showcased several fully beaded dresses. This is a side of Cardin that people don't always associate with him and his work but he could do very serious glamour as well as the mod look he was more famous for. This is a gorgeous example of his evening wear. 

This dress is extraordinary and any collector of Pierre Cardin will instantly recognize it for the every special piece that it is. The dress is made out of a printed silk that was then sequinned and beaded over the underlying pattern. The silk fabric choice keeps the dress as light and airy while the bead and sequin work give it just a touch of weight so that it falls perfectly once on the body. It's hard to even realize how light the fabric is until you see it in person. The dress is cut to skim over the body with just a suggestion of curves as it works it way over the bust, waist and hips. It has an almost flapper feel to it along with that nod to the 60s making it feel timeless.The dress falls from two wide straps that curve over each shoulder. These meet the bodice that is cut straight across at the front and the back. From there is falls to the hem and gently widens out a touch as it glides over the body. It is covered in beads and sequins. A vertical design runs over the bodice and down past the hips with little vertical rows of bead and sequins to follow the print underneath. The bottom of the skirt is a deep purple and that has swirls of bead work over it. At the front the is a dense application of sequins to form that gorgeous burst of flowers that you see. It is a stunningly beautiful and rare piece that I am very excited to have in the shop. It also comes with its original wide shawl piece that you can wear draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the neck as I have done in some of the photos. You could also use it at the waist or even as a head wrap. This is a stunning piece of Pierre's work. Excellent overall condition with a note below 

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. I do see some small areas here and there where there are some missing beads and sequins. I have a small bag of extras that will be sent with the dress. It is not something that feels like it detracts from the dress in any way. Please see the photo after the label shot for an example

Upper edge of the bodice: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.7" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4533

Reference Photos: Spring 1981 Pierre Cardin Couture Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

It is so rare to have such great documentation on dress and this one not only has a ton of documentation from the 1978 season that it originally debuted in but it also has the added modern provenance of being the twin of the dress that Kate Hudson and Jamie Mizrahi both wore a version of while pregnant in 2018. I think that three different versions of this dress were made. We found the runway pictures of the version that went more over the shoulder, there was this version with no straps and then there is a version that has the gorgeous little ribbon straps. Bohan often did this within his collections during these years to meet the various expectations of his clients and it was a clever way to sell more than one of a similar dress. It is a very special dress and even without any of the documentation it has it is an absolutely beautiful in its own right.

The attention to detail shown in every stitch of this dress is breathtaking. The workmanship is very fine. The silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather. The dress is suspended from the shoulders from little blue ribbons. They turn into long ties where they meet the edge of the bodice and these trail down the top at both the front and back. The top is cut straight across and then has a wide ruffle panel that falls from the top edge of the neckline to float over the bodice. Under that is a bandeau feeling panel that wraps around the bodice to hold it in place. There is a seam just under the bust but when the dress is on that floating panel hides it from view so you just get this lovely caftan feel through the body of the dress. The skirt falls from that seam under the bust to the floor in a soft floating expanse of the same silk chiffon as the top. At the hem there is another ruffle to balance out the one at the bust. The silk is entirely covered in an explosion of soft blue flowers mixed with pink pastels. The cut through the body is loose and open so it is very easy to wear. And the entire dress would change dramatically if you added a belt and created shape. I also love the suggestion of wearing a flower at the neck as in the references photos here and staying true to Mr. Bohan's vision. It is truly a wonderful dress and when you see it in person you will love it even more. It is just beautiful and so very special. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale pink blue chiffon and closes with a side set painted metal zipper. Hand work throughout. It appears to have been worn very little. Slight elastic through the top and underbust seams. The full bottom ruffle is the same fabric doubled over itself. So in theory this could be let down so it's a single layer (or you could back it with a silk chiffon) and you would have 12 inches to play with if you needed it to be longer

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist-hips: open
Bodice: 13" from top of the shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 59"" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4532

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1978 Christian Dior Runway.  /  (2) Model on right in Dior. Photographed by Ray Wolkmann for Marie France, March 1978.  /  (3) Model in Christian Dior. Photographed by Patrick Bertrand for  L'Officiel, April 1978.  /  (4) Jamie Mizrahi wearing this dress, with Kate Hudson in a pink version, June 2018.

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

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in pristine condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.

The twin of this skirt was worn for Look 7 under a long tunic in a matching pink tweed that had high slits on the sides so that the skirt could be seen underneath.. This show was inspired by art and the show installation included huge oversized art pieces everywhere within the space. Colour was the main focus and you saw bright paint stroke prints and cheerful colourful tweeds throughout the show. The fabric is a classic Chanel tweed with a pale ballet pink, blush nude, white and black that are all woven together. The bottom of the skirt is edged in a raised braided trim of the same with a silver thread running through it for the tiniest bit of glitz. A wide band lets it sit perfectly around the waist and I love the little MOP carved logo that sits on one side of the waist. From there it glides over the hips and flares outward to that pretty braided hem. Inside, it is lined with the finest Chanel logo embossed pale pink silk. It is beautifully made and sits perfectly on the body. Everything about it has that meticulous attention to detail that Chanel gives their pieces. It is an outstanding piece of Chanel. New with original tags and never worn. Excellent condition 

Fully lined and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Lined with a pale pink Chanel logo embossed silk. Original Chanel packet present. Current Chanel tweed skirts start at $4000 and range up to $5000USD for pieces with this level of detailing. Tagged a modern Chanel 38. The colour is a bit more of a nude ballerina pink than how it photoed.

Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 16" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4530

Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2014 Chanel Runway, Look 7. Model Devon Windsor.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in pristine condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.

The twin of this top was shown on the Spring 2015 runway as part of Look 79. This is classic Chanel and is extremely well-made. The fabric is an ivory silk crêpe de chine and it is sleeveless with a neat little collar. The front of the top is detailed with meticulously done knife pleats and each exactly matches the size of its neighbours. These are set into the shoulder yolk and then are inset into a seam just a few inches above the hem. The cut is easy through the body so that when it is on the lower part of the top tucks in and the pleats blouse slightly over the waist. The collar is pointed and the top buttons down the front. The buttons are handmade, hand applied and poured black resin buttons to form perfect little Camellia flowers. Camellias were Gabriel Chanel's favourite flower. Camellias have no scent and legend says that besides their beauty, the fact that they did not interfere with her perfume is why she loved them. Each button is like an individual little jewelled piece on its own. The top comes with its original black silk lavalliere neck tie, which on the runway was shown worn as a bow, and I have done the same in these photos. I love the versatility of being able to remove that tie or wear a silk scarf instead for a pop of colour. It is an outstanding piece of Chanel. New with original tags and never worn.  Excellent condition 

Unlined and buttons down the front as seen. The neck tie is removable and both piece are labeled. Original Chanel packet present. Current Chanel blouses with this level of detailing are retailing for $4800-5000USD. Tagged a modern Chanel 38

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4529

Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2015 Chanel Runway, Look 79. Model Larissa Hofmann.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. This dress has the Givenchy Boutique label without the Nouvelle added and as far as I am aware this label was usually reserved for special orders made through the atelier. When researching this piece we found a similar dress with a very similar silhouette from the Spring 1974 Couture runway also it is not a leap to imagine someone requesting this piece based on that dress. It could not be more gorgeous.

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk organza that has been treated so that it has a slight stiffened effect. Woven into the silk is a beautiful square on square design that gives the silk an added extra layer of detailing. The top is stunning. It has an V neckline at the front and the sleeves are shaped into a high cap. They are set so that they curve around your arm and overlap which gives them the prettiest feel. Their shape is held by the way that they are set into the shoulder which is genius. The top skims over the bust to meet a wide band set around the waist. The band angles upwards at the centre front and it buttons to close from the base of the plunge to under the lower seam of the band that circles the waist. The skirt falls to the floor from under the banding and skims over the hips to just pat the knee. The lower skirt flares put front here in a gorgeous elongated bell. I love the silhouette this creates and you can see in the reference photo how fantastic this is once on the body. That lower skirt is a full 20" deep and wraps  all the around the bottom. It's spectacular. The dress comes with its matching sash that is cut to be slimmer through the middle where it wraps around you and then each end flares out so that you  have fullness through the ends. You can wear this in so many ways, and I have photo a couple… With the bow at the front, at the back, you could also do it at the side, or you can wrap it around you and tuck it in for a very sleek feel. The organza keeps it light and easy to wear while the cut and design are phenomenal. This is beautiful and classic Givenchy for this time period. Excellent condition

Full lined in a silk organza through the bottom, and a red silk through the skirt. It closes with a series of silk covered buttons and loops down the front. There are two small loops to hook at the waist and you can change the measurement from 11.5 to 12 inches depending on which you choose. The sash is original to the dress, and has slight stiffening through the middle portion of it. Perhaps a touch of slightest bit of faded on a corner of the fabric corners where is folds here and there but I'm being extremely picky. Tagged a vintage 38. 

Sleeves: 13" and up to 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total Length: 57" from neck to hem
Sash: 105" from end t0 end 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4528

Reference Photo: Spring 1974 Givenchy Couture Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He designed the Couture end of the label until 1998. This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture. It is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

This is one of those dresses that the closer you get to it the more you realize just how special it is. My photos are not coming close to doing it justice. This dress is is a spectacular example of the high end hand work that was being done during this time period in the world of Haute Couture. It is harder and harder to find these original Haute Couture pieces that are entirely sequinned and with such a heavy covering. The dress has a dense and heavy coverage of sequins that cover every inch of the dress. In places, they are almost vertical because they're set so closely together. The cut is simple but dramatic due to the stark white and silver of the sequins. It is cut to skim over your curves and flares out slightly to the hem. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and then there is a keyhole the back that ties into place. The sleeves are long and cut straight with a pretty scalloped finish. The hem has this same finish and I love this little romantic touch. I love that no matter what angle you look at it from it catches the light beautifully. The amount of time and the hours that would have been required to make this dress with all that hand work is astounding.  It is a beautiful and glamorous dress that is red carpet worthy and would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any big event. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a hand set ivory silk organza with hand finished seams. It ties at the back of the neck and also zips to close with a painted metal zipper on one side. All of the sequins are hand sewn into place. There is some minor grubbiness to the very edge of the neckline and top of the shoulders, and this holds true on the inside lining as well. For the exterior I'm being pretty picky about this. Minor patina to the sequins here and there which is expected. There is perhaps a few sequins missing across the very top of the shoulders, but it's extremely minor. Again I'm being extremely picky, the dress is really astounding.

Sleeves: 22" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: "
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4521

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

During interviews that season, Tomas Maier was quoted as saying 'clothes are a means of expression, not an end in themselves' ... he had in his sites 'a woman who, like to look like a woman, curvaceous, individualistic and beautifully grown up.' The Vogue review stated that "it was there from the start today, in the quiet, but impactful glamour that picked up on a vaguely 40 silhouette, via a built out shoulder, folded into cap sleeve, the drew attention to a narrow, sometimes corseted toward torso, which then flared outward to the skirt.… Overall the achievement was that bottega's ultra looks ready to wear is seemingly less and less like a background for its founding leather goods." The twin of the dress was worn on the runway as Look 38 and we've included reference photos and video so you can see how fantastic this is once on the body and moving. It is a spectacular example of his work.

This is one of those lovely little dresses that is unusual enough in its cut that it will stand the test of time because you're not quite sure what era it might be from. It is made out of silk fabric in a more neutral linen feeling colour that is then heavily shot through with gold metallic thread. This gives it a subtle glimmer and glint but the neutral undertone keeps it a more shimmery colour. The colour is even better in person than how it photoed. It is suspended from the shoulder from two little straps and then is gathered over the bust in a series of vertical pleats. Inside the bodice there is a full built-in cupped corset to hold the dress in place and keep it secure on the body. The pleats that sit over the bust open up into a short mini skirt that is cut to flare out with some volume. At the hem it curves under to create that puffed effect that you see. The volume that this creates and the short length of the dress really exaggerates the length leg of your legs underneath. The sides open up slightly to feel more generous as it wraps around to the back. At the back there is a half bow that runs across the full length of the upper back. Below that you have a looped panel of fabric that falls to the hem and this also adds to the volume the dress has at the back. It is just a fantastic little dress and an important piece of Veneta history. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in an ivory silk with a full built in wired cupped corset inside. It closes at the side with a series of hooks to the waist and then Tagged a 42

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam wit and A-B cup
Inner waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to inner corset waist
Total Length: " from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4522

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2007 Bottega Veneta, Look 38. Model Lindsay Ellingson.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

2013 marked Oscar's 50th year as a designer and then we lost him in 2014. That makes this dress from one of his final collections. I think that this dress was also one of the stand out cocktail length dresses of the collection. It was Look 13 on the runway and you can see from the various reference photos attached and the video from the runway show how spectacular this dress is on the body and how it moves. It is stupendously beautiful and shows you just how fabulous Oscar de la Renta was at designing this type of dress.

This is a dress that really comes to life once on the body with its simple little shift shape. The dress is extremely easy to wear. The sequins have been applied onto the nude colour silk base underneath so that it shimmers in the light from every angle. It is sleeveless with shallow scooped neckline. The sequins are densely applied and are a mix of gold, silver and ivory over the body of the dress and then changes to larger ivory coloured iridescent paillettes that wrap around the entire lower skirt. These are all set from one little hole at their tops so that they have a touch of movement to them. When you move the dress makes this incredible little rustling sound that is fantastic. It slightly flares out as it nears the hem and looks so good on. This would make an amazing dress for a bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent conditon  

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a back zipper. Tagged a modern 6. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4520

Reference Photos/Video: 13 Resort 2013 Oscar de la Renta, Look 46. Model Lindsay Lullman.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is the second time I have had this dress in the shop and I think I love it even more this time around. The Chanel Cruise collections have an interesting history. Gabrielle Chanel actually sailed and her love of the sport led to her inception of a 'cruise' collection in the 1920s. She was not the first to come up with this concept but hers were among the first to show a complete collection in a fully fledged show. They eventually fell off in popularity within the brand and it was not until Karl Lagerfeld took over Chanel that the Cruise collections started again.

A one shoulder version of this dress walked the runway that season for Look 36. This was a very successful collection and was lauded by critics. Vogue said that 'It was like something out of a quintessential Riviera movie.... And like the carefree starlets and jet-setters they were channeling, the models traipsed down the street-cum-runway often barefoot, wearing seventies-ish diaphanous caftans, long crocheted dresses, ruffle-lapelled silk jersey trouser suits, and patchwork denim skirts.' They noted that 'Key, of course, is that lightness of touch, the sense of enjoyment and ease. And with fashion once again experiencing a 1970's revival, the show also ended up feeling—as Lagerfeld's Chanel outings often do—very much of the moment.' And the location choice? Karl said the location was a personal choice "I spent many years of my life here," he said. "I know Saint-Tropez like I know Paris. The collection is very casual, very down-to-earth." Of course only Karl and Chanel would think a gold knit ribbon dress is casual, to the rest of us this is an incredibly glamorous dress.

The dress is so beautiful. For all the talk of the seventies influence on this collection this one definitely has a nod to the twenties, a decade that Karl often touched upon. The base of the dress is made out of a knit that combines a natural deep linen shade cord that has a gold metallic thread woven through it with a gold grosgrain ribbon. These two fabrics are what make up the whole of the dress. For the bodice, and parts underneath the ribbons parts, the two fabric are woven into a chunkier knit and the final effect is gorgeous. The weave is set vertically and then where each panel of vertical ribbons starts there is a band of that same woven knit applied horizontally. Between the panels are gold ribbons hung vertically and caught up at both ends. Interspersed with those is the same cord that was used to create the base. These together and strung like they are create this magical straw and raffia feel that gives the dress depth and movement. There are two rows of that stacked on top of each other with the top one not as wide as the one that goes around the hips. Under the bottom row the ribbon and cord are allowed to fall to the hem like a long fringe. So when you move these create incredible movement as they swish and swoop around you. I feel like this one is more flattering then the runway version was. It gives more shape and definition whereas the runway one added bulk through the middle to me. This one just falls over you and is super easy to wear and just a really interesting and unique dress. The gold gives it that added glam factor and you could easily wear this for day with sandals and then go all out for an evening look. It would even make a great bridal piece for the bride not looking for something traditional or as a dress for an event surrounding the ceremony. It is just incredible. Excellent condition

Fully lined an a stretch lingerie feel jersey that makes it very comfortable to wear. No closures, it just slips on. Tagged a 38 but it does have stretch. I have given the comfortable range of measurements below. It appears to have never been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4517

Reference Photo/Video: Chanel 2011 Chanel Runway Collection, Look 36. Model: Sara Blomqvist.

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

Tomas told Vogue that for this season he 'just switched off the TV news and thought about designing appetizing clothes to make women feel pretty and attractive.'.... the result was what Vogue called possibly his most resolved and beautiful collection yet—gently done, yet spiked with a new undercurrent of eroticism. This dress was one of the final grouping of pleated looks that Vogue need specifically on; 'And then came a sequence of pleated goddess dresses, catching the air as the girls swept past. They were superb.' and indeed they were. Of the five it was the twin of this one along with Look 33 that were chosen for the ad campaign that year and you can see why. It is extraordinarily beautiful. These sold out world wide and were wait;isted for their very limited production numbers. This one still has its original tags and it is absolutely 'superb'.

This dress is beyond beautiful. The dress is made out of a very high quality silk and the entire thing has been meticulously knife pleated. The bodice has a deep V at the front with side panels that curve up and over the sides of those panels. At the back wide pleated panels cross over each other to leave a touch of a subtle keyhole near the back of the back and the way all the panels are set leaves the side of the shoulders exposed. I love how setting the panels in this way creates such beautiful visual interest with the pleat work.The bodice panels go down and into a wide band at the waist where the pleats have been carefully tacked into place vertically. Inside this band is an inner hooked waist corset that hold everything perfectly in place and cinches you in. It goes up at the front with built in silk cups. It is just beautifully made. There is a small panel of silk that sits just under the bust that wraps all the way around to the back and ties for a pretty and romantic touch. Below that band the pleated skirt flares out and falls to the floor in miles of silk. It has the most incredible movement and you can see in the runway reference photos and video just how much movement this creates as you walk. Vogue called this a goddess dress and that is exactly what it feels and looks like once on. It is an incredible piece. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The dress has a built in corset through the bodice that hooks to close at the waist and then the dress closes under that with a series of hidden set snaps. The skirt is unlined. The corset has some stretch. The pleats have softened a touch as the skirt nears the hem. The dress has its original tags and is in its original uncut supermodel length. It looks to have never been worn. Tagged modern 40

Bust: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-Small B cup
Under bust: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of bodice to bottom seam
Total length: 67" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4519

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2009 Bottega Veneta, Look 31. Model Sigrid Agren.  /  (4) Fall 2009 Bottega Veneta Ad Campaign.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is an incredible dress with its matching crop jacket that lands somewhere in that time period between the end of Christian's reign, Yves Saint Laurent's time there, and Marc Bohan's appointment as the head of the Dior atelier. Just based on the style of it I would guess that it is early in Marc Bohan's era but regardless of under whose directorship it falls it is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior Paris label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These were made for the Paris boutique based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated. This one is numbered as well. This would be an incredible dress for any collector and it might even make an amazing day dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice. 

This set is fabulous. It has a simple refined cut that is made glamorous by the wonderful fabric choice. The fabric is very unusual with its raised 'print' that has been created by the way the fabric is stitched in and around the raised parts to the design. It gives it this puffed effect that is fantastic. It feels like wool silk mix and it has a touch of weight to it so that it holds the shape. The raising of the design gives it a tone on tone effect that I love. The colour is an ivory with a slight grey / palest possible green undertone. The raised pattern covers both pieces and the added texture really adds an extra dimension to the dress. The inner dress is a simple sheath that is cut so that it skims over the body and flares out as it reaches the hem. It is sleeveless and the neckline is a simple scoop. There is a notched detail at the front that has two fabric covered buttons keeping it in place. Under that lies a slightly upward curving seam that sits just above the breasts once on. Over this is a little matching jacket in a mod feeling cropped cut. It has a neat little notched collar and slight box cut. There are no closures and it is meant to just be popped on over the dress. Two pockets sit on either side at the front and each has a fabric covered button detail on it. What I love about it is that when the dress is worn on its own it has that touch of a mod feel that the sixties were all about but once the jacket is on it has a more refined feel. Great overall condition with a note below. 

The jacket is lined in a cream silk and the dress in an off-white muslin. The dress closes with a hand set painted metal zipper at the back. The jacket slips on with no front closures. There is minor shattering to the silk under the arms of the jacket and here and there inside the dress lining. I also see some slight grubbiness on the silk under each arm. There are repairs along the neckline of the jacket where the silk has shattered and been stitched down at some point. The zipper feels slightly loose when you start to undo it. The outer edges of the sleeves feel a bit grubby as do the edges here and there on the dress. The grubbiness to the fabric was very hard to photo and I mentioning it for accuracy. I did photo the inside lining so please see those shots that include the one of the label. Hand finished and very well made to demi-couture standards.

Jacket
Sleeve opening: 12" around
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust - hem: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19.5" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem with 2" turned under

 Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4510

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

I think at this point in time everyone pretty much recognizes certain Celine pieces from the Phoebe Philo days and this incredible dress is one of those pieces. It is an iconic piece and its twin was presented for Look 2 in the Resort 2017 show. Vogue said of the collection 'Truth be told, Resort and pre-collections are the places Philo has always secreted away her best—meaning most durably fashion-proof—clothes. This time, there are some quite radical proportions going on. What catches the eye most in the new lineup is Philo’s swaggeringly womanly tailoring'. As with the Spring show Phoebe avoided all press and it drove all the fashion journalists mad. But it did not matter because her clients were loyal to a fault and still are. They hunted down her work whether it was published everywhere or not. Her work has spoken for itself ever since and still garners the same devotion if not more. This is an incredibly collectible piece of her work and it looks to have never been worn and is in its original supermodel length. 

This is an easy dress to wear and is instantly recognized as one of hers. It is made out of a pale pastel green crepe that has a subtle touch of blue to its tone. The colour is even better on person than how it photoed. The crepe has a bit of a woven linen feel to it that gives it a beautiful organic feeling texture. The dress is sleeveless and the top has volume that is meant to sit over you and fall where It falls. The neckline is cut slightly iff centre so that it sits up and around the neck a bit and top of the dress has a little extra volume so that it falls in a bit of a slouch. From there is begins to widen out with an easy cut waist and fuller hips. By the time it reaches the hem it is quite wide and this gives it a lovely movement when you move. There is an extra please of fabric down he one side that help to add even more volume. The attention is brought up to the face with those gorgeous cuts out. There is a curing shape cut out near the collarbone on one side and then a larger more oblong shape runs down the other side. It is just the exact right amount of skin for a Celine girl to have and you can just imagine her thought process in playing with the volume and way this one falls. Iconic. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a modern Celine 42. Ribbon edged inner seams.

Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 67" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4515

Reference Photo: Resort 2017 Celine, Look 2.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is one of the most well documented dresses to have ever landed in the shop. The list of where it was worn and by whom is min boggling and I suspect that there are even more than the over 20 examples we found and have shared here. Hedi Slimane dipped into the YSL archives to reinvent that famous original dress done on the lip print and he did a superb job of it. It was an instant hit and as you can see in this listing this dress was seen everywhere. It sold out instantly and was waitlisted worldwide. The one I have for you today has never been for and still has its original tags attached. 

This is a dress that as good as it looks on the dress form, the second it hits the body it really comes to life. You can see by the many reference photos it is tremendously flattering on the body. It is made out of a rich silk crepe that drapes and falls over the body beautifully. The dress wraps and closes around you at the waist with hidden hooks and snaps to hold it in place. The bodice has a low V and it skims over the bust. The waist comes in but is still easy and then the skirt below that curves over the hips and is scooped up at the front to the side. The shoulders are padded for shape and then the sleeves fall straight to the cuff that is detailed Wirth 5 sequin covered buttons. The silk has a black base and then it is covered in that iconic red lip print. It is an incredible piece and beautifully made. It was never worm and has its original hang tag in place. Excellent condition

Fully lined an a black silk and closes around the waist with hidden set hook and snaps. Padding in each shoulder. Original tags attached and is unworn. Tagged a modern YSL 40

Sleeves: 22" and the upper arm is 12" around at the widest point 
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total Length: 36" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4513

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2014 Yves Saint Laurent, Look 2. Model Lida Fox.  /  (4) Cathee Dahmen in Yves Saint Laurent photographed by Peter Knapp, Vogue UK, June 1971.  /  (5) Yves Saint Laurent with models, 1971.  /   (6) Spring 2014 Saint Laurent Ad.  /  (7) Alana Zimmer by Liz Collins, Harpers Bazaar UK, March 2014.  /  (8) Charlie Newman for Tatler, 2014.  /  (9) Elle Indonesia, April 2014.  /  (9) Fergie, April 2014.  /  (10) Grace Gao in Saint Laurent, 2014.  /  (11) Harper's Bizarre Korea, March 2014.  /  (12) Katalina Orlova for Neighbor Korea, April 2014.  /  (13) Katy Perry in her This is How We Do music video, 2014.  /  (14-15) Kim Jones for Preview Magazine, March 2014.  /  (16) Lara Stone by Mert & Marcus, Vogue Paris, March 2014.  /  (17) Lily Collins, Lucky Magazine April 2014.  /  (18) Marie Claire France, March 2014.  /  (19) Marie Claire Spain, April 2014.  /  (20) Milk X Taiwain, June 2014.  /  (21) Numero Tokyo, April 2014.  /  (22) Sasha Luss for Vogue Russia by Patrick Demarchelier, January 2014.  /  (23) W Korea, April 2014.  /  (24) Zooey Deschanel for ELLE, February 2014.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This gorgeous dress is from the Fall 2003 Dior Boutique Collection and is a staggeringly beautiful example of the work John Galliano was doing during this time period. I have had a black version in the shop before and am so pleased to have the red version whose twin was featured in the ad campaign on Angela Lindvall that season. A version also walked the runway on Ana Beatriz in white for Look 14 of the presentation. I love having all these reference photos for you so that you can see just how amazing the dress is. It is just spectacular and one of my favorite Dior pieces to date.

The dress is made out of a red stretch silk feeling fabric that hugs your curves amazingly once on the body. It is almost a bandage type fabric with an almost canvas like feel that has stretch to it so that it really hugs and holds the body in place underneath. A wide strap extends out from the sides and curves around the back of the neck. The bust dips down and is gathered in and towards the center. This gathering extends from five separate horizontal panels stacked on top of each other and brought into the center knot to emphasize the breasts. Below that he continues to play with this horizontal panel and knot idea bringing that gathered feel down in three other spots on the front of the dress. Panels of fabric are set on curves and angles which allow him to help shape it around the body. It has a touch of a 1940s dress feel to it and is extremely sexy on the body. The back is a simpler version of the front with no knots present. The halter there dips down to leave your entire upper back bare. There is a small slit set off-side under the center of the very bottom knot at the front and this allows a little bit of added bare leg to show. It is incredibly good on the body and a very well documented piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. There are two fabric buttons to close at the back of the neck. No size tag present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric does have some stretch 

Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 39" from top of neck to hem
Slit: 5.5" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4512

Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 2003 Dior Runway, Look 14. Model: Ana Beatriz Barros.  /  (5-7) Angela Lindvall for the Fall 2003 Dior Ad Campaign.  /  (8-9) Jamie King in Dior at the Dior Dance for Life to Benefit the Aaliyah Memorial Fund, 2003.  /  (10) Kim Cattrall in Dior at the "Sex and the City" Sixth Season Premiere, 2003.  /  (11) Rose Byrne in Dior at the  Christian Dior Launch of the New Collection "D'TRICK", 2004.   /  (12) Ali Larter in Dior at the Dior Sponsors Artist's Ball Honoring Matthew Ritchie, 2004.

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 stunning wedding piece by Oscar de la Renta who was known for his beautiful and feminine designs. This dress is an absolute showcase piece that still feels surprisingly modern while at the same time it still has those vintage touches that many brides are now after. The play on proportions and the way that it is constructed with its elaborate bodice still feel extremely of this moment and it is just gorgeous. Oscar had an amazing sense of aesthetics and his genius was in making women look and feel beautiful. I think it has a bit of that Princess Diana feel to it as well and I am in love with it. 

The dress is like a magical fairy tale version of all that was amazing about this time period. It is made out of an off-white ivory silk with a built-in tulle underskirt that gives the skirt the volume that you see. The bodice cuts across the shoulders to leave each shoulder bare and exposed. I think you can also wear it more up on the shoulders if you wished but it is really spectacular when they are left bare. A ruffle circles the entire neckline and this is then finished with a romantic lace edging. There is a second ruffled layer of the same silk and lace that curves around the seam where each sleeve is inserted into the bodice for extra detailing. The bodice is meant to skim over you and it is elaborately finished with vertical rows of tiny, perfect pleats. Each pleat is the exact same size as its neighbour and these circle all the way  around the entire bodice. The pleats are held perfectly in place with bands of the same lace used on the neckline. The waist seam is slightly dropped and there is a lace edged peplum that matches the band around the neckline there. If you wanted to you could add a ribbon belt or sash just above this for more shape I think. The skirt sweeps to the floor in a cascade of silk from there. Under that top layer of silk is a full built-in tulle underskirt with an inner skirt inside that so it's comfortable against your skin. I did not use any extra crinolines under the dress. All of the volume you see is what is there, though you could certainly add more underskirts if you wanted it to be even fuller. The back of the skirt extends out quite a bit to create a fantastic train behind you. The sleeves are magnificent. Each one is cut to sit far off and down your shoulder and has insets of that same lace ribbon that are set on an angle to circle around the sleeves. Each sleeve ends in a lace trimmed ruffle. They have tremendous volume with a huge and elaborate pouf to them. They are the perfect finish to this high fantasy gown. The workmanship is incredible and it is absolutely beautiful. This would make an extraordinary wedding gown for the bride looking for something unique. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and closes with a back zipper and then a series of silk covered buttons closes over that. Snaps close the keyhole over the bottom part of the zipper below the waist seam. It has a full built-in tulle underskirt as described above. Each sleeve has elastic at the cuff. It appears to have never been worn. It is a touch more ivory in person then how it photoed. 

Sleeves: the sleeves themselves are approx 15" from the top seam to end of ruffle
Bust: 17.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam 
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice at the center to waist
Length: approx 60" from natural shoulder to front hem, 93" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4507

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This incredible 2015 Vivienne Westwood dress was a dress produced for the shops and it ended up being celebrity red carpet favourite that season. It is stunning on the body. A version of it that was more covered on the top walked the runway show that season and then we found shots of Kim Kardashian in what appears to be its twin  when she attended the La Traviata premiere at Teatro Dell’Opera. Emmanuelle Chriqui also wore a version in a different fabric for the Entourage London Premiere. These evening pieces are always done in a more limited production and that plus its extensive red carpet provenance makes this is a fantastically collectible dress that is also extremely beautiful. 

This is classic beautiful Westwood. The dress is strapless with built in molded cups at the front that top a boned front corset panel. There is stretch netting along the inner sides and then additional boning at the back. The fabric is draped over that inner corset and the neckline is curves up at the front over each breast. A panel of fabric drapes across the front and it extends out on either side to long ties. On one side the panel is stitched around to part way at the back and then the other side is only stitched in place at the front which allows you to play with the placement of that panel more. I photoed it several ways and you can also see in the reference photos how you can wear that panel on the shoulder or around the arm, tie it all the way to the back or bring it around to the front for a full strapless look. I love this extra versatility and this kind of detailing is Westwood to the core. The waist is nipped in under that and then the dress glides over the hips and falls to the floor. The fabric has been draped and swept up over the dress as it falls to create the beautiful draping and folds that you see. I love how one side of the skirt is swept up and stitched into place. A high open slit is hidden under the folds of the skirt where it sweeps up and when you walk or sit you get a fantastic length of bare leg. It is fantastic and a very special piece. This would make an amazing wedding dress for a bride or could be an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any fabulous and glamorous event. It has never been worn and still has its original tags attached. Excellent condition

The corset is boned through the front and back and has built in molded cups. The sides are a stretch netting. The skirt is lined in a soft ivory silk satin. It closes with a back zipper to the waist and then a second zipper is set under that at the back.The colour is slightly more ivory in person. A touch of grubbiness along the edge of the hem here and there. Tagged a US10 UK 14, FR42, IT44 with all original tags attached.

Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with a B-C cup
Inner waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to inner waist
Length: 57" from top of bodice to front hem, 65" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4506

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 2015 Vivienne Westwood, Final Look.  /  (3-4) Kim Kardashian at the La Traviata premiere at Teatro Dell’Opera on May 22, 2016.  /  (5-6) Emmanuelle Chriqui In Vivienne Westwood at the Entourage London Premiere, June 2015.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This stunning Valentino wedding dress is new with tags and was never worn. It is beautifully made. The wedding collections are not as well documented as the regular collections so dating them is a little trickier but we were able to find a clip from the Spring 2008 Valentino Sposa runway so you can see just how beautifully it moves once on the body. this is an absolutely stunning dress. It is in perfect condition and is a beyond gorgeous for the a bride looking to make a chic and elegant statement.

This is a stunning dress. It is strapless with a beaded bodice and flounced ruffled skirt. A band of silk organza is wrapped around the upper bodice and then another band of that same silk circles the waist. Between these is a layer of silk lace netting that has an elaborate floral design highlighted with beadwork. The flowers within the design of the lace have been beaded with tiny little seed beads to follow the design of the lace. A peplum of the same beaded netting extends out from under the organza at the waist and this layer is finished with a curved edge that is just beautiful. Underneath that the bodice is lined in the same silk organza and it is meant to be fitted to you for shape. A soft inner corset holds the dress in place and the waist nips in. From there the skirt falls to the floor. The skirt is a work of art. It is done in multiple layers of ruffled silk organza with the bands of silk gradually getting wider and fuller as they near the floor. I have not added any additional underskirts. All the volume that you see is from the built in underskirts that the gown had. I love it the way it is but you could add an underskirt if you wanted even more volume. The way this moves around you is magical. The silk is feather light and it is just stunning to see in person. The very last ruffle of the skirt is done in the same lace as the bodice but without the beading and I love how this times the elements together. Underneath the skirt is a second silk organza layer and then there are three layers of tulle and a silk inner skirt against your skin. The back has a sweeping train that extends out past the hem and there is extra fullness at the back. It is stunning and so romantic feeling. It was never worn and still has all its original tags. Excellent condition

Fully lined an ivory silk with a soft ivory silk inner bodice and boning along the sides. The inner bodice closes with a side zipper and then the exterior dress zips to close over that with a hidden set zipper. The skirts are lined as described above. It has its original hang tag. Tagged a US08, IT40, FR38, UK10. All original tags present.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of the bodice to the seam of the inner waist
Length: 53" from the top of the bodice to the front hem, 65" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4505

Reference Photo/Video: (1) Spring 2008 Valentino Sposa Runway.  /  (2) Valentino Wedding, credit unknown.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is perhaps one of the most iconic prints to ever come out of the years that Phoebe Philo headed Chloe. It is also a rare and early piece of Phoebe's history as a designer. Its twin was Look 18 on the runway and was worn by Frankie Rayner. The banana print was featured in several different pieces in this collection and it sold out and waitlisted world wide. Girls wore these to death but this one is pristine. At the time Phoebe said the collection was based off of 70s fashion magazines and told Vogue “I went through my mum’s old fashion magazines—she had a garageful, from when my parents were living in Paris in the late seventies. That’s when I was born," she said, "and I just thought the girls looked so gorgeous, fresh, and happy.”  However the banana print in particular had a different inspiration. It was stylist Bay Garnett who put Kate Moss in a vintage banana print top for a shoot the year before that caught Phoebe’s eye and it was that shot that became the main inspiration for Phoebe’s famous print. This is a must have piece for any serious Philo collector. 

The dress is made out of a fabric that has the feel of your favourite T shirt. It has lots of stretch so that it glides over the body to define every curve but not in a constrictive way. It is so easy to wear and so sexy. You just slip it over the head and slip on heels or flats and go. The print is that iconic banana print and all the edges are finished in a flat green piping in the same fabric. It is cut wide across the neckline so that it can be worn right to the edges of the shoulder. The sleeves go to about the elbow and then it glides over the body tot he hem. It is easy fitting through the body with just a suggestion of shape through the waist. On each side under the arm is an open cut out that suggests a racerback feel and leaves your side and part of the back bare. You can see in the runway clip of the show how much skin is exposed. It is just fantastic. This one looks like it was worn very little if at all. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips in with no closures. The fabric does have stretch so should fit a range of sizes. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. Tagged a vintage Chloe Medium

Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: no true side seams because of the side cut outs but the front covers 13-16: flat across 
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4503

Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2004 Chloe, Look 18. Model Frankie Rayder.  /  (3) Chloe Spring 2004 Ad Campaign.  /  (4) Kate Moss in a vintage banana print top styled by Bay Garnett 2003

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Emanuel Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at both Balenciaga and Courreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his extravagant fabrics and flamboyance. He often participated in the design and execution of new fabrics and for him the design process started there. His work always has a sense of exuberance and joy to it and he mixed fabric and prints with a master's eye. When hunting for the date of this dress we found its twin shot on none other than Linda Evangelista for US Vogue. I think that for the shot they just separated the skirt pleating so that it poufed up and around her and then styled it to hold the skirt that way by adding the flower underneath. If it is not the twin of this dress it is a very near version but I really think its is the same dress that has been styled for this specific shot. 

The fabric and colour of this dress are fantastic and no matter how great it looks in the photos you will love it even more in person. It is made out of a pale yellow silk that has that gorgeous pale turquoise floral design worked into the silk. The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on the body. There is light boning the inside dress for structure to give you support so that despite the lightness of the fabric the intended shape is held perfectly in place. The strapless bodice is cut across the neckline and the bodice is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust and body with a series of soft gathered folds that angle in towards the side that zippers. These folds that emphasized the curves of the body were a signature of his and really made his pieces flattering once on. The seam where the skirting starts is set on a slight angle and then the skirt itself is a double layer stacked on top of each other of soft gathers set all the way around you. Under both those laters is a more fitted layer that extends down from the bodice. The poured parts of the skirt have what feels like a layer of tulle inside them that help to create the shape that you see. It is gorgeous and appears to have been worn very little if at all. An amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale yellow silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned for support. Tagged an Ungaro vintage 6. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4502

Reference Photo: Linda Evangelista, in Spring 1988 Emanuel Ungaro, photographed by Peter Lindbergh. US Vogue, December 1987.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This gorgeous dress is from the Spring 2014 collection. It was not a runway piece but it was not unusual for other pieces to be produced for retail by the brand. From his very first collection for the Fall of 2002, Alber brought a beautiful silhouette to the house that was flattering to women but still was very easy to wear. As good as it looks on my dress form it is even better on an actual body that will give it shape. It is a really beautiful dress and it has the added provenance of being worn by Rihanna that season. Those pictures along show you just how gorgeous the dress is once on the body. 

The dress is gorgeous and I love the deep ocean feeling colours of it. The dress is made from a feather light bias cut silk. Think scarf weight silk. The bodice is strapless with an attached tie at the centre that ties up and around the neck to hold it in place. The dress skims over the body from there to the hem. Under the tie the silk is gathered for a bit of shade between the breasts and the ties are wide and long panels in the same silk as the rest of the dress. This gathering detail at the front gives it a bit of visual interest and keeps the dress feeling soft and romantic while still being on the more minimalist side. The silk is gathered in softly under that and then falls to the floor in a sheath of fabric all the way to the hem. Your back is left bare and I love how the back just drapes down in a curve. It is so pretty and sexy at the same tine. The dress just falls easy and free over the body so it is easy to wear. I slit runs up the front so when you walk, move or sit you get a flash of leg. This was his way of adding a little bit of sexiness to the dress but in a very Alber kind of way. It is so fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below. 

Unlined and slips on to wear and ties into place around the neck. No other closures. It has lots of drape and give since it is bias cut so was hard to measure so I have given the range below, It is meant just be suspended front he halter, The smaller you are the more it will drape and curve lower at the back. The colour is slightly lighter in person. The silk has some natural variations in colour and I see some minor marks near the hem. The back seam shows a little bit of stress to it near the top edge. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

The seam across the top is 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from strapless bodice to back hem
Slit: 2" from shortest point of front hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4501

Reference Photos: Rihanna, 2014.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy. 

The Shrimpton Couture Archives

The twin of this dress was Look 41 on the Fall 2006 runway and it was also used for the ad campaign that year and was worn by Kate Moss. It has become one of his most iconic dresses. John Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. Unlike many designers he kept his own label going as well throughout the years at both those houses. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from Dior and it is gorgeous. 

The dress definitely takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. The seam work and simplicity of this dress is stunning to see and it is even better on an actual body. It is made from a beautiful silk velvet in a deep rich red. A design that include the Christian Dior name has been pressed into the velvet over the entire dress. This gives it this incredible added texture that you see in the photos. It has that that same light in weight feel that the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from similar velvets and chiffons. Like those dresses of the thirties this is also cut on the bias. It is cut to flow over the body and skims its way over the bust, waist and hips as it falls to the floor. The neckline drapes down and there is a panel of silk chiffon tucked just inside the neckline at both the back and the front. This creates a bit of a swooping plunge that is slightly set to the side. Thin bands of a red grosgrain ribbon run up the size of the dress and around the waist, and he's gathered the velvet into that ribbon in various spots to create the asymmetrical draping feel that you see. The skirt flows down to the floor, skimming over the hips, and then flaring out as it reaches the hem. This gives you a ton of movement around the lower skirt when you walk or move. It also adds to the hourglass shape the dress has. It is all done so that it sits in the most decadent feeling way on your body. The dress is spectacular. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a red silk chiffon, and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set zipper down one side. Tagged a Galliano FR42, GB14, US8. The bias cut fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. It is in its original length. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16.5" from neck to dropped seam
Total length: 62" from neck to front hem, 66" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 2006 Christian Dior, Look 41. Model Caroline Trentini.  /  (3) Kate Moss for the Fall 2006 Dior Ad Campaign by Nick Knight.  /  (4) Olivia Cooke at the 'House Of The Dragon' London Premiere, 2022.

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John Anthony is an award-winning American fashion designer best known for simple, elegant clothing with a strong sense of chic. His work veers towards minimalism, with sharp tailoring, striking evening wear being his signature. He is renowned for his cutting and tailoring. From the day that he launched his atelier in 1971 his design philosophy is a fusion of function and purpose. The function is his logical, wearable approach; the purpose, his pared-down ideas. As a designer, he considers it his job to make things easy for the customer. He designs with focus and a narrow palette for both day and night, so items can easily intermingle. He uses natural fabrics and is noted for contradictory daywear fabrics in his evening collections. In the early 70’s he was one of the first designers to promote the idea of easy-to-travel clothes that resist wrinkling. By 1976, he was showing soft, liquid separates in muted colours that became his trademark and received 2 Coty awards, one in 1972 and one in 1976, as recognition. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces you will find are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces. His work is very expensive and beaded pieces did, and still do, retail for over $10,000. His work is a personal favourite of mine and I am thrilled to have this one in the shop. 

This dress is amazing though difficult to truly convey on the dress form. It is absolutely one of those dresses that will only truly come to life when on the body. It is made from a light black wool stretch jersey that allows it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight every curve. The fabric choice also allows a touch of extra coverage so if you chose to go more bare underneath it would not be see through. The dress shows off your curves while still feeling unbelievably comfortable once on. The bodice has a beautiful and sensual feel as it glides over the bodice and then extends down to the one single long sleeve. The sleeve is cut long and depending on your arm length will bunch up slightly at the wrist for a pretty bit of subtle detail. The neck is scooped and high and the dress falls from there to the floor. It skims over the bust, waist and hips in a beautiful sleek column of jet black jersey. It is cut supermodel long in length. At the very top of the shoulder the fabric extends out into ties. You can do a more prominent bow there like I have done for these photos, or tie it towards the back and have the ties hang down the back. Then, in stark contrast to the full coverage the dress has, one full side of the dress has been fully slit open from under the arm to the hem. To keep the dress on you there are a series of attached flat black bows made of the same fabric. These run from under your arm to the base of the hips with the two sides of the dress secured in pace with those bows. This leaves full bare skin between the bows. There is also an extra high slit on that same side that runs almost to the final bow. It is just incredible and so sexy once on the body. I really cannot tell you to trust me enough on this one because it does not come anywhere close on the dress form to what it will look like on the body. It is insanely sexy and fabulous. Made to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with a tie at the top of the neck. The bows down the side are attached and sewn into place. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished. The fabric does have stretch so should fit a range of sizes. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Sleeve: approx 25" with no true shoulder seam
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from neck to hem
Slit: 31" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4494

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This incredible 2012 Vivienne Westwood dress was a celebrity favourite that season  and beyond and for good reason. It is stunning on the body. Its twin walked the special Queen Jubilee runway show, Diane Kruger wore a brighter, more silver sequin version of it and Amy Adams, Natasha Poonawala and Lotta Kaijarvi all wore the twin or versions of the one I have here on various red carpets both that year and in years since. This was a dress that was a part of a special capsule collection - the Vivienne Westwood’s Red Carpet Capsule Collection - that was created in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Between its limited edition production and extensive red carpet provenance this is a fantastically collectible dress that is also extremely beautiful. 

This is classic Westwood and given the event is was created for that is of no surprise. The dress is strapless with a flat, stiffened and boned front corset panel and bonng along the sides. The fabric is draped over that and peaked at the front on either side. This is Westwood to the core and it is stunning to see. The waist is nipped in under that and then the dress glides over the hips and falls to the floor. The fabric has been draped and swept up over the dress as it falls to create the beautiful draping and folds that you see. I love how one side of the skirt is swept up and stitched into place. A high slit is hidden under the folds of the skirt where it sweeps up and when you ask or sit you get a fantastic length of bare leg as you see in many of the reference photos. The fabric itself is gorgeous. It is entirely covered in thousand of tiny matte silver sequins that are laid out flat side by side so that the fabric has an almost liquid feel to it. There is a pattern in white that is on the silk underneath that adds the way the light catches the dress and it gives the dress more depth and texture. It is fantastic and a very special piece. This would make an amazing wedding dress for a bride or could be an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any fabulous and glamourous event. Excellent condition wth a minor note below. 

The corset is lined in a blue print fabric and is boned through the front and back. The front and back panels are stiffened to hold the shape and the sides are a stretch netting. It closes with a back zipper to the waist and then a second zipper is set angled to follow a seam under that at the back. I see a light spot on the inner corset and that goes through to the sequins that lay inside the folds at the front. You see them if you spread out the fabric and look but it cannot be seen at all when on as they are in the folds. Slight grubbiness/faint marks to the edge of the hem and inner lining. Tagged a US12 UK 14 and has both a British Flag label and the Gold label.

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17- 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 49" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4491

Reference Photos: (1) Vivienne Westwood Red Carpet Collection on show at Tokyo's British Embassy.  /  (2) Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood at the “Amour” premiere, Cannes Film Festival 2012.  /  (3) Amy Adams in Vivienne Westwood at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  /  (4) 19 Natasha Poonawala in Vivienne Westwood, 2015.  /  (5-6) Lotta Kaijärvi in Vivienne Westwood at the amfAR Gala 2019.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Fall 2006 McQueen show is of course the show that famously ended with a hologram of Kate Moss twisting in the midst of a billowing white dress. Before that moment an incredible display of workmanship and craft walked the runway. Vogue noted that "For this collection, he delved into his past, revisiting his Scottish family roots and refining the contents of the rampaging tartan "Highland Rape" show with which he began his career in London in the early nineties. Shorn of its original rawness and anger, the result was a poetic and technically accomplished tale that involved romantic images of Scottish fantasy heroines wandering glens and castle halls in vaguely Victorian tartan crinolines, bird-wing or antler-and-lace headdresses, feathered gowns, and pieces made from brocades that might have been dragged down from ancient wall-hangings." Mid-show there was the appearance of several knit piece isn chunky cable knits including a version of this sweater coat that walked the runway for Look 23. This is a piece that shows Mcqueen's true genius and ability to look at pieces and reconfigure them to his own version. 

This version of the piece that walked the runway is done in a deep blue and the fabric is a wool with a touch of cashmere mixed in for added softness. It is an incredible piece and a strong statement piece as well. The design is insane. When unfolded it falls to the floor with extended panels at the front. There are open slits at the side that are utilized when you fold it up but when it's hanging down, you can choose to leave those as is or you can tuck the extended front panels through them to create a bit of a knotted effect at the bottom, as I photoed here. On the runway, he showed it the way that I think it's meant to be worn best and that's with that extended panel folded up and then your arms go through those side openings. That extended panel then becomes like an attached vest over the inner cardigan. You can also drape one side over your shoulder like an attached scarf piece. It's fantastic and genius. The collar is high. There are two leather buckle straps that hold it in place across the front and it is open under that. The knit is a chunky fisherman cable knit in feel and I was told that these would have been hand knit. An incredible piece of McQueen. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips on to wear with the buckles at the front. 90% wool and 10% cashmere. It shows a tiny bit of pilling here and there but it's minor. The knit has some stretch so it should fit a range of sizes 

Sleeves: 24" and the upper arm is 14-20" around
Dropped shoulders: 19"
Bust: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length with the panels extended: 53" from neck to shortest part of hem, 71" to the longest point
Length when the panels are folded up: approx 27" from neck to front hem and then the panels extend out past that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4488

Reference Photos: Fall 2006 Alexander McQueen, Look 23, Model Romina Lanaro.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.