This Paganne jersey dress is the cutest little dress and it is a dream to wear. It is made from a simple synthetic stretch jersey that is wash and wear. This makes it the perfect travel dress. You can just throw it into a suitcase and it is ready to go at the other end. The jersey gives it a little stretch so that it is super comfortable to wear. It is cut in a straight and simple shift that skims over you from shoulder to hem. This means that the waist has a looser, easy cut. It skims over the hips from there and falls to just about the knees depending on your height. The sleeves are long and the neckline dips in a V. The print is gorgeous and covers the entire dress. The colour combination mixes shade of turquoise blue with pink and white and the print is set over the entire dress to highlight its lines. It is a great little dress and so easy to wear. Just slip it on, add fabulous flats or heels, and go. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is signed. The fabric does have some stretch.

Sleeves: 23.25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3985

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

Emanuel Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after working for both Balenciaga and Courreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his extravagant fabrics and flamboyant designs. He was very involved n the entire process and designed and oversaw the development of new fabrics to suit his needs. For him the design process always started with the fabric. His work always has a sense of exuberance and drama to it and he mixed fabric and prints with a master's eye. These super short fitted dresses with the strong shoulder and cut outs are instantly recognizable as being his work and this one is particularly amazing 

The colour of this dress is 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 deep teal silk that has a black floral print screened over its surface. The fabric has a slight sense of a metallic finish to it so it seems to glow from within and intensifies the teal colour. It is fantastic. The silk is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on. Inside there is light boning through the bodice to give you support. Despite the lightness of the fabric the intended shape is held perfectly in place. The bodice is cut straight across at the front and the back. This is topped by a wide cut neck line and strong shoulders that are padded for shape. This creates this fabulous angled cut out on both sides for a sexy glimpse of skin. The sleeves are long and cut wider near the shoulder and narrow down to the wrist. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This gathering technique that emphasized the curves of the body were a signature of his and allowed him to really shaped his pieces. On this dress the gathers run from the bust right down and over the hips to the very short hem so that you get curves on curves. It is short, sexy and very Ungaro. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper and a button at the neck. A hidden set zipper at each wrist. The interior of the bodice is boned for support. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 10. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly extended shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3986

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

Max Cohen is the man who launched the Mr Dino label and he is interesting for two specific things. He actually invented the machine that he used to screen the print onto the fabric of his pieces and he designed every print that you will ever see on one of his garments. I love that fact and it makes his pieces that much more interesting to look at. This dress is quite wonderful with its simple lines and an elaborate print that counteracts that simplicity. It is also made out of his signature, washable jersey fabric that is easy to wear, pack and travel with. The collar is high and the sleeves are long. It skims over your body in a simple shift with a loose and easy cut waist. The skirt is cut straight from there skimming over the hips to a few inches above the knee depending on your height. I love the bold turquoise print with its pops of yellow on an ivory backdrop. It is intricate and covers the entire dress. The pattern would have had to have been pre-thought out and laid out before by hand to achieve the look you see. Doing that allows the design and the color to showcase the different parts of the dress. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper. Washable fabric and the fabric has some stretch.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
 Neck: 14" around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3987

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

Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She was from Paris and moved to the US in 1937. That early French influence showed throughout her career. In 1949 she was awarded her first Coty award. She won it again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening and her work with silk chiffon is wonderful. In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use an African American model. This is a stunning example of her later work and it is gorgeous.

The dress is made from a black ribbon silk that has a red and taupe print running over parts of it. A gold metallic thread runs through the silk and follows the edges of the little rectangles that are woven into the fabric. These catch the light from every angle that you look at the dress from. The dress has an inner, more fitted dress, and then a panel of silk falls over that all around you. The dress is suspended from the shoulders from two tiny silk straps in the same fabric. The chiffon has a touch of transparency and she plays on this by backing the inner dress with a nude lining to give the illusion that under the caped part you are just wear a single layer of silk. The outer layer is attached around the neckline and meets at the front where it is slit up the center to allow movement. When the dress is on the outer layer of silk billows and moves around you when you move The dress comes with a matching extra long wide silk sash. I have showed a couple of ways it could be worn in these photos, around the inner waist and peaking out the front; around both layers; around the neck and as a shawl/cape. It is long enough that you could also wear it as a headpiece or turban. As pretty as it is on the dress form it really needs an actual body to fully come to life. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a nude silk chiffon and zips to close at the back. Hand finishes throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Scarf: just under 9 feet long x 21" wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3441

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This dress only has its Gump's department store label but I am pretty certain it is an Oscar de Renta based on pieces I have had in the past. Gump's was based out of San Francisco and they did carry Oscar's work. The dress is priced based on how fabulous the dress is on its own right. It is rare to find such a stunning vintage velvet piece that still feels infinitely wearable and modern.

The dress is almost a caftan feeling piece that you can wear loose and easy or cinch it with a ribbon or belt. The fabric on this one is what takes center stage and it is absolutely beautiful. It is a fused silk velvet on a feather light weight black chiffon. Each little velvet bit of the pattern is edged with a gold eyelash metallic lame that has been pulled through the velvet to create an edge on each individual piece of the pattern. This catches the light from every angle and gives the dress this fantastic bit of a metallic feel. The velvet is this amazing gold toned coral colour that changes shades slightly as it runs over the dress. The pattern is laid out vertically in long curves with just a bit of the black chiffon showing through. It is unlined so you get a glimpse of skin showing through the chiffon parts. It is very light and fluid. To look at it you might think it is heavier but the weight is very light so it moves over you like a dream. The cut is very loose and easy and should fit a range of sizes. It is a simple open shape with a full and wide cut through the body. The fabric is bias cut so there is a lot more room in there then it seems at first glance. The neckline is scooped on both sides with a keyhole and button at the back. Each sleeve ends with elastic and that they are very full above that. It is supermodel long and you can change the shape by adding a ribbon like I did for these shots, or add a more structured belt, or wear it loose and easy so its more like a caftan. It is a great piece that is easy to wear and has lots of impact. It still has its Gump's hang tag and was never worn. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a button & loop at the back of the neck above a small keyhole. The fabric is light and easy to wear. Never worn. The loose cut should work on a range of sizes. I think if you are very tiny you could wear it off the shoulders too. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. It is more a coral in person then the red some shots went to.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3984

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 Roberto Cavalli dress is from a more recent collection and is very pretty. It is an easy to wear piece and very flattering once on the body. The bias cut silk and chic leopard print make it easy to wear but still have high impact. The lines are simple and it has that perfect easy but sexy feel. It is made of two layers of chiffon and both layers are cut on the bias. Once it is on it moves with you. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by skinny straps in the same leopard. The front dips down into a V and the back is cut straight across to leave the upper back bare. It skims over your waist and hips and then falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem. The skirt is set into the body of the dress in a series of dropped angles which gives volume to the lower skirts. The back has a slight trained feel with more fabric at the back of the skirt. It is cut supermodel length long and it is one of the dresses that you just slip into and walk out feeling like a million bucks. The leopard print acts like a neutral in many ways and you can pair just about any colour with this to change up the look if it. It is an amazing print that works on almost any skin tone. Very sexy on. Excellent condition with a note below

Fully lined in a black chiffon and closes with a back hidden set zipper Tagged a M. There is a repair along on side of the hem and that side is slightly shorter the the other as a result. It is so long that if it was shortened you could not be able to tell and even if left it is not noticeable when on. Some of the seams seem to have been reinforced at some point.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under-bust" 14.75
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem and 67" to longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3983

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 twist on that classic one shoulder jersey dress by Halston that I am always on the look out for. His one shoulder pieces are perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and this is an interesting version on it. It is made from a very easy to care for light weight pleated jersey fabric. This fabric choice also makes it very easy to wear.

Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one hook at the shoulder. It gives the sense that undoing the ties would cause the entire dress to drop in a puddle around you (which it would). It is constructed from a single layer of synthetic jersey that has been pleated in tiny vertical knife pleats. It simply falls from the shoulder and skims over the body in a long sheath. The pleats let it fall in a column but expand when you move or sit so its insanely comfortable to wear. The dress ties into place at the shoulder with two ties that extend out from the piping that follows the neckline. The jersey cascades loosely down and over you from there for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. It has a touch if transparency to it that adds to its sensuality. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and will travel exceedingly well with little to no wrinkling. It is very easy to style too - a quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. This one looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Slips on to wear and ties to close at the top of the shoulder. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. Note the colour has a slightly more creamy ivory feel to it in person then how it photoed. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hip: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem with a bit of adjustment with the ties at the shoulder

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD3982

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

This amazing piece is from the Valentino Intimo line which was their high end lingerie line. This is a lovely example of the work that was being done for this label. It would have been meant to be more of a hostess piece that you would wear while entertaining at home. Now a piece like this could be worn anywhere. The fabric is insane. It is a fixed voided velvet on a black chiffon which is then backed by a nude lingerie netting. Each little velvet bit of the pattern is edged with a bit of a black eyelash metallic lame that has been pulled through the velvet base to create an edge on each individual piece. This catches the light from every angle and gives the dress this fantastic bit of a flat metallic feel. The cut is extremely loose and easy. It is a simple open shape with wide sleeves and full and wide cut through the body. The neckline is a simple V edged in a black satin piping. Each sleeve ends in a wide band of black feathers that are the perfect little pop of drama. The feathers are very full and extravagant. I love the length and the side slits because you can wear it as a dress or layer it over soft loose pants for a more pajama evening set feel. You could easily belt this to add shape if you wished. It is a great piece that is easy to wear and has lots of impact. Has pockets on each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude lingerie netting and slips on to wear. The fabric is light and easy to wear. Tagged a Large. The loose cut should work on a range of sizes

Sleeves: to 27" long including the feathers and from the dropped shoulder and 19" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 21"
Bust: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem
Side slits: 14" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3979

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

This dress has lost its actual Ossie Clark label but the moss crepe label that remains is almost as famous as the Ossie one and firmly verifies the piece as being his work based on pieces from the Ossie Clark for Radley label that I have had in the shop many times. In 1968 Ossie Clark was designing his own couture line and also designing pieces for Alice Pollock for her Quorum Boutique. The Radley company approached Alice to find out of she could convince Ossie to design a top of the market collection that they would produce and sell to various boutiques and department stores. Dresses like this were the result of that collaboration. Even with this early version of 'ready to wear' the pieces that were made were still never produced in vast quantities and certainly nowhere near whet we think of today as RTW. as gar as quantities. This one is a very unusual Ossie twist on one of his classic designs and that makes it extra special. His designs transform once on the body and no matter how fabulous the dress looks like on the shots it is even better on an actual body.

The design of this dress reminds me of his classic 'graduation gown' in how it is loose and easy through the body but this version has a more filled in front then the plunging graduation dress design does. And it is also differentiated by the neckline that is edged with a panel on the same moss crepe fabric and that follows the front neckline. It has that incredible flow and drape that he was known for and it is so easy to wear. The neckline comes down and angles around its opening and then the dress falls from under that. It is set into the neckline with a series of flat pleats that open up at about the wast and fall freely to the floor. Attached ties on either side of the waist wraps around and tie to give you some the shape. The skirt flows from the front gathers under the neckline and at the back it begins right under the shoulder yoking with a long inverted pleat running down the center. It cascades to the ground and is balanced by the gorgeous sleeves. I love the capped shoulder on them with its nod to the previous century. The dress is made out of his signature moss crepe in an inky black. It is incredibly long and in its original supermodel uncut length. It is a dress that you will wear over and over and easily goes from day to night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It is narrow through the shoulders but generous through the body. Priced slightly lower then normal due to the lack of the actual Ossie label but absolutely and Ossie.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam but probably around a 13-14" max
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: open
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3980

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

This is an incredibly set by Bob Mackie for a collaboration he did with the Blanche lingerie brand during the late seventies - early eighties time period. It still has all of its original tags attached and is in perfect condition. Rarely do I bring in lingerie pieces but this one was so fabulous that I could not resist it. It is also a bit of a rarity in the history of the brand which makes it that much more special.

The inner gown is made of a slinky lurex that has little gold dots printed over the fabric. The neckline is dipped very low at the front and the neckline is edge with a transparent netting. The netting is then detailed with a pattern done in a gold metallic thread. The back dips into another low V and the netting follows the edges of that as well, curving over the shoulders and down the back. Starting over the arms and around to the back is a black semi-transparent chiffon that is connected to the lower edge of the netted panel. This draped over your arms to make a caped sleeve and glides down the back for a stunning caped effect. Over this is a full and loose caftan feeling robe that is made of that same black chiffon as the caped detail on the inner piece. This outer piece is absolutely fantastic. The cuffs and the neckline have a dramatic feather finish. Each sleeve is cut wide and straight and there is more of that gold embroidered thread design on them. They both end in a huge feather cuff that drapes down on an angle making it feel even more full and wide then it is. Around the neck and running down the front to the waist is another long panel of feathers. It has that perfect Old Hollywood movie star feel. It is over the top, glamours and extravagant. Even though these were meant to be lingerie pieces, in our modern world you could wear either piece out as evening pieces. The robe in particular would make an amazing evening jacket. The set is new with all its original tags attached. Excellent condition.

Both pieces slip on to wear. The robe has ties at the front. Tagged a P (small) and the set has all its original tags. It's generous cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The set has never been worn

Dress
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Robe
Sleeves: 32" to end of feathers
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED and the robe will fit to a LRG

Item# DD3531

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

John Galliano went from Givenchy to Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. During John Galliano's years at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut dresses in the house's history. 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 the Boutique line and it is gorgeous. I have included a photo of a picture from the main label runway that shows you how that same diamond shaped lace pattern detail was used in the main collection as well. It is always fascinating to see how an idea transfers from the various collections. 

This dress is made from a combination of lace and a fine black silk that is cut completely on the bias. It is very beautiful. The signature bias cut that he often did allows the dress to skim and drape over the body so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties which became another of John's signatures. The fabric of the dress is a fine black silk that has a dot pattern woven through it. These are pieced together and laid out in a diamond pattern that runs over the entire dress. Set between each diamond of fabric is a wide black lace ribbon. This creates a stunning texture over the entire dress. The dress is suspended from two lace straps and then the bodice is a simple soft layer of the lace and silk. It glides over the body and then flares out as it reaches the hem. The widening of the hem is created by more of the diamonds panels being added around the dress. It is an incredible feat of patterning. Just under the bust is a little silk chiffon peplum that is edged with lace. This flares out around you for added shape. Then at the hem there is a panel of lace that is set under the bottom edge of the skirt. You only see this bit of lace peaking out when you walk, sit or move and it is like this delicious little secret. The back is a low V that leaves a bare expanse of skin to show. It is even better in person and on the body as the black in the photos does not fully convey the detail that you will see in real life and bias cut dress only truly comes to life when worn Depending on your height the dress will fall to the low calf to full length. Excellent condition

Unlined and cut on the bias. It slips on to wear with no closures. The bias cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. The length might come up when on depending on the size of the girl underneath since it is cut on the bias. Tagged a US8 FR40 GB12. The measurements given below are the comfortable stretch of the fabric laying flat. You might get a touch more when on an actual body.

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from shoulder to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3975

Reference Photo: Spring 2005 Christian Dior Runway, Look 44. Model: Nicole Trunfio.

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 cute and easy to wear dress by Thakoon that looks like it was never worn. Thakoon launched his brand in September 2004 and this is a dress from very early on in his career. It is made from a scarf weight silk done in a bright coral orange. It is a very easy to wear piece with its loose and open cut through the body. You just slip it over the head and go. The sleeves are elbow length and finished with piping at the ends. The neckline is cut straight across so you have a little skin showing. It is cut loose and easy over the bust and through the waist. There is a bit of a gather at the front of the waist to add a touch of shape and then the skirt falls over that and widens out a touch as it nears the hem. When it is on the front comes up a touch. It is meant to be worn loose and easy and is super easy to wear. Great for day or evening. Just a fabulous dress when you want to have maximum comfort but still have that impact of colour. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a hidden set zipper at one side. Tagged a US 12. There is one tiny smudge dot of a mark on the back. Please see the final photo. You can barely even see it in the shot but I have included it anyway 

Sleeves: 17"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3971

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

In 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 and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made and it was made to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and rebranded as the Givenchy Couture label which this dress is from. This dress is also interesting as it is the obvious ready to wear version of two of the Haute Couture dresses presented that season. I have included the photos of those two runway shots here as it is always interesting to see the progression and translation of Couture to ready-to-wear.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3973

Reference Photos: Spring 1994 Givenchy Haute Couture Runway Collection.

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

I have only ever seen one other jumpsuit like this. It was a red version and it was sold at auction several years ago. It was dated to 1973 by the auction house which makes sens given the version of label in it. Barbara Hulanicki and her husband started out their company as a mail-order business. A chance bit of press on one particular dress ended up with that dress selling into the thousands. That gave them the capital and confidence to open their first shop in 1964. By the 1970s it had become a cultural phenomenon. They next expanded into the US and opened a shop within Bergdorf Goodman's in New York City. In 1973 they opened the Big Biba store on Kensington High Street. That store was an entire lifestyle concept store where everything in it was for sale. It was a huge and new concept for the time and unfortunately maybe too big an idea as the store closed it doors in September 1975 marking the end of an era for British fashion. Biba pieces were loved and worn to death by fans and the really really good pieces like this one are very hard to come by in this kind of condition. This is one of the best Biba pieces I have ever had. 

The jumpsuit is made from a deep blue satin finish fabric. It is in its original length and the legs are supermodel length. It actually looks to have been worn very little which is almost miraculous with Biba pieces. Running over the entire jumpsuit is that fantastic pattern of a horse race with the horses and riders racing down a track. Scattered in and around that are little horseshoes. It is just wonderful. The cut is simple and easy but sexy. The front is two small halter cups that just cover the breasts. Straps extend out from that to tie around the back if the neck. The seams under the cups are curved and the rest of the jumpsuit falls from there. The waist is seamed but not super cinched in and then it skims over the hips. The legs are cut wide and full. They are a full 37" around at the hem. At the back the entire back is left bare below where it ties at the neck. It scoops down into a curve to the lower back. It is just an amazing piece. Excellent condition.

Unlined and has a low back zipper. It ties behind the neck. The pant hems have been let down at some point and are neatly finished with a serged hem. You can see the faintest line where they were turned up but I decided to leave it as it is still finished and then you can hem to your perfect length.

Bust: no true side seams but the front covers approx 15" across
Underbust: to just under 17" across
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of bodice to waist and adjustable with ties
Pants: 46" from waist to hem
Inseam: 35"
Gusset: 13.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3967

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

This is a gorgeous little jumpsuit. It has no label so who made it is a mystery but it is fabulous regardless. This is truly a piece that needs an actual body in it to come to life and my dress form is not doing it full justice. I love the colour combination with its shades of bright tropical blues mixed with a soft orange and then pops of black and white. The fabric is a crepe jersey that has a bit of a texture to it and holds the colour extremely well. It is as bright and crisp as the day it came off the rack. It has no sleeves and the bodice is meant to skim over you. The waist is loose and easy so it is very comfortable to wear and move in. The pants are very full and flare out in a gentle swoop of fabric as they fall to the floor. Each is a full 34" around at the bottom hem. At first glance it looks like a full length dress but as soon as you move you realize it is a jumpsuit. I love the addition of the gold cording that has a series of gold metal 'coins' dangling from it. These have been added around the collar and each arm opening. More of it circles the entire waist and because they are set so that they hang from the gold cording they make a pretty sound when you move. It is fantastic and even better in person. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each leg is a full 34" around the bottom hem. Hand finished throughout with ribbon edge finishes at the inner hem. There is a good 2.5" turned up under the hem of each leg if you meed more length. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with a B-C cup in room at the front
Waist: 15" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from the neck to the waist seam
Pant length: 47" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: 31"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D637

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

This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress dates to the period between 1972 and 1975 and it is just exceptional. He really did mix colour and print like no other and I think this is a stunning example of his work. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period. 

This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a very unusual but gorgeous colour and print combination. The wool challis fabric it is made of is light in weight and holds colour exceptionally well. The colors are still crisp, bright and true. The dress has little cap sleeves and the neckline plunges into a V at the front and crosses over itself. The main print on the bodice is of florals and then that is edged with a striped pattern at the back and front. It zips down the back and I think it's amazing how the pattern at the back has been set so that it doesn't break in an awkward kind of way. The waist is cut with a loose and easy cut and on each side of the waist are attached ties that you can use to cinch it in a bit. Since they are attached at the sides you can tie them at the front as I have or at the back. The ties are printed with the floral print on one side and the stripes on the other. From under the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. A wide panel of the floral print runs down the center and around the hem. The rest of the skirt is a white dot on a soft brown backdrop. This is all achieved by the print having been screened onto the fabric and not pieced together. Which means that it was all pre-planned and figured out and that each dress made would have had to have been cut out specifically so that the design sits right over the dress. Incredible. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Rarely do you see someone able to mix stripes, floral and dots all on one piece and have it somehow work and be as beautiful as this piece is. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Attached ties at the waist as described above. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 11" around the ends and 9" long
Shoulder: 15"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3962

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 spectacular Alexander McQueen dress is from the Pre-fall 2016 collection. The presentation version was far more elaborate but I think I prefer this one. It allows you to really see the pattern on the lace and I think can be worn to more functions with its simpler more versatile feel. Vogue's Sarah Mower said in part of this collection; 'There’s a sensuous glamour emerging through Pre-Fall which seems to be hovering somewhere around the ’30s or ’40s. Sarah Burton has pinned it to a theme she called “thinking about a woman’s obsession with the possessions she treasures, like her jewelry and makeup, and the things she collects.” This Pre-Fall character is a properly elegant woman, with red lipstick and a penchant for feather chubbies and velvet ankle-strap platforms, who might reach into her extensive wardrobe and choose between any number of fragile, dramatic gowns for an evening out.' and the lace butterfly dresses were mentioned specifically; 'Well, it’s a delight when fashion can make you fantasize for a moment. Yet the fact is that Sarah Burton has steered this collection gently away from too much stylization. “It's quite feminine, and unconstructed,” is the way she puts it. The patterns of lipsticks, Fabergé eggs, butterflies, birds, and the McQueen skull motif appear as prints on silk dresses and on coats, as well as on the show-stopping embroidered sheer gowns.'

The dress is almost startling in its beauty. It is made from an inner taupey nude silk that acts as the backdrop for the black net lace that sits over it. This allows you to fully appreciate the pattern that is worked through the lace. From a distance it acts as an illusion that you are bare under the lace. The lace itself has large butterflies worked through it that are beautiful. Every line of the dress is perfection. It falls from the shoulder to follow the curve of your body. Seams worked through the dress create the shape that you see but they have taken great care to line up the pattern of the lace along each seam so that your eye is not broken and the pattern remains true as it trails across the dress. From the waist is falls in one long sheath to the floor widening out gently as it reaches the hem. At the back it has a large curved cut out that leaves you entire back bare and exposed. So when you walk away it has a very sensual and sexy feel. The sleeves are the final touch and they are fantastic. Each is unlined so that you see bare skin through the lace. They are cut high and peaked at the top of the shoulder with a little bit of tulle at the inner edge to hold their shape. It is spectacular and a wonderful example of Sarah's earlier work. It is a wonderful dress now and will be a collectible in the future. Excellent condition

Fully lined in silk as described above and closes with a low set hidden zipper at the back. Three button and loops behind the neck. Each cuff zippers to close. Tagged a modern McQueen 42. 

Sleeves: 25"
Inset shoulders: 13" with natural shoulders approx 15"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Neck: 14" around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3964

Reference Photo: Pre-Fall 2016 Alexander McQueen Collection, Look 33.

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

Mollie Parnis is one of my favorite American designers. She was known for having dressed numerous first ladies and her dresses regularly appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. She started a label with her husband in 1933 called Parnis Livingston Inc. and she quickly became know for her quality, fit and use of very good fabrics. She had a particular talent in dressing woman of every age and designed pieces that suited her older clients in a time when this was not a focus. Her husband died in 1962 forcing the label to shutter but she re-grouped and re-opened three months later under her own Mollie Parnis label.

This dress is lovely and has a classic one shoulder cut. It is made out of a soft fluid velvet in tones of silver, gold and copper. The colours are arranged over the velvet in a bit of an abstract geometric print that is set on an angle to follow the line created by the angle of the single shoulder. In person it has a far more silver feel to it and it is fantastic. The photos are not doing the metallic color full justice at all. The entire dress is suspended by that one single shoulder. It hooks to close into place at the top of the shoulder and then has an attached tie to add extra detail. The other shoulder is left completely bare. The dress is cut on the bias so that it skims over the body without being too tight or fitted and yet it still shows off your curves. The skirt falls to the floor and it is cut supermodel long. At the back there is a long open keyhole that is cut on an angle. This gives you this unexpected flash of skin there when you move. It dips down to an off-set zipper and there is a second attached tie at the top of the zipper to mimic the one at the shoulder. The weight of that tie also serves to give it a touch of shape through the waist. It is simple, chic and sexy but the metallic velvet gives it an amazing impact. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black chiffon to just past the knee and closes with an off-set zipper at the back. The two ties are just tacked into place so could be removed if you wished. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut should allow it to work for a range of sizes.

Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3963

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

Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and it is just gorgeous.

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk jersey that is the perfect shade of a clear, bright red. The way it is cut is very forties in feel with a bit of that old Hollywood charm. The bust is gathered in soft horizontal drapes that run from the top of the bodice to the top of the hip. Inside it is lightly boned. This gives it structure as well as creating a beautiful curving line that accentuates the body underneath. Running up and around the neck is a tiny strap made of the same jersey. This strap hooks into place at one side and you have the option of tucking it in and wearing the dress as a strapless piece. It is not a huge change but it is nice to have the option of either. The skirt falls to the floor under that and the jersey gives it lots of swing and movement. On each side of the dress is this fantastic and with elaborate beadwork design. The beads have been hand applied and form a large abstract flower that splays across each side of you. In the center of each flower is a small dangle of beads that move when you move. The petals are long and curved around you. I love that from the front you just get a hint of the beadwork so when you turn it's this stunning and magical surprise. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a red silky rayon and the skirt has an inner lining made of the same jersey fabric. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper and the strap hooks at one end. Light boning through the bodice and hand finishes.

Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck to natural waist, 20" to bottom of the draping
Skirt: approx 42" from natural waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3304

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

This dress was shown in the xx collection in a solid blue and then made in a couple of patterns. This dress in its metallic red rose print was one. The Attico brand was founded by Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and the line has a vintage vibe to it that I love. This dress has never been worn and still has its original hang tag attached.

The dress is brand new and unworn. It is made out of gorgeous fabric that has a red metallic rose print with green leafs running over its surface. The print is fabulous and completely covers every inch of the dress. The fabric is light in weight and adds to its ultra sexy feel. It is easy to wear too. It simply wraps and ties to one side of the inner side seam and then it snaps into place under the half bow of fabric at the waist on the other side. The front plunges down into a low V at the neck and the bodice is cut on a on a flattering curve. It is set wide across the shoulders and the sleeves pouf out around the upper arm and then taper into the wrists. The ties and snap cinch it in at the waist and then it curves around the hips. It is cut micro mini short. It is brand new and unworn. Excellent condition

Unlined and ties to close at the inner side and then the bow snaps into place. Tagged a size 38. Unworn and pristine. The wrap does give it a bit of play for sizing

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item# DD3956

Reference photo: Spring 2019 Look 11, Attico

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

Antony Price launched his label in 1979 and quickly became known as one of the more glamorous designer of the eighties. His work tended to have a mix of femininity and toughness that showed off the body and often had dramatic over-the-top finishing touches. Supermodel Jerry Hall was a muse and the rock and roll crowd adored him. You can see that mix of tough and feminine in this fabulous little dress with its elaborate gathers and its fitted one shoulder silhouette.

The dress is made out of a black taffeta and all of the gathers have been set by hand. The dress and its gathers have been molded around the body on a curving angle that are set to slope down on the same line as the shoulder. The fabric and the way that it has been gathered gives the dress a slight bias cut to it so that it moves easily over the body once on. It is a dress that is meant to curve and wrap around your body like a second skin. It is very sexy. The waist curves in and the skirt is cut slim and fitted. What is fascinating about this dress is that the zipper closure is set the follow the curves of the gathers. Instead of a normal vertical zipper at the side or back, he has set his zipper to wrap around the body so there is no line to break the design. This not only completely hides the zipper perfectly but might also have been done so the girl wearing it could have the option to leave the zipper open a bit to show a little skin if she wished. This is a dress that needs an actual body in it to make it truly come to life. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a curving set zipper as described above and shown in the photo. Appears unworn. Tagged a size medium on the handwritten tag but cut small

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2758

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

Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.

This is one of the most gorgeous Vicky Tiel Couture dresses That I have had in the shop. The dress is cut with her signature hourglass silhouette that follows your every curve. The bodice dips at the front with a pretty curved sweetheart neckline and has a simple coop at the back. The bodice is shaped and cupped over the breasts and there is inner boning for support. It is fitted under that and the waist is nipped in sharply. The sleeves as long and I love how they are set in a straight line down from the shoulder to give that sharp little angle where they meet the curve of the bust. The skirt wrapped over itself and the hem curves up that one side. There is a bit of a slit behind the front wrap so you get a flash of leg when you sit or walk. The fabric is gathered in on the one side for detail and there is a slight nit of padding that sits under the waist seam, This is what give s it that little shelf like feel and touch of volume that exaggerates the shape of your curves. I love it. The silk is equally spectacular. The back drop is done in an inky black  with a secondary pattern woven though in a different finish thread. Then onto that is a stunning bright pink floral print and vivid green leafs. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper.  Boning through the bodice. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 22"
Inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of the shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3955

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

This dress has had the part of the label that tells the collection date removed at some point in its history but I believe it is from the later 1980s based on the styles and similarities to other dresses I have previously had in the shop from that period. Regardless of its exact date it is definitely Karl's work and it is a gorgeous example of his work. It is a very easy to wear dress and of course Chanel is never a bad idea. 

This Chanel dress is so pretty. It is made out of a black silk chiffon that gives the dress its play on different transparencies that make up the design. It is light in weight and wonderfully easy to wear. Despite its light weight the fabric still has enough substance to hold the cut and give it the wonderful shape that you see. The bodice of the dress is sleeveless and cut to skim over you. A single layer sits over the bodice to the high scooped neckline and then there is a second layer under that to cover the breasts. The top layer then curves over the shoulder and plunges to the waist band in a deep open V. From just under the bust to the waist is a wide gathered 7" band made from gathered silk chiffon. I love how the gathers are set horizontally so it breaks the vertical lines of the dress and becomes a design detail in itself. The skirt falls for under there and it is made up of several curving panels of the silk chiffon that are set around the waist. The opaqueness  is created by them being layered over each other but when you move or sit you get a flash of a subtle transparency that is fabulous.  The lightness of the silk allows it to flare out and the movement that the layers give the dress has once it is on is incredible. The front is curved up so that is is slightly shorter then the back. At the back it zips to close and then has a row of tightly spaced gold toned Chanel buttons running all the way up the back. The construction is immaculate and it looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Lined as described above through the bodice and it zips to close at the back with a row of buttons over the zipper closure. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11.5" from top of shoulder to top seam of waist banding
Waist band: 7"
Skirt: 26" from bottom seam of the waist band to shortest point of the front hem, 41" to the longest point at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3954

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

Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969. I love his work and this is a gorgeous set.

When worn together the pieces have the feel of a dress. But being three separate pieces you have the versatility to wear them with other items you already own and really extend the life of them. All three pieces are made out out of a light weight silk lame that has gold metallic thread running through the fabric. The silk of the sleeveless tank top combines two shades of gold. The skirt has that same gold set as a wide band around the hem. Then the body of the skirt is a gorgeous purple silk. Onto the purple is a wavy design in a gold and a metallic green. The green especially catches the light with the smallest movement and it is fabulous. The skirt is fitted at the waist with a gold bad of fabric and then widens out as it nears the hem. Depending on your height this should fall at a mini length. It also comes with its original gold tie belt that is finished with long purple silk cord and tassels. This is one of those pieces that is even better in person. Excellent condition.

The top is unlined and the skirt has a second interior layer of the gold silk lame. The top buttons at the back of the neck with a fabric covered button and the skirt closes with a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Pockets on the hip of the skirt. The top is bias cut so has some give.

Top
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19.5" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2626

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 just a wow kind of piece. It is made from a red jersey that has a touch a sheen finish and has some pretty fabulous draping. There is a a touch of Studio 54, disco era sexiness thrown in the mix and it just couldn't be better. The jumpsuit simply slips on to wear and has elastic through the waist so that you can get into it. The top is draped and cut loose and easy. It has a serious plunge on the front and the back with panels of fabric draping over the bodice to the waist. Both sides plunge almost to the waist but the placement of the fabric holds it in place so that you feel safe wearing it. Each shoulder is gathered across the top of the shoulder and left as a wide panel of fabric there to create impact. The waist has elastic so its incredibly easy to wear. The jumpsuit has its original matching tie belt so you can cinch on the waist as much as you want to really emphasize the shape or you can wear it loose and easy. The pants have an almost harem cut feel to them, with each leg narrowing in a bit by the time they hit the ankles. Each side has a huge pointed panel that you can leave out for a more avant garde shape or tuck the point inwards to create a soft draping down the side of the leg. It is so sexy and so very easy to wear. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and has elastic through the waist. The fabric does have some stretch. Original tie belt is present. The easy cut should allow it it fit a range of sizes. the colour is a touch brighter in person

Bust: open  and generous. Should fit most busts from tiny to about 40" around
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open and generous
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to lowest waist seam but meant to drape a bit
Pants: 39" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3951

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

Early Ferragamo pieces are highly collectible and in their day they were sought after. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. From the sixties through to the early eighties the Ferragamo label was known world wide for pieces that incorporated gorgeous graphics and cutting edge designs. This dress is extremely well made and a very dramatic and bold dress that will definitely turn heads. 

This dress is entirely covered with hundreds of thousands of glass beads. When it is off the body it it heavy. I weighed it on my scale and it comes in at just under 7 pounds. And yet it drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way. You can definitely tell it is a high end piece given all that weight. It is very rare that you would see a dress this heavy in a new piece. Usually heavy applications of glass bead work is reserved for modern couture or far older pieces then this. The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The base fabric is a fine red silk chiffon and then it is lined in a second inner layer of a red silk chiffon. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back and the bottom point of the plunge sits slightly towards the back. The shoulder is twisted for a pretty detail. The angle the open side is cut on is fairly sharp so it really leaves you bare on the one side. The waist is seamed but not cinched and the dress has its original fully beaded, matching belt that you can wrap and tie around you to add more shape. The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out as it nears the floor. There are many yards of fabric in the skirt and one side of the back skirt has more folds and gathered fabric. This is done on the more bare side of the bodice and it a deliberate detail to add extra volume there and highlight the open plunge above it. It is also cut slightly longer here as well for a pretty nod to a train without being a train. The beads are done in both a flat pattern towards the bottom and then are more a looped design towards the upper part of the dress. This gives the beads a very subtle bit of movement. The beads are the same red as the dress. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just spectacular. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a red silk chiffon. It closes with a side zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. Tagged 40. I see a small ares on one side of the bodice where the fabric has been folded and sewn. The angle is sharp and I am sure this was done so it fully covers the bust of you are smaller chested. I left it could it could be easily un-tacked. I see a small area of missing beads near the zipper and one near the edge of the arm hole side. Please see the photos after the label shot. There is the occasional loose thread or missing bead here and there but there are so many thousands of beads its minor and its pretty much unavoidable with a dress with this many beads  

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem and 47" to the one slightly longer part at the side of the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3952

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

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colours, cut and fabrics. Some of his work is quite lovely and this dress is one of the very good pieces that he did. 

This is such a great little dress. It is simple yet very striking with the feathers all around the bodice. The body of the dress is made from a black jersey and it is cut and shaped to follow your curves. The fabric has some thickness to it so that it keeps the exact shape that you see once on the body. The skirt has the illusion of being wrapped over itself at the front. It circles around the hips and wraps over itself at the front curving up from the hem. This leaves an overlapped opening so that you get a flash of leg when you move or sit. The waist is accented by a wide band of gathered fabric that starts at the top of the hips and goes right up to under the bust curving in for shape. Topping this is that wonderful strapless bodice that is made out of overlapped feathers. The feathers have this fantastic slightly green iridescent finish to then that catches the light from every angle. This creates a fantastical and whimsical feel that is fabulously bold and dramatic. Excellent condition

The dress is lined in the same jersey as the exterior and it closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay closes with hook and eye. There is a light layer of padding through the bust and the bodice is lightly boned

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of feathers to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3948

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

This dress is one of the several versions that were produced for the Fall 1987 season. Versions  and variations of the dress were done for both the Haute Couture runway and Rive Gauche. A somewhat similar version in pink and black, worn by Naomi, was featured in the fall ad campaign for the Rive Gauche label. As much as I love the pink version, I think that the all black is even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions. This dress is also one of the most dramatic of all the similar examples I have shared here and I love that about it.

The dress is strapless with a wonderful curved bodice and short fitted cut. The fabric is so unusual. It has a slight bubbled textured feel to it which makes it a much more interesting choice than a plain black fabric would have. I love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges. This is a classic YSL touch that adds to the impact the dress has. The ruffles follow the upward curving edge of the bodice and then go all the way down and around the back. A double layer of wider ruffles edge the bottom hem to give it extra volume and flare. The front of the skirt has an extra apron-like overlay that has allowed him to curve one of the ruffled finishes along its edge and up to the hip. At that side of the hip is a large black bow set slightly to the back if the side. The bow is made of the same silk taffeta that the ruffles are made from. This adds incredible volume and I love it. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the hem is set to that final ruffle that curves across the back. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from top seam of the bodice to hem and the top ruffle adds 2.5" inches above the top seam of the bodice

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3090

Reference Photos: (1) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.  /  (2-3) Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987 Runway.

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

This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. He pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period and his designs ranged from high fantasy and print-work to amazingly wearable and timeless pieces like this. It is stunning in person and  think it is even better then the photos do it justice.

The dress is made from a black moire finished silk mix in a black on black design. The finish lets it subtly catch the light from every angle while still feeling elegant and not too over-the-top. The bodice is strapless and lightly boned for structure. It has a pretty curved and scalloped pattern around the top edge for a little unexpected detailing. It is meant to fit snug to you and then nips in at the waist. Under that the skirt is cut in this fantastic tulip shape. It is quite full and open through the hips and then it comes in to narrow down as it reached the hem. Over this is an 8" wide peplum that circles all the way around the hips and is cut and set so that it flares out a bit to add to the exaggerated feel the hips have. It is gorgeous and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in black silky rayon and closes with a side hidden zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. Hand finishes throughout.

Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice length: 8.5" from top of bust to waist
Skirt length: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3949

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

The Lucie Ann label started off as a lingerie company when it launched in 1947 by Lucie Ann Onderwyzer. She soon became known for her extravagant feathered edged peignors that were all the rage in Hollywood. Eva Gabor was a huge fan and client and she often wore the label on her TV series 'Green Acres'. Once in to the early 60s she branched out to more hostess type pieces as well and this caftan dress is one of the most coveted of the things she did from that period. I have had one other about 10 years ago and am happy to have found its twin. It is a bit of a rarity and quite fabulous. It is made out of a light weight gold lame fabric that has a stunning swirling print that runs over its surface. The backdrop is a deep natural linen colour and then the print is a mix of pink, coral, blue and green that pops off the neutral backdrop. The entire fabric has a gold thread worked through it with some parts done in a heavier weight to form another layer of the print. This allows the caftan to catch the light and shimmer from every angle. It is tremendously easy to wear. It slips over the head with a V neck at the front and then extends out at each side. There are built in wide openings for your arms and then it drapes beautifully down each side. Gold sequins and a flat gold braiding detail both the cuffs and the neckline. It is very light weight and easy to wear. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the back with hooks above an open keyhole. The loose and easy fit should allow it to work on a variety of sizes. At some point the hem was taken down and there is a very faint fold line in some spots along it. The edge is serge finished and neat. I chose to leave it as its looks fine on like this. You could easily shorten it if you wished but this way it is at its maximum length.

Width: 38" flat across from seam to seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD3947

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 beautiful Emilio Pucci dress that is made out of one of his signature silk jerseys. This fabric held colour wonderfully and is part of the reason why even all these decades later that the dress is still so vibrant in feel. The dress is covered with one of his iconic prints that suggests bold florals. This one is a mix of several shades of ocean blues with grey and ivory pops. The dress is easy to wear. The bodice crosses over itself at the front and there is a little hidden set, silk covered snap to hold it perfectly in place. A contrasting border edges the neckline and runs down to the the slightly high set waist. The waist is also detailed with a printed border that curves around you and there is a panel of it that runs down the back of the skirt. The sleeves are long with a bit of volume over the cuffs and each wide cuff is a double panel of the border print. Under the waist the skirt falls in a sleek line with a slight A-line cut. There are hidden pickets along each hip. This is a classic Pucci silhouette and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. The contrasting printed bits help to define the cut of the dress and draw the eye into a pretty silhouette. This mix of blues is always one of my favorite of his prints and the pattern is bold and beautiful. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the side. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12. The fabric does have slight stretch. Each cuff closes with a newer looking series of hidden set snaps and there is a silk covered hidden snap at the bodice as described above. Hidden pocket along each hip. I see a tiny pull in the fabric near the seam under the arm

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom seam of the 2" band at the waist
Skirt: 26.5" from bottom seam of the band at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2718

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

John Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it became known for the futuristic designs that Bates created. By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floaty, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period and his print dresses are some of my favourites to find.

I have only ever seen one other version of this dress and it was full length so I am not sure if this one was shortened at some point or if it was ordered at this length. Either way it is a gorgeous little dress. It is made out of a light cotton mix voile. The print on it is a pretty soft blue and the fabric has a touch of transparency to it that gives the colour an extra dimension. The dress has a high scooped neck and the front bodice has a bibbed feel created by a center panel that is edged in a black and white braiding. This is also where the dress opens up so that you can get into it and the tightly spaced domed buttons that run down one side and across one shoulder become a beautiful design element. At the back there is the same braiding again. The waist is set slightly high. The sleeves are amazing. Each is very full and sit above a buttoned cuff. I love how the top of cuffs are both accented by more of that black and white cording. Under that the skirt falls to below the knee and is quite full due to the pleating that runs down the center on both sides o the dress. Flat knife pleats act as gathers down the middle of the front and back and also add even more detail to the dress. It is so pretty. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and and closes with the buttons up the side of the front and across the shoulder. Each cuff buttons to close. There is a teeny part of the braiding at the back of the neck that has pull out. I can put a stitch to hold it down before it ships. And one button is missing on one cuff. This will sit best on a 0-4 as it is cut small across the chest  (and a small busted 4 at max)

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Midpoint of the bust flat across is 13"
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3945

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

The Bessi company was launched in 1950 but it was not until 1968 that it started producing the printed pieces that the label is now associated with. Like Pucci he signed all his prints and created them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality, Bessi dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies. This one is just lovely and the colour of it is divine.

This gorgeous little dress is made from one of their signature velvet fabrics. These velvet pieces hold color especially well and they have a rich decadent feel to them that is hard to beat with their modern counterparts. The print would have been created in-house and then transferred to the velvet. This one is the most gorgeous shade of a dusky soft purple shade that has pops of pale pinks and white. The print is a pretty floral design that runs over the velvet. The dress is kept simple in its cut so that the colors and the print can shine. The bodice skims over the bust with a high neck. It has no sleeves and the arm openings dip low on each side. It skims over the bust to meet a band of velvet at the waist. This then tops a simple skirt that curves over the hips and widens out as it nears the hem. The skirt has some fullness and the design is beautifully laid out onto it. A border is creates contrasting to the print and this runs down the center of the dress on both sides and circles the hem. It is also used on the top of each shoulder and for the collar. It is quite lovely. Presents as excellent condition with some notes below to review

Fully lined in a Bessi embossed pale blue silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Unlabeled but signed throughout. The lining has slight discoloration throughout. There is some grubbiness along the edge of the collar and the edges of the arm.  There is a very faint change in colour to one side of the bodice and along the top of one shoulder. Once on these are very minor due to the extensive print. Please review the photos provided after the label shot and know that the photos look worse then how it does in person. Priced with these in mind and still has tons of life in it and is super cute on.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom seam of 2" waist band
Skirt: 27" from bottom seam of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3944

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

If I am deciphering the tag on this dress correctly it is from the Fall 2016 collection. It was not a runway piece but it was not unusual for other pieces to be produced for retail by the brand. It is a gorgeous dress. 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. This dress is based on just that theory and it is incredibly easy to wear. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by a thin strap that curves down to the back. It then passes through grommets and ties across the back to keep it perfectly in place The rest of the upper back is left bare above the dipped V there. The front also dips in a V and then the dress closes down the front with a series of gold edged glossy black buttons. It is cut in a loose and easy line that widen out as it nears the hem. At the waist are drawstring ties that run through a hidden tunnel running around the waist. You can use those to cinch in the waist as much as you like or leave them more open to get a more sheath dress feel. This makes it incredibly comfortable and accommodating once on the body. Pockets are hidden along each hip for a touch of ease to the design and the skirt is cut super model long. The body of the dress is a soft black lace feeling fabric with a nude silk underneath to give the illusion from afar that you are bare. It is then finished with an extra wide ruffle of the lace at the hem. It is also very versatile with the ability to go from day to night with a simple change of accessories. This one has never been worn and still has its original tags attached including an extra button. Excellent condition

The body of the dress is lined in a nude silk and the bottom ruffled part is unlined. It buttons to close with a drawstring at the waist as described above. Tagged a modern 34 but seems extremely generous in cut for that size so please check the measurements below . New with original tags

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem
Front skirt opening: 29: from hem to first button

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3942

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 rare and hard to find dress. The shorter black and white version was used in the ad campaign that year photoed on Supermodel Christy Turlington. This was one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this example. And do I dare say that I love the pink version better then the one used for the ad campaign? 

The spring 1990 collection was fully of whimsy and ruffles. It highlighted just how well Yves could do a feminine piece with a bit of wit and romance. The dress is made from a light weight silk organza that holds the shape and volume that you see beautifully. It has been dyed to a soft pink and then has black dots worked over it from top to bottom. The front of the bodice is scooped and edged with his signature black braiding. The bodice is cut to skim over you and then comes in a touch at the waist. It skims past the waist to end at the top of the hips. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt to really define and cinch it in. At the back the dress has a series of glossy black buttons that pick up in the dots in the print. The seam that runs around the top of the hips is set on a curve and at the back it dips down just a touch for a pretty feel. The skirt is set into that seam and it is gorgeous. It is set in a series of soft pleats that give it the volume that you see. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. At the front it falls to just above or at the knees depending on your height and then it curves down and around to fall to mid-calf or the ankle, again height dependent. The bottom edge of the skirt is finished with a wide ruffle and this just increases the volume and movement that the skirt already has. The fabric is light enough that the skirt will move with the slightest bit of air. When you move it moves. The last perfect touch are the sleeves. They are cut to the elbows and each is finished with the same ruffle and the skirt. It wraps all the way around the edge and then runs up the side for a bit of a jaunty flare. I love it. This dress is beyond in person and far better then how it even photoed. Excellent condition with a note below.

The top is lined in a matching fine silk and the skirt and sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back zipper under the decorative row of buttons. The buttons on the cuffs are decorative. here is a small inner hip panel under the skirt. There are some areas of yellowing on the ruffles of the skirt on one side and a tiny colour run mark. With the volume that the skirt has this is very minor. Please see the two photos after the label shot. Tagged a 40

Sleeves: 13"
Shoulders: 15-16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hip panel: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam and if you added to that the hips would be completely open
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at top of the hip
Skirt: 15" from seam at top of the hip to front hem, 34" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3940

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (2-3) Christy Turlington in a Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress of polka dot Abraham fabric, for the Spring 1990 Ad Campaign, photographed by Arthur Elgort.

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

Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get. 

The dress is gorgeous and it is cut to highlight all of your curves. I love that it is made out of silk chiffon and that is is done in the prettiest colours. So many of her pieces are black and have that very dark sensual feel to them. It is a real treat to see her more romantic feeling work and use of colour while still keeping her signature sexiness. One of her signatures was a dress that is strapless and you could easily tuck the tiny silk straps in on this one so you can wear it either way. In 1985 People Magazine declared her to be 'the Queen of the strapless dress' and her dresses were a favourite on the red carpet. The body of the dress is made of an extensively draped silk chiffon that has been entirely hand set into place to create the layers that you see. These are hand set into place and cover the entire dress. It is cut to be very fitted at the top of the bodice where it is meant to hug your curves. The silk is gathered to highlight the shape even more. The cups of the dress are finished with a dramatic beaded and sequin design and this same design peaks out again at the back. More bead and sequin work sits just to one side where some of the silk is gathered up for added detailing. I love the cascading effect the silk has as it falls in the different layers and lengths down the body. The changing of the silk from a pink to that beautiful sea green just adds to its beauty. It is gorgeous.  Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pink silk and pink silk chiffon and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Light boning on the sides of the bodice. Hand finishes throughout and very well made. I see one pinhead size mark on the back near the zipper. Please see the photo after the label shot. The silk is bias cut so there is some give

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3805

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

In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. That said, his ready-to-wear line was made to almost true couture standards and pieces were made with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in the construction of his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan and he was truly one of the great American designers. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. This dress is super easy to wear and gorgeous

This fabulous little black dress is made out of a fine light weight silk. This fabric choice gives the dress a lovely light and airy feel to it. The dress is unlined and simply floats over the body. The neckline is cut straight and wide across the shoulders and I think if you are narrow through the shoulder you could even wear this as an off-shoulder dress or at very least let is slip down and off one shoulder. The sleeves are cut extra wide and end with a ruffle. The width of them and fullness of the cut gives then a caped feel. The sleeves extend out from the waist at the bottom and then slope down and over the shoulder at the top. This sleeve choice gives the dress a very feminine feel and also adds a lot of movement through the top of the dress. The bodice is cut to blouse out over the waist playing on that caped feel. There is a slit that runs down the center front of the dress that you can't super see in the photos but it is there and adds an unexpected flash of skin when you move. The waist is elastic and this lets you play with where the waist sits. You can wear it higher up or have it sit a little lower so the length is longer. I have added a pretty black grosgrain ribbon that cinches it in and I will send this with the dress. The skirt falls from the waist in a pretty cascade of fabric and gives the illusion of wrapping around you and curving up on one side. The skirt is finished at its edge with a ruffle. The way it crosses over itself allows for a bit of leg to show when you walk or sit. It is a really special piece that is super comfortable to wear and that can have a lot of subtle sexiness to it or feel very prim and proper depending on how you style it. On an actual body it is even better then on my dress form because he cut his dresses to be worn and move with the body. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on to wear with a hook at the back of the neck above a keyhole. Elastic at the waist for an easy fit. Ribbon edged finishes seams. Extremely well made. Sent with a grosgrain ribbon for the waist that is not original to the dress. The elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist and will blouse over
Skirt: 25" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 36" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3936

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

This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. He was known for being a genius at print and colour but he also pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress is a spectacular example of that. All of the detailing that you see is done purely through the manipulation of the fabric. It is gorgeous.

This dress is made out of a black silk jersey that gives it that beautiful draping effect that you see. It's pleating and the way that the fabric is draped give it a touch of a Madame Gres piece in feel. It is insanely beautiful in person. It manages to be simple and yet very complex at the same time. The dress flows to the floor in a long and dramatic swoop of jersey. The skirt is constructed in a way that when you are standing perfectly still it falls in a perfect column but when you move you realize that there is a tremendous amount of fabric in there. The bodice is shaped and boned so that it has a more structured feel to it and it is fitted to the body. The front is set in a peaked sweetheart that emphasizes the bust. The jersey is draped over this and crosses over itself at the front. The waist nips in and is shaped. The skirt is set under the edge of the bodice and I love the evenly spaced pleats that run all the way around you. The sleeves are very unusual. Each is a single layer of jersey cut extra long and with a full gathered cap near the shoulders. The upper part of the shoulder is soft and this allows you to be able to wear them both on or off the shoulders. When you wear them up and on the shoulders they have a more squared off formal feel and when worn down they take on a softer feel that leaves the shoulders completely bare. The sleeves are cut extra long so when it is on an actual person they will gather up along the arm and extend that draped feel that the shoulders have. The dress is beautifully finished with hand work throughout. This is a dress that needs an actual body in it to truly come to life. The photos do not come anywhere near to how amazing this dress is in person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

The bodice is fully lined in black silk and the skirt unlined. It closes with a hidden set side painted metal zipper. Boning through the sides and bodice. Hand finishes throughout. Tagged a 38. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: approx 24"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3472

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 set from the tail end of Ossie's career. After enjoying much success through the late sixties and early seventies the late seventies saw most of that end as his diaphanous gowns and moss crepe pieces went out of style. Pieces from this later period are harder to come by as they were commissioned by clients individually for the most part so where never in large scale production. It is an much overlooked part of his career but I treasure each one I find as it represents some of the last of the work he would do. This one is very much in line with the Studio 54 mood of those days and I love it. His designs transform once they are on the body and no matter how fabulous the set looks in the shots it is even better in person and on.

This is a great set that is made from a black silk jersey that has incredible drape and slink once on the body. It is two pieces - a pair of loose and easy pants that narrow as they reach their hems and a top that you just slip on over your head to wear. The pants have this simple and easy button front that is quite genius. There are no closures other than two buttons at the waist. To wear them you step into them and then button two buttons at the front so that the front flaps of fabric there overlap and close. The waist is banded for shape and then the pants are loose and generously cut through the hips with lots of drape at the front. There are pockets on each hip. From there they taper down to the ankles where they puddle a bit depending on your height. The top is made with a simple loose cut tank with skinny straps. A second strap extends out from the front that you can wrap behind the neck and tie for a little extra detailing. The top is cut to be loose and easy through the body so is very comfortable to wear. Added bonus for being able to mix and match the two pieces with other things you already have in your wardrobe which extends the wearabilty of it. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined and the pants button to close as described above and the top slips over the head. Pockets on each hip. Tagged a vintage UK 12. The fabric does have some stretch. The waist is banded. It might be possible to move the buttons over to give you up to an inch more. One button at the waist has lost its fabric top.

Top
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from top of shoulder to hem

Pants:
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 46" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 33.5" from waist to hem
Rise: 15"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3932

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 the work of Elinor Simmons who designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. She excelled at the heavy embellished piece that the label was known for and this is a wonderful example of her work. It is even more amazing in person and the photos cannot convey the weight and presence of it. It is incredible

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 entire dress is made from a gold net that is feels like it has actual meal worked into the thread. Then onto that is an extensive design done in a gold braid. The gold braid is hand set into little curving swirls and loops that cover the entire dress. Wider panels made of the same braiding run down and highlight the lines of the dress. These edge the neckline, meet in the center and then run to meet another panel of cording that circles the waist. That center panel then continues past the waist to the hem. To add yet another layer of glamour the fabric has hundreds of prong set iridescent rhinestones mixed with sequins and beads scattered over its surface. The makes the entire dress shimmer and catch the light from every angle. The net has a touch of transparency to it and sits over a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and then has an ivory underlay for the skirt. The cut is simple so that the gold can take center stage. The bodice is sleeveless with a V front. The waist nips in slightly and then the skirt falls under that and widens out as it nears the hem. It is a beauty. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a combination of nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and a cream satin under the skirt. It closes with a back painted metal zipper on the interior lining and has fabric covered buttons and loops on the exterior dress that sits over that. I see some grubbiness to the  edge of the inner hem that does not show when its on. The inner skirt has impressions of the netting on it from previous storage. It otherwise looks to have been worn very little.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to bottom seam of waist including the 2" band
Skirt: 38.5" from bottom of seam at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3928

Reference Photo: Model in Malcolm Starr, Harper's Bazaar, 1968. Photo by Neal Barr.

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 the second time I have had this dress in the shop and its just as good this time around. It dates to the Fall 1990 collection and I have included a reference shot from the runway show where you can see a dress that has the same brass bell trimming along its edges. A version from that season was also included in the Oscar de la Renta exhibit in 2016. It is a wonderful dress and I absolutely love it.

The dress is stunning and I love the combination of the pattern in the silk, the gold thread that runs through the entire dress and the little brass bells that edge the dress. The metallic thread that is worked into the fabric give the entire dress a golden finish that catches the light from every angle. He then finished the edges with a braided gold cord that is made from an actual metal thread. This runs around each cuff, down the edge of the skirt and circles all the way around the hem. More of it follows the neckline and then runs down on an angle across the bust. The cord is laid out in little loops and then there are these amazing little brass bells hand placed into the loops. There are hundreds of them and they are real and work so every time you move there is a wonderful little jingling sound that the bells make. It is a soft pretty sound rather then a true bell ringing kind of sound so is more on the subtle side and not overwhelming. It is quite amazing and adds an unusual element to the dress. The bodice is cut to be loose over you and the sleeves are long. The waist is seamed but generous and you could cinch it in by adding a belt. The skirt falls from there and wraps over itself so that when you walk or sit you see some leg. It narrows down as it reaches the hem and is longer at the back. The silk is surprisingly lightweight and fluid. Very well made, unusual and yet very beautiful. Excellent condition.

The bodice and sleeves are fully lined in a fine blue silk satin of high quality and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back, hidden set metal and nylon zipper. Hidden set zippers at each cuff. Light padding in each shoulder.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from neck to waist and meant to blouse over slightly
Skirt: approx 36.5" where it meets at the front, 41" from waist to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3827

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1990 Oscar de la Renta Runway. /  (3) From the ‘Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective’ exhibition at de Young Museum, San Francisco, 2016.

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

Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant  and copied couture gowns for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved over to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984. During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills. The French Ministry of Culture honored him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he eschewed producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017. This dress is just fabulous and in mint condition

This Azzedine Alaia dress has a definite nod to some of his earlier work. It is based on a very similar dress to this one that he first made in the 1990s that had a slightly different woven pattern but otherwise had the same feel. The dress is made from ribbed and patterned knit in a stark white. This lies over a nude colored inner stretch jersey. The nude jersey peeks out between the open parts of the white knit and this is meant to give the illusion that you are wearing the knit over your bare skin. This inner lining is a stretch knit jersey that hugs and molds to your body to help hold things in place and creates a smooth line for the dress to fall over. As with all Azzedine Alaia pieces, this dress is cut to hug and highlight every curve. The workmanship and the fabric is the best you can get and I love the wide ribbed knit 'ruffle' at the hem. A V neck at the front and no sleeves are the perfect balance to the original unaltered extra long supermodel length of the dress. It's Barney's tag is still attached and it appears as if the dress was never worn. It is incredible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a nude lingerie weight stretch knit jersey. It slips on to wear with no closures. The knit gives is a bias cut so it should accommodate a range of sizes. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but will stretch quite a bit. I have given the range of sizes from it laying flat and being completely unstretched to stretched out comfortably. You could probably get another inch or so beyond these as well once on an actual body. The length will come up a bit once on an actual body

Bust: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam comfortably
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3423

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 classic little black dress is a great basic that you will reach for over and over. Halston is one of those labels that with the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple. Every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress is made from a light weight black jersey. To wear it you simply slip it on and hook it to close at the top of one shoulder. The bodice is a one shoulder cut and is meant to skim over you. It has elastic through the waist so is very easy to wear and comfortable. I added a grosgrain ribbon that will be sent with it but it could be worn with any belt or with none. The skirt is one panel of fabric that wraps around you and then crosses over at the front. It is cut so the hem follows a soft curve as it comes around the back and then curves up on both sides to meet the waist. This gives it a look of a peplum around the waist that I love. It also gives you a bit of a high low feel with some leg showing at the front and at the back it drops to a full length. This is a signature Halston dress that can go from day or night. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic through the waist and a hook at the top of one shoulder.

Bust: covers approx 16-17" flat across the front with no side seam on one side
Elastic waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to approx 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to shortest part of the front and 43" from waist to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3920

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 fabulous dress is easily identifiable as a play on the incredible work of Youssef Rizkallah for the Malcolm Starr label. His pieces that utilized quilting and patchwork are truly iconic and it is fun to have found a dress that was obviously done in homage to his work. This dress has some small flaws but it is still well made and a great way to get this look without the big price tags associated with The Malcolm Starr label these days.

The bodice of the dress is made from a black jersey that is cut with a high scooped neckline and long sleeves. It skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The skirt flows down from under there widening out as it nears the floor. In sharp contrast to the black top the skirt is made from an ivory fabric accented with red and black. The red is used to highlight the pockets and also runs around the hem. The black parts are done in an inky black velvet that runs down the length of the skirt and also anchors the hem under the red. Gold rick rack highlights all of it and adds a little glitz. The final finishing touch is the gold finished ribbon tie belt with a big velvet bow at the front that wraps and hooks around the waist to tie it all together. It is a great combination of colour and textures. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The top is lined in a black slinky nylon and the skirt in a white muslin. It  zips to close at the back. Pockets on each hip. Original belt that hooks to close. There is a slight area of faint yellowing to the fabric on the back if the skirt and a couple of tiny even lighter ones here and there. It is priced with this in mind. Still completely wearable as you only see it in certain lights.

Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3921

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

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.

This dress is a far more subdued piece then we usually see from this label but it is still so fabulous. It is entirely cut on the bias and has minimal seaming. The fabric is a black jersey that allows it to move and drape beautifully. The dress is made from one long single panel of fabric that has darts to add a bit of shape around the bodice and then it extends out to ties that wrap around the neck or over the shoulder. There are also ties attached at the waist with a slit along one seam along one of the deep darts. This allows you to wrap it around you and hold the dress in place. It is very clever. You can wrap and tie those long ties in a variety of ways. I have shown a couple of different ways to wear it on the dress form and I bet you could come up with more. Those ties make it incredible versatile and really it is like buying several dresses in one. Excellent condition

Constructed from a single bias cut jersey layer with the ties extending out from one end and at the waist as described above. The dress slips on to wear with no closures. It can be wrapped and tied several ways as shown. It is almost impossible to measure but should fit a range of sizes

Bust: the fabric is approx 15-16" flat across but there are no side seams so it will fit a large variety of bust sizes
Waist: approx 12.5-17"
Hips: approx 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 58-60" from shoulder to hem but you can adjust it up or down depending on how you choose to wear it 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3922

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 Halston IV jumpsuit is a special piece and it is super rare to boot. I have had the caftan version in this same metallic gold fabric in the shop a few times now but the jumpsuits are very hard to find. The design is simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel combined with that gold glamour and glitz. It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it.

This jumpsuit is just the perfect piece. The bodice is scooped at the neck with little gold ties in the same fabric that extend out and tie behind the neck. You simply tie it in place and the front scoops in a graceful curve. The ties give you some control on how high the front sits. By adjusting how tight you tie it you can have it sit high up the chest or leave it looser to drape more and sit lower on the chest. The bottom sides curve around just slightly to the back so that your entire back is exposed and bare. The waist is elastic and there is a little matching double tie belt there that you can use to cinch it in as much as you wish. It skims over the hips and then the legs are cut in a bit of a peg leg where they narrow down just slightly as they reach their hems. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it which adds to its sexiness. It is a piece that is incredibly easy to wear. It can go from entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamour. Adding layers under or over it can change up its look completely. It is just amazing. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties at the back of the neck. Elastic through the waist. Tagged a vintage Petite. The waist stretches so should accommodate a bit of a range of sizes. The measurements below show the comfortable range while laying flat.

Bust: the full width of the front is 19" side to side
Elastic waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: adjustable but approx 16" from neck to waist
Pant: 41.5" from waist to hem
Rise: 14.5 from back of waist to inner seam
Inseam: 30.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3918

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 Valentino that is from the time period of Valentino when it was being co-designed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. They had stepped into Mr Valentino's shoes and were breathing new life into the brand. I love that they still adhered to the label's heritage in keeping with using the classic Valentino red colour. This is just a lovely lovely dress.

The main body of the dress is made from a light stretch silk crepe in the signature shade of red that Valentino is so well known for. The fabric choice keeps the dress light in weight while still holding that beautiful shape that you see. The bodice is made from a matching red lace that has panels of the crepe draped over it to keep you from being completely bare. It is cut with little capped sleeves and a high scooped neckline. It skims over the bodice and then the panels are draped and tacked over the front to cover the breasts. Another panel goes across the back and then both the front and the back panels extend out into long ties. These tie at one side of the waist. This adds a beautiful detailing and also adds shape through the waist and allows you to adjust the fit. The skirt falls to the floor in a graceful column and gradually widens out just a touch as it nears the hem. Under the tie at the side the skirt is slit quite high and is edged in a double layer of ruffles. This creates a beautiful movement down that side and an added bit of prettiness. The lightness of the silk combined with the opening on the one side allows the fabric of the skirt to move with the slightest bit of movement on your part and it is so pretty when you walk. The skirt is cut very long and is in its original length. It is a beautiful and romantic dress. It looks to have been worn very little it at all. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined a nude organza and the skirt is made from two layers of the  red stretch silk. It closes with a side hidden set zipper.  The fabric does have a slight stretch. Tagged a modern size 8

Shoulders: 14.5-15"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 51" from waist to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3915

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 fabulous caftan would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourite periods for the house. I especially love his work during this period. He was a genius at colour and he pushed the envelope in his work with his cuts. This caftan dress dates to the latter part of the 1970s and it is incredible. I love that it could easily worn by anyone and has a very unisex feel to it.

The caftan is cut to be big and oversized so it is exceptionally easy to wear. It generous open cut will suit a large range of body sizes and types. On a smaller frame it will have an over-sized feel and it could easily work on larger frames and even as a unisex or genderless piece. The sleeves are cut to be straight and wide to form a simple T-shape. The neckline is cut into a very low notched slit at the front and is held in place by a little attached strip of the same fabric. It falls to the floor, gently widening as it nears the hem, and there are slits up each side. It is cut to be very loose and easy through the body. The caftan is a made out of almost canvas finished cotton but is not heavy. The colour is a rusted clay that is more earth tone in feel in person then how it photograhed. I love the big pockets that sit on the outside hip on each side. They go with the oversized feel the piece has and are the perfect finishing touch. Excellent condition

Slips over the head to wear with no closures. Easy to care for and can be machine or hand washed. The cotton has a gentle patina that adds to its feeling of being authentic vinage and is from natural aging. The loose and easy cut should work on a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 23"
Dropped shoulders: 18" at seams but no true shoulder
Bust: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 28.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL, OSFA

Item# DD3916

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