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The lines of this suit are beautiful. It really shows what a master tailor he was and how intricate his work could be. Both pieces are made from an ivory moire silk that has just a touch of the very pale set yellow to it in certain lights. The jacket is heavily embellished with embroidery and a raffia in the same shade of ivory. This monotone approach gives it a rich, luxe feel. The detailing is down around the pockets above the slit cuffs ends of the sleeves and then there is a full medallion of it on the back. I love that even the silk covered buttons that close the jacket have embroidery work on them as well. The jacket is sleekly cut with lightly padded shoulders and long sleeves. The waist curves and nips in and the hips are cut on a structured rounded curve that is quite beautiful. The skirt falls to about the knee in a simple and chic pencil shape with a banded waist. Everything about the cut and line of the suit is done to allow that wonderful jacket to take center stage. This would even make a lovely wedding suit. Excellent condition with a small note to review below
Both pieces are fully lined in an ivory silk. The skirt closes with a hidden set zipper and hooks at the waist. The jacket buttons to close and has padding in the shoulders. I see one pinhead dot on the back of the skirt and some of the raffia at the very front has a slightly crushed feel to it. It feels immaculate when you look at it.
Jacket
Sleeves: 24.5”
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5”
Bust: 18" 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: 28" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3492
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress beautifully showcases the genius of Oscar de la Renta and the work that he was doing in this time period. The attention to detail alone is fabulous. The dress has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking. This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements in this dress are a reflection of the standards he adhered to for his entire career and body of work.
The dress is made from a semi-sheer silk chiffon in a deep dusky pink with a floral print screened over the surface. Through the body is a built in under dress done in two layers of a nude silk chiffon and this falls to just above the knees. This play on the sheerness allows the design that runs over the chiffon to have a different feel as it runs over you. Over the floral design of the silk is an intricate pattern that is made from sequins. The sequins are placed in two ways... some are placed flat side by side and then in other areas they are overlapped to form perfect little curved rows. This changes how they catch the light and adds even more texture and gives the entire dress its subtle glint. The bodice is cut to skim over the body and each sleeve is long, slim and left unlined for a touch of transparency. The shoulders have light padding to hold the shape and give the upper part of the dress a touch of formality. The skirt is fantastic and it flows to the floor, gradually widening out a touch as it nears the hem. At the back it continues to extend out into a modified train for the perfect dramatic finish. It is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Lined to the knee with two layers of built in nude silk chiffon. The sleeves are left unlined. It closes at the back along one side with a hidden set zipper. Tiny padding in each shoulder - just enough to support that little cap. Hand finished throughout. I see a small repair on each of the seams where the train is set onto the dress and another near the hem of the back train. Please see the three photos following the label shot. Tagged a US4
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem and 72" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3482
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Donald Brooks pieces are always very well made and the pieces from his Boutique line have a real sense of ease and fun about them that I love. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This set is from the boutique line which gives us that small time period from 1971-1973 for its date.
This is a super cute and fun cropped skirt and top set that has that perfect seventies feel to it. This set is especially cute with its bright and cheerful print on a white cotton base that really lets the colors pop. The top has extra wide sleeves that come out from the bodice so they kind of slouch with an easy feel once on. It has no closures down the front at all, instead it has ties that extend out from the cropped bottom and then you tie it into place. This cropped length gives you an expanse of bare skin between the bottom of the top and the skirt. The skirt is long and is cut more on the fuller side with a banded waist and buttons that run all the way down the front. I love that it has pockets on each hip. On both pieces that pop of the bright colors against the white is just amazing. Excellent overall condition with a minor note to review below
Both the top and skirt are unlined. The top ties at the front to close and the skirt buttons down the front. Pocket on each hip of the skirt. There are some small faint marks at the front of the skirt and along the waist as well as one on the top. All minor. Please review the photos after the shot of the label
Top
Bodice: no true side seams
Waist: adjustable with the tie front
Length: 16" from neck to hem and you can tie to adjust shorter if you wish
Skirt
Waist: 13" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist seam to hem with 3.5" turned up
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3480
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In the 1960s if you wanted to wear something with a dramatic flare then you chose the work of Ronald Amey. He was known for his original use of fabrics and colors and his dresses were priced into the thousands even in the 1960s. His career was very short-lived. From 1959-1969 he designed under the label Burke-Amey. Joseph Burke, his partner, took care of the business side of things. In 1970s he bought out Burke and renamed the company Ronald Amey where he continued to produce his dramatic clothing until the label shuttered in 1976. His clothing was of very high quality and he incorporated many couture level details into their construction. All of his pieces were sewn in-house at his New York atelier
One of his signatures was to combine prints, fabrics and detailing embellishments in interesting, unusual ways and this dress is a wonderful example of that. This is an absolutely beautiful dress and I think that in person it is even better. The bodice is cut to curve around the body and then it is cinched in at the waist area. The sleeves are spectacular and each is cut to be full and voluminous. The skirt also has volume and is cut in a wide curve that billows out and away from the body. The base fabric is a printed silk organza. This choice of fabric allowed him to give the sleeves the volume you see but it also keeps the dress light in weight. The neckline is high and the detailing on it runs wide across the tops of the shoulders. That metallic band that Amey used to detail the dress is fantastic. It is a lattice made of silver metal thread that has little eyelash tufts attached to it. This is then bordered by a band of gold and silver thread. This curves around the neckline and then down the front all the way to the hem of the skirt. More of this silver and gold detailing runs around the hem, the waist and then is used again for the cuffs on each sleeve. Big dome buttons that are wrapped in a gold metal thread sit at the back of the neck and on each cuffs. Excellent condition with one minor note below.
Fully lined in a pale ice white blue silk throughout. Entirely hand finished. It closes with a back zipper and two gold buttons at the neck. Each cuff has three gold metal dome buttons and loops. There is one gold bead missing on the top button at the back of the neck otherwise the dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. The dress is even better in person. The length will land from midi to just above the ankle depending on your height
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3481
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a wonderful and easy to wear caftan dress by the Young Innocents by Arpeja label. Arpeja was based out of California. They had several lines that were very on trend and targeted towards a more youthful audience. The Young Innocents label launched in 1964 and lasted into the early 1970s. They were an early proponent of sourcing fabric that were from organically grown sources.
This caftan dress is bright and colorful and so very pretty with its mix of a true bright blue and a soft apple red. It has an almost smock feel to its construction The sleeves are exceptionally wide and the effect once on a real person is wonderful. The neckline is cut into a V at the front and trimmed with a wide border of the red floral fabric. This same red is used for the attached ties that you can use to cinch it in at the waist. Under that the skirt falls to the floor, gently widening as it nears the hem. More red edges each wide sleeve and then is used in a wide band around the hem. It is a made out of cotton so it is very easy to care for. I love the combination of the red and blue and the big floral print that covers both colors. The fabric also has an unusual 'puffed' ribbon effect running through it that adds an extra layer of texture. The dress is magical. Excellent condition
Closes with a back zipper and the attached ties will allow you to cinch in the waist as much as you wish. Easy to care for and can be machine or hand washed. The loose and easy cut should work on a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 19"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seam
Bust: open with no true side seams through the bust area
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# D620
Reference Photo: 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.
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Jean Varon launched his label in 1960 and by 1965 already one of his dresses won him the ‘Dress of The Year’ title. His work in the 1970s was softer and more romantic in feel but he still used amazing fabrics and did some work in exploring drape and bias cuts.
This dress is made from a beautiful yellow silk feeling synthetic crepe that has a pretty and romantic floral design worked directly into the fabric. The soft pink and greens of the flowers is the perfect contrast tot he pretty and fresh feeling yellow backdrop. The construction of this dress is very interesting. It is all bias cut with a strong nod to 1930s lingerie in how it is cut. It floats over the body with an extremely deep plunge at both the front and back. It is literally cut to the waist seem on both sides. You see the nod to the classic angled seams of the thirties but taken to the high extreme. The sleeves are equally dramatic and each also starts at the waist seam so that a wide dolman feel is created from the waist and shoulder and then they narrow down dramatically at the buttoned cuff. The skirt falls to the floor from the waist seam with another dramatic finish there as well - a sky high slit runs up the center The dress is cut to flow over the body and never feel very tight but still highlights every curve. You could add a wide belt to give even more curves if you wished. It is beautiful. Excellent condition
Unlined with a low set zipper at the back starting at the base of the plunge. The bias and loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and it could easily be altered for the perfect fit on a smaller frame. The waist has no stretch. It is tagged a vintage UK14, US12, FR42. The elastic that runs through the plunge feels like it has loosened ever the years. It should be tightened to work foe the girl that buys it so I have priced it anticipating that you will do this.
Bust: open with no true side seams
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" with 3" turned up
Slit: 29" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3479
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In the 1960s if you wanted to wear something with a dramatic flare then you chose the work of Ronald Amey. He was known for his original use of fabrics and colors and his dresses were priced into the thousands even in the 1960s. His career was very short-lived. From 1959-1969 he designed under the label Burke-Amey. Joseph Burke, his partner, took care of the business side of things. In 1970s he bought out Burke and renamed the company Ronald Amey where he continued to produce his dramatic clothing until the label shuttered in 1976. His clothing was of very high quality and he incorporated many couture level details into their construction. All of his pieces were sewn in-house at his New York atelier
One of his signatures was to combine bold colors, prints and fabrics in interesting, unusual ways and this dress is a splendid example of that. The colors are bold and the mix is dramatic. The bodice and sleeves are sheer orange printed silk chiffon that is layered over the same printed coral ribbon silk that you see used for the skirt. This gives the top a very couture and quirky feel. The neckline is cut wide across the collarbones and it is anchored by a wide band of blue silk satin that is top-stitched in gold thread. This curves around the neckline and then down the front on either side of the notched front. The panel continues past the seamed waist and runs down the center of the skirt where it ends with a large diamond of the same fabric in brown. More of the blue runs around the hem and then is used again for the cuffs on each sleeve. The combination of the orange, coral and blue is spectacular . The heavy dose of all those prints, colors and patterns should not work but it does. The perfect finish is the wide fabric belt made of the same blue as the banding and this wraps around the waist where you can cinch it in and leave it simple as I did or tie it in a far more elaborate way. The exterior is in excellent condition with a note about the lining to review below.
Fully lined in a bright peach silk throughout except for the sleeves. Entirely hand finished. It closes with a front zipper and there are zippers on each cuff. The zippers stick a bit when you open and close them. There is shattering of the silk around each arm on the interior. The exterior fabrics are sound and show no wear at all. The exterior of the dress appears to have been worn very little. The dress is even better in person.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3478
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In 1941 Normal Norell partnered with Anthony Traina and his work from then until 1958 appears under the Traina-Norell label. That makes this dress a wonderful and early example of his work from this time period. He was a master tailor and he was known for his love of fabrics and in exploring shape and volume. In October of 1953, another version of a dress that uses a very similar fabric in its construction appeared in Harper's Bazaar on Evelyn Tripp.
The dress I have available today feature that same exotic felling metallic detailed silk fabric is the reference photo. The silk on this one however, is dyed to a beautiful deep marigold color that is absolutely spectacular in person. On to this is a fine, real metal thread in a deep burnished gold that is meticulously hand embroidered onto the fabric. You can easily see the hand work on the inner side of the silk. It runs in a wide panel down the front and then little leaf medallions are scattered over the entire dress. The bodice is cut to skim over the body with a notched front neckline that has little ties at the top of the neck. The sleeves are kept simple and capped. The waist is cinched and detailed with a wide banding of the same fabric and really gives you shape. Under that, the skirt is set into the waist in a series of small pleats beginning on either side of the front band of metallic embroidery. This pleating detail gives it the volume that you see. It's a long midi length and depending on how tall you are it should fall to ankle length or just above. It is a stunning dress and meticulously made with all hand finishes inside. This is an important piece of American fashion history. It presents as excellent but does have some minor flaws that are noted below.
Fully lined in an ivory silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. Hand finished throughout. Pockets on each hip and it closes with a painted metal side zipper. There is some foxing along each shoulder and on part of the waist and a tiny bit on the hip on one side. I see one pinhole tot he fabric at the hip and there is a tear just above the hem. Slight fraying to the piping/ties around the neckline. All minor. Please review the photos provided after the label shot. In person the color is a slightly deeper yellow.
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to top of the waist band, 17" to the bottom
Skirt: 35.5" from bottom of waist banding to hem
Total length: 52.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3477
Reference Photo: Evelyn Tripp in Traina Norell, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe for Harper's Bazaar, October 1953.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a very fabulous and quite a sexy dress by the Leonard Paris label. It is made from his signature silk jersey fabric and this choice of fabric gave these long maxi length dresses the perfect drape and fit. It is that perfect balance of being easy to wear and still staying insanely sexy but without being overtly so. Each of his designs were made from custom designed fabrics and during this time period in particular, they were all the most gorgeous color palettes, like this one with its mix of bright flowers on that stunning green backdrop. I love the crossed over triangle halter cut through bodice and the back that is left almost bare. The barely-there top perfectly balances the full length maxi skirt that flows to the floor in a swoop of bias cut silk jersey. There is a good amount of fabric through the skirt which allows for more of that pretty design to be seen whenever you move. The neck sinks into a V and the straps that curve around each shoulder and down the back are made from the same silk that has been braided. Signature contrasting borders define the neckline, under the bust and all the way around the hem. This dress is a real little beauty. Excellent condition with a minor note to review below.
Unlined and closes with a low back back, hand set metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch - the measurements given are the comfortable stretch when laying out flat. The fabric is signed throughout. There are some teeny marks on the front nearer to the bottom but nothing that detracts
Bust: approx to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to bottom seam under the bust
Skirt: 46" from bottom seam under the bust to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3475
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 Chanel jumpsuit is fantastic. It has simple lines but they are perfect and its easy to wear cut will make throwing this on and wearing it a breeze. It is made out of two different fabrics. The bodice is a ribbed jersey, a classic fabric that Karl was using during this time period, and the pants are a silk/wool mix crepe. They are two different shades of black so they slightly contrast off each other. Inside the jumpsuit the bodice is lined in a super soft, very fine sueded silk that feels like heaven against your skin and the rest of is is lined in a silk crepe. The front and back are scooped and the straps extend from the bodice and curve up and around the shoulders. It skims over the waist and there are pockets built in along the inset seams at the front. It starts to widen out at the hips and then the legs are cut straight and wide and slightly cropped. Each is a full 28" around by the time they reach their hem. It is quintessentially Chanel and has a very French feel to it. You can wear it in its own or with layers under it or over it. The double C logo is embroidered at the very front. Excellent condition with a minor note below
The bodice is lined in a black silk and the waist and pants are lined in a black silk crepe. Closes with a hidden set back zipper. No size tag present. There is the teeniest of pilling present on the bodice. Its very minor and I am being picky.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Length: 56" from shoulder to hem of pants with 2.5" turned up under the hem
Inseam: 27.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3275
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Holly Harp opened a shop LA in the late 1960s and created custom clothing under the Holly's Harp label. She tended to create her clothing out of a hodge-podge of new and old materials. In the beginning she favored things like feathers and fringe but her aesthetic became more 'grown up' and glamorous as her career progressed and she ficused more on jerseys and draping. She was an avid thrifter and you can see the influence of earlier decades in her work.
This is a great set that is made from an easy to wear and care for jersey. It is two pieces. A pair of loose and easy pants and a top that you just slip on over your head to wear. The pants are have a banded waist and then are loose and generously cut through the hips. From there they taper down to the ankles where they have a high slit that runs almost to the knee but us partially hidden by the way the fabric is set to slightly overlap. So you only get the idea of the opening when you move or sit. Down each side of the pant is a large ruffle of fabric that has a wavy finish to it. These give the pants lots of movement when you move. The top is made out of a loose cut tank that is topped by an almost cape like outer layer. It is cut angled up higher at each side and then ends in a point at the front and back. The neckline mirrors that same V and there are little weights inside the base of the v at the neck so that is draped perfectly once it is on. It really transforms on an actual body and the movement it has is fabulous. Being two pieces means you will be able to endlessly mix and match it with other pieces too. Excellent condition
Unlined and the pants zip to close and the top slips over the head. Attached weights at the V of the top so its sits properly on you once it is on. Both pieces are tagged a small but the pant waist is cut generously.
Top
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 18" from top of shoulder to shortest point, 24" to longest
Pants
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 40" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 28.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3474
Reference Photo: 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.
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This dress is gorgeous with its bright meadow green and white print and yards of bias cut silk chiffon that has been used through the skirting. The color is just gorgeous and is a bright clear green that is even better in person then how it photoed. The dress has a simple cut. The bodice is sleeveless and the openings for the arms are cut to angle up and toward the neck. It dips into a fairly low V at the front and all of the edges of the bodice are finished with a band of clear sequins and tiny white seed beads. These are set in rows along all the seams and around the waist to highlight the cut. More of the same sequin and seed bead combination has been scattered over the rest of the bodice fabric. Under that the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of bias cut silk and there are yards of fabric used for it. So when you move it can create a lot of movement and flow around you. The chiffon has a pretty, brushed abstract pattern screened onto it. All the bead work is hand applied and gives the dress an added bit of high glamour while still keeping a romantic, feminine feel. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a matching green silk. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. Hand applied bead-work. Tagged a vintage 10. I see a couple of sequins missing here and there. A slightly lighter green in person.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3470
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a beautiful emerald green silk that gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but allow it to feel almost weightless once on. That fabric choice mixed with the soft billowing cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama. The shoulders on the bodice are gathered along the tops and down the sides along each sleeve and then the rest of the bodice is highlighted with prong set, deep green rhinestones. These catch the light wonderfully and add a little bit of sparkle to the dress. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso and the neckline is cut so that is squared off slightly. The sleeves are unlined and are cut to be extremely full and wide so that they billow out to just past the elbow and above the elastic at each cuff. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade that has yards of fabric in it. I have shown it without any underskirts but you could easily add a crinoline if you wanted even more fullness. A long matching silk sash cinches in the waist. The dress has a fantastic romantic, pretty and light feel, but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice and skirt are fully lined in a green cotton mix feeling fabric and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: approx 17" across
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3469
Reference Photo: 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.
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This is a rare example of the work that Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell were doing together in the very early 1970s. It's an early version of what would go on to become one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs with that signature plunging squared off neckline. Various versions of these in solid colors are held several museums. I have only seen a couple of these and this one is entirely original.
It is said that the original design of these front plunging dresses were loosely based on the designs of a graduation gown. If that is the case Ossie somehow managed to take that rather conservative feeling piece of clothing and work in the flow and drape that he was known for. His pieces always have a touch of an overt sexuality that became one of his trademarks and here we see that in the ultra low front plunge. This one also has a touch more shape through the waist then we see on the longer maxi versions with that same neckline. On this dress, the plunge dips into a deep squared off shape that is cut to just above the seam at the waist. The waist is banded all the way around with attached ties on both sides. These wrap around and ties to cinch in the waist and it also keeps the plunge from moving. The skirt flows out from there with lots of fabric in it that gives it tons of movement when you move. The sleeves are slim cut and have a row of silk covered buttons at each wrist. The fabric itself is a silk crepe with a deep navy base. Onto this is that spectacular fan print by Celia Birtwell in blue, green, yellow and red. This label is from the couture Ossie Clark line and it also has the Jeeves Dry Cleaning, Quorum recommended, tag. The midi length makes it extra versatile and it is a dress that you will wear over and over, easily able to go from day to night. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist and a side set zipper. Each cuff has three fabric covered buttons at the wrist. There is a small faint mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged an vintage UK 10. The flowing silhouette, waist tie and deep decolletage suit a variety of figures and sizes.
Sleeves: 22.5" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in more by the attached tie
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Plunge: 13" from neck to bottom
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3467
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Attico brand was founded by street-style stars Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and the line has a vintage vibe to it that I love. This is a more recent dress from the Spring 2019 collection that was shown in the presentation as a long piece and then produced in that same fabric in this shorter version. It was a favorite of the brands founder, Giorgia Tordini, who wore this dress and posted it on her Instagram.
This is a gorgeous and sexy dress from the Spring 2019 season that is brand new, unworn and with all its original tags.The dress is made from a black cotton mix that has metallic stripes of color worked through the fabric. The fabric itself has a touch of transparency to it that adds to its light and sexy feel. It has an easy, open shape through the body that is flattering and comfortable to wear. The front plunges down into a V at the neck and the sleeves are to the elbow with elastic at their cuffs and tons of volume above. It is cut to skim over the body and then flares out in a flirty little skirt. It is cut very short and you can see just how short it sits on the photos of Giorgia wearing it. It is brand new with all original tags still attached. Excellent condition
Unlined and zips to close at the side with a hidden set zipper. Tagged a size 46. All original tags and unworn.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16" and cut to drop slightly
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3466
Reference Photo: (1) Spring 2019 The Attico Collection, Look 29. / (2) Giorgia Tordini, April 2019.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I love finding Donald Brooks pieces, they are very well made and his Boutique pieces especially have a sense of fun and wit about them that I love. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This dress is from the boutique line which gives us that small time period from 1971-1973 for its date.
A cropped skirt and top set really showcases what the early seventies flower power hippie movement was. This set is especially fun with its feeling that it could be fully reversible between the red bandana waffle weave cotton print on the exterior and that contrasting black and white dot print inside. The way the zipper and hooks are set make so that it is only wearable the way that you see it, but, it is finished well enough inside that if the fastening were done a different way it could be worn inside out. Which is a testament to the quality of the outfit. The top is a simple bikini halter type top and it is cut to be fitted to the bust with a hook at the back and ties at the back. Its short length shows off a taut, tanned stomach. The skirt is long and sleek feeling with a decorative tie at the front waist that exactly mirrors the tie at the back of the neck on the halter. I love the two super high slits at the front that allow almost the full leg to show when you move. On both pieces that pop of the black and white dot against the red floral print is just amazing. Excellent condition
Both the top and skirt are lined in the dotted cotton that you see. The top closes with a hook at the back and ties at the back neck. The pants zippers to close with flat hook & eye at the waist.
Top
Cups: should fit a B-C cut
Bottom strap: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 13" from neck to bottom strap and you can tie to adjust
Skirt
Waist: 14.5" from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from waist seam to hem
Slits: 27" from hem up
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3464
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I have added a reference photo from the 1977 fall runway that has the same feel with the silk chiffon and oversized print. The Rive gauche collection often pulled elements from the couture collection the season before so it would make perfect sense that this was a version from the next collection in the Spring of 1978.
This is a very romantic feeling and special dress from Yves Saint Laurent that is incredibly beautiful. It really illustrates his genius in working with fine silks and chiffon. It is made from a custom screened large floral print silk chiffon and everything about it is spectacular. The bodice has short wide cut sleeves that have a cuffed detailing to them. The neckline is kept simple and plunges down quite deep to the waist where it is caught up with a row of silk covered buttons. The waist is cinched in with a banding of the same fabric and there is a matching tie belt that cinches in the waist more. The skirt flows to the ground in a beautiful cascade of silk and it is cut loose and easy so it very easy to wear. The dress is unlined so it has a touch of transparency to it that contrasts with the very innocent and romantic floral print. The fabric is a very fine silk chiffon and the print mixes that beautiful coral and white wonderfully. It has a very romantic and pretty and yet is sophisticated and refined at the same time - classic YSL genius! I love it. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below.
Unlined and buttons at the front. Has its matching silk tie belt. Tagged a 36. There are a couple of very minor marks on the silk, a couple of teeny pinholes near the shoulder and the buttons show minor stress at their edge. Please review the photos following the label shot. Note this is shown on a size 2 dress form and will fit a narrow rib/small bust size 4 as well.
Shoulders: no defines seams
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
High waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3463
Reference Photo: Yves Saint Laurent Fall 1977 Haute Couture 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.
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This Young Edwardian piece is amazing and the Marilyn Monroe print that covers it just makes it that much more fabulous. The nylon that it is made out of is of a good quality and weight and it has a n added bonus of being able to wash and wear. The fabric is a peachy color with the Marilyn faces done in an ivory color. I think that the color is better in person then how it photoed even though the color is very close in these shots. It slips over the head with an extremely deep plunge at the front, the back and both sides. The triangles that make up each panel around the upper body all curve in towards the neckline and it buttons at the back of the neck. There is a wide panel of elastic gathered just under the bust and this bit of stretch there makes it comfortable to wear. The skirt falls from there to the floor. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on with elastic at the high set waist line. The fabric does have some stretch.
Bust: no true side seams as it is open on both sides
Waist: stretches from 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to top of waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3462
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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These little 1950s Hawaiian dresses are wonderful and are cut to give you curves. This one is by Peggy Wood who was making these dresses for the tourist market out of Honolulu in the 1940s and fifties.
This style of dress that was coming out of the islands during this time period have such a classic silhouette that they still feel fresh even after 50+ years. They were made primarily to cater directly to the thriving tourist market of that era and Peggy Wood ones are among my absolute favorites. These sarong styled sun dresses were worn by Hollywood starlets and girls bought them in droves to emulate their favorite stars. I love the attached sarong style skirting that gives the illusion of a wrap skirt complete with a draped panel of fabric that flows down from one side of the waist. It is draped and shaped over the bodice so that is gathers along one side with a series of soft pleats that adds a pretty detailing to it. Elastic panels run along each side of the bodice so the dress adjusts to fits you perfectly. This also makes it very comfortable to wear as it move with you. It is very pretty and very flattering on and this one is especially pretty with its abstract print done in those pretty pinks. Excellent condition
The dress is unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The fabric is soft and easy to wear. The pink is even prettier in person
Bust: to 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D619
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 vintage mini dress or tunic was produced by the Clobber label, a boutique in London that was run by Jeff Banks from 1964-1974. Jeff Banks is one of my personal favorites of the British designers of that time and it is wonderful to have found this great little piece. The cut and silhouette are a great representation of that hippie 'street' fashion movement of the time period. It is made of a white cotton yarn that has been done with a loose open weave that forms a vertical chevron pattern. The neckline is set wide across and the sleeves are long and cut to flare at their ends. It skims over the bust and waist and then flares out at the hem. Hand knit and super cute. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The knit has some stretch and did stretch to fit my US size 6 dress form. There is perhaps the very slightest of wear to the cotton from natural aging
Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# S908
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This pretty and easy to wear Innika Choo dress is from her Fall 2019 collection. Her dresses are hand crafted in Bali which makes each one uniquely different. This one still has its original hang tags attached and has not been worn. The dress is extremely easy to wear with its generous caftan cut. It simply slips on to wear and falls in an expanding line of tiers to the floor. The bodice is detailed with a scalloped edged panel of the same fabric that has been finished with embroidered flowers in a matching coral thread mixed with a white. Under the panel at the waist area the tiers begin and the dress widens out to become quite voluminous by the time it reaches the hem. It is cut low on the sides and there are little hidden buttons that run down each seam there. These leave just a glimpse of skin between the buttons that I love. There is an attached tie at the back that helps to hold the dress in place. The color is a bright clear coral in person and it is the perfect summer shade. Excellent condition
Fully lined in the same fabric and has buttons on each side under the arms as described above. Attached tie at the back to help hold the dress in place. Tagged the brands size two, but the loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. The color in person is slightly more of a pinky-coral then how it photoed.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3459
Reference Photo: Innika Choo Fall 2019.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Anthony Muto launched his Marita label in 1971 with a focus on affordable evening wear with a relaxed sportswear feel. He did not believe in 'throwaway' clothing and the items for this line were well made and meant to last. Jersey is a notoriously difficult fabric to work with and on this dress he uses its fluidity and drape as an asset. The color choice also adds to the impact and I love the bright pink of it. The fabric is slinky and sensual and the cut is extremely flattering once on the body. The halter is suspended by two tiny straps and there are two very long panels attached along the top bodice. These cross over each other and then wrap around the bodice. You can then wrap them around the waist, wrapping either once or twice, so that the ties hang in either the front or the back. I love the low dipping back and slight fullness through the skirt. The color and cut are very flattering on a wide range of skin tones and bodies. This is an easy to wear and flattering dress. Excellent condition
The dress is unlined though the skirt and a double layer of the same jersey through the bodice. It closes with a low back zipper. The attached ties are meant to wrap around the body and tie. The fabric has a bit of stretch. Pockets along the seams of the skirt
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD2942
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a gorgeous original Halston dress that is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. I just recently sold a caftan version from this same collection which was documented, hence the ability to date this one as well.
There are actually four pieces to this set. There is an inner under-dress that is pretty enough to be worn on its own with a slip underneath; a dress that slips and hooks into place over that; and then it comes with both a long matching fabric sash and a long beaded fabric tie belt. The fabric that the dress is made out of is cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a bright, vivid pink that in person has a touch more depth and vibrancy to it. Worked within the silk a series of little dots dots, circles and dashes done in yellow, purple, blue and green. The combination of colors is lovely and it is nice to see a brighter, more colorful piece of his work. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The inner dress is cut like a simple slip with nude silk straps. The dress that layers of that simply hooks at the waist and the neck as well if you choose yo wear it more closed, and it is held in place by either the sash or tie belt, or you can layer both as I have done. The cut through the body of the over-dress is loose and easy, and I love the huge balloon sleeves. It comes with a long sash that is original to the dress and you can wrap this around the waist, the neck or even wear it as a turban or head wrap. There is also a long tie belt that is covered in multi covered beads and this as well can play several roles if you wished. All of the edges are hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Once on, everything falls in soft and flattering folds. The silk is semi-transparent which allows the layers of the fabric to play off of each other. It is amazing in person. Excellent condition
Each piece of the dress is constructed from a single layer of a silk crepe chiffon that is semi-sheer. The inner dress slips over the head and has a series pf snaps on one side. The outer dress slips on with elastic at the waist and a hook there and another hook at the neck. Hand rolled and finished edges. Comes with a sash and a tie belt that has bead detailing.
Inner Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem
Outer Dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem
The sash is 86" x 15" and the tie belt is 90" long from end to end
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3455
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Scott Barrie was one of a group of black designers and models based out of New York's Seventh Avenue in the late 1960s. He quickly became known for his work and his pieces were fast sellers. Naomi Sims was a fan and often was spotted wearing his work. His label closed in the early 1980s. He then worked at Krizia, remaining there up to just before his passing in 1993 of brain cancer. This gives us a very small window for finding examples of his work. The earlier pieces especially were produced in very limited amounts. The very early pieces were made by him out of his apartment on a makeshift cutting table and domestic sewing machine. To me this makes each of his found pieces that much more special.
This gorgeous little Scott Barrie dress is made out of a light weight, semi-transparent silk chiffon. This fabric choice gives the dress a lovely light and airy feel to it. The dress is unlined and simply floats over the body. There is a tie that runs through the neckline and you can use it to cinch it on so that the dress sits up and on the shoulders or loosen it as I have so that it becomes an off-shoulder dress. The flutter sleeves have an almost caped feel tot hem and the extend out from the waist. This detail gives it such a feminine feel and makes the dress even prettier. On an actual body it is even better then on my dress form. The waist cinches in with elastic and you can nip it in further with the original matching fabric tie belt. It buttons down the front with a series of round dome buttons and fabric loops. The way the buttons are set allows for just a hint of skin to peek through which gives this otherwise innocent feeling dress a bit of a sexy touch. The skirt falls from the waist ins pretty cascade of fabric. It is a really special piece. Excellent condition with a note to review below
Unlined and slips on to wear. Elastic at the waist for an easy fit and buttons down the front. Has its original matching silk chiffon tie belt. There is one area of discoloration on the hem at the side and to the back. There is so much fabric that you don't see it once it is on. In person it is more a clay taupe color. 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: 11-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to front hem, 36" to back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3452
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Claire McCardell is remembered as a being a true pioneer of American fashion. She was one of the most influential women's sportswear designers of the twentieth century. She studied at Parsons and worked as a fit model before a series of small jobs in fashion. in 1929 McCardell landed a job as a design assistant to Robert Turk, an independent designer and dressmaker. It was he that took her along with him when he became the chief designer at Townley Frocks in the early 1930s. When he passed away in 1932 she became the head designer for Townley and eventaully a partner due to her success with the label. She gravitated towards natural fabrics like cotton, denim and wool. Her silhouettes flattered the female form and even now they seem shockingly modern. In 1954 Audrey Hepburn was photoed by Mark Shaw for Mademoiselle Magazine in her dressing room backstage at Ondine. In those series of photos she is wearing a paisley print dress that is remarkably like this one.
This incredible dress is likely from that same 1954 collection as Audrey's was from and is made out of a soft cotton that has a satin finish to it. This gives the fabric a slight sheen that is very pretty. The bodice is fitted with a simple scooped neck and sleeveless silhouette. The waist nips in and then the skirt flares out from there. It is not excessively full but it does have a touch of fullness due to the way the skirt is set into the waist with that series of soft pleats that you see. The dress hangs sleek and slim when you are still and then will flare out a touch more when you move. I have photoed it without its belt as the belt did not fit on my mannequin properly but with the belt in place I think the dress is even better. It is wide so really cinches the waist in and the large gold toned belt buckle at the front feels very modern. It is gorgeous and the perfect little summer frock. Excellent condition with a note below
Unlined and closes with a metal zipper at the side. The belt has a double buckle to close. There is one area of discoloration on the side of the skirt that gets lost in the patter. The fabric on the belt shows minor grubbiness. Otherwise the dress is is very crisp and fresh feeling
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Belt: will accommodate 24" - 27"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item#DD3453
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Holly Harp opened a shop LA in the late 1960s and created custom clothing under the Holly's Harp label. She tended to create her clothing out of a hodge-podge of new and old materials. In the beginning she favored things like feathers and fringe but her aesthetic became more 'grown up' and glamorous as her career progressed. She was an avid thrifter and you can see the influence of earlier decades in her work.
I love the fabric choice for this dress. It is a feather light semi-transparent silk chiffon that has a ribbon effect running through it that gives it an added degree of texture. The print is an abstract black and taupe and this covers the entire dress. The lines of the dress are loose and easy. The fabric has been laid out on the bias and the waist is elastic. This means that you can just slip it on and go. The neckline is cut very low with a simple tie running across the top to keep it in place. Each sleeve is wide and has lots of volume above its cuffs. The waist adjusts to fit due to the elastic and it you wanted to you could cinch it in even more with a belt. Below that the skirt flows out in a pretty and soft cascade of fabric. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic at the waist. A snap at each cuff. It has attached ties at the neck.
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3454
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a beautiful set from the 2005 Cruise collection. I always think that these two piece set are extra great additions to your wardrobe since they can be worn together or you can mix and match with other pieces already in your wardrobe. Both pieces have the beautiful cut and fabrication that you expect from Chanel. The sweater top is made out of a light weight black cashmere. The sleeves and hem are then finished with a banding of the same boucle fabric that the skirt is made out of. Just above the bottom band at the hem there is also two little strips of the boucle that are fused into the cashmere to give the suggestion of the classic Chanel pocket that would sit on the front of a jacket. It is cut to be worn more loose and easy through the body and can be worn tucked in or left out. There is also a little metal double C logo on the bottom band. The skirt is made entirely of the boucle fabric and has a sleek cut with front vents built into the skirt for a little bit of flare when you walk. The boucle mixes soft ivories, camels, grey and blacks and is very beautiful. As you get closer you can see some parts have a metallic finish to them that gives it an extra bit of texture. It is wonderful. Excellent condition with one small note about the top below
The top is unlined and the skirt lined in a fine ivory silk. The tops slips on to wear and the skirt close with a hidden set zipper. Hand finishes throughout. The skirt is tagged a vintage 38 and the top a 42. The top shows some very slight wear to the fabric under the arms. Please review the last two photos after the label shot
Top
Shoulders: 16" across
Bust: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3449
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
In the summer of 2017 these Vita Kin dresses where one of the most wanted pieces of the season and were sold out or wait-listed everywhere. Vita’s Vyshyvanka pieces (a traditional embroidery technique from Ukraine) are easy to wear and have a touch of a seventies vibe to them that make then the perfect summer staple. The dress is made from a heavy weight linen that helps to hold the intended shape and volume of the dress. The body is cut extremely loose and easy and the shape is achieved by cinching in the waist with the long attached fabric belt. It is extremely voluminous without the belt so will fit almost any size. Each sleeve is cuffed at the wrist and above that the sleeves are extremely full. The front neckline is notched almost to the waist and is kept in place with tasseled ties that run down the front. Adorning the dress is the heavy embroidery that you see in a red and deep blue/black. This gives it that striking and instantly identifiable Vita Kin look. I love how on each side there are panels built into the bottom of the skirt that give it even more volume. These are very over sized so will work on almost any frame. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties with the matching belt. There is the slightest smudge on the inner collar but otherwise looks and feels brand new and unworn
Dropped sleeves: 21" from dropped shoulder seam
Dropped shoulders: 23"
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3448
Reference Photos: (1-2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. / (3-5) credits unknown.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Valentino launched his ready to wear label in 1962, just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques and later versions of this early RTW label have the addition of New York noted on them. This one just has the Roma location making it an earlier and rarer piece. It is not 100% perfect but its flaws are slight and not really seen once on.
The set is made of a fine, high end silk that is a light scarf weight which means that once on it is very light and easy to wear. Having it be two pieces makes it very versatile since you can mix and match it with other pieces you already and together it has the look of a dress. The top is a classic partial button front top with a long pointed collar. Each sleeve has a cuff and above those the sleeves pouf and billow out. The skirt has a nipped in waist and then it falls to the floor in a gently widening curve. The silk itself is a soft ivory color and then it has that fantastic red and black stripe and dot pattern. This runs across the back of the shoulders on the top and around the widest part of each sleeve above the cuff and around the hem of the top. On the skirt panels of the design run down the sides and then create a wide design across and around the skirt and then around the bottom hem. I love the stark graphic feel this creates. It presents as excellent condition but please review the condition report below.
The top is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a white silk. The top closes down the front to about the waist with a series of buttons and the skirt closes at the side with a snap and zipper. Two buttons on each cuff. Note that some of the photos make the outfit seem to be a pure white - it is a light cream/ivory on person. There is slight yellowing to the fabric under one arm, one button is chipped at the front and there is a small mark on the back of the top around the waist. Please review the last three photos after the label shot
Top
Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from shoulder to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3447
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 sold a white cotton pique version of this dress last year that ended up being a part of a wedding for my client, Paulina. I have included some of her photos here so you can get a sense of how these dresses look like on the body. This one is slightly different from the white - it is a smooth cotton fabric and the skirt is even all the way around. Because of that you can add a crinoline for a fuller look. They do share a similar sculpted bodice and this one is even more elaborate then the white was.
I love this dress by Thierry Mugler with its sculptural bodice that gives it a sense of high drama. That is in direct contrast to the cotton fabric that it is made of and I think that it is this contrast between the lines of the dress and the fabric choice that make the dress so fabulous. The amazing bright color is an added bonus. In real life that bright orange color is slightly more saturated and richer then how it photoed. It is a wonderful summer piece that still feels fresh and of this season despite its vintage heritage. The bodice is fitted and sculpted with that fabulous curving cut that loops over itself to form a keyhole. The other side curves up and around the shoulder for the perfect one shoulder silhouette. The interior of the bodice is finished with a stiffening fabric to keep its shape. This helps it to mold it to your frame and create shape. The waist is cinched in and then the skirt below is cut to be extremely full with yards and yards of fabric in it and the sweep extends to a full circle skirt. I have shown it without and without a crinoline underneath in the shots here and you can see how full it can get. It is wonderful. Excellent condition
Lined through the bodice with the same fabric and stiffened and molded with the seaming for support. It closes with a series of snaps offset up the back. Pockets on each hip. Note that it did not close all the way on the mannequin and of course will close properly on the correct sized person. Crinoline not included
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3446
Reference Photos: Paulina Ortega (@paulinapaige) in Thierry Mugler from 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.
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The Lucie Ann label was one that produced mainly lingerie but in the 1960s and 1970s that diversified ad produced a small line of more hostess style clothing pieces. You don' see these as often but when you do they are usually pretty great. They have this almost campy, Hollywood starlet--entertains-at-home feel to them and this great little caftan dress is a perfect example of just that. It is a bit of a rarity and quite fabulous and just plain fun. I was pretty excited to find it. It is made out of a silky rayon twill that is the same weight that a scarf from this time period would have been made out of. The print is gorgeous with a brilliant orange for the sleeves and most of the skirt and then a blue based print contrasting on the bodice and used all the way around the bottom of the skirt. The sleeves are full with a loose set elastic at each cuff. The bodice is more fitted and and the waist is seamed. Under that the skirt falls to the floor in a widening curve. It is very light weight and easy to wear. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Elastic in each cuff that is set loose and wide
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3445
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The designer of this adorable little red dress is Joy Stevens who is one of my favorites that were working out of California during this time period. Her designs ruled the night clubs of the seventies and have a sexy but easy to wear feel to them. They were the type of thing you just threw on, looked fabulous and could dance until 3 in without worrying about how they would hold up.
This dress is especially interesting because it is easily identifiable as a take on the Ossie Clark 'graduation' dress. The lines and cut of it are almost identical in feel but simplified to a fair degree. Still a great way to get that look without the hefty price tag of an actual Ossie. Her version is made from a wash and go friendly synthetic red jersey that still has great drape and has the added bonus of being very easy to travel with. All of her best pieces were made from these jerseys and this fabric choice allowed her dresses to both move and wear well. This dress has a V front edged with a panel of the same jersey. This extends into ties that wrap around you and tie at the back to give you some the shape. The skirt flows from the shoulders to the floor in a widening cascade of fabric. The volume through the body and skirt is balanced by huge sleeves that puff up above each elasticized wrist.Throw it on for day with flats or wear sky high heels at night - it works well for either. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist. Each cuff has elastic at the wrist. The flowing silhouette and waist tie should fit a variety of figures and sizes. The fabric has some stretch
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 2-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: open
Length: 57" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3443
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.
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This is a beautiful knit and sequin detailed jacket by Adolfo. Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston, was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house in 1962. He initially focused on hats but in in just a couple of years added a full clothing line. By 1969 he was presented with a special Coty Award for his contribution to design from head to toe. He became know for his Chanel inspired clothing and many of his pieces are on par and perhaps even more relevant in feel then their inspirational equivalents of the time.
This dress is gorgeous. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan and this dress feels like it is done at the quality of one of his custom pieces. I love his work and am very pleased to have this exceptional dress in the shop today. It is made of a jet black knit that has a slight ribbed texture to it. The cut is very simple as it is one long sheath of knit that is suspended from the tiny shoulder straps. The dress is cut to skim over the body, gently widening out as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one leg for a flash of skin. The straps curve around the shoulder and each is finished with a silver lame braiding and silver sequins. The straps are set into the neckline that is cut straight across and has an elastic running through it so that it is very easy to wear and very comfortable on. Onto the dress are four separate and gorgeous sprays of sequins that have a bird of paradise, or perhaps a firework feel, with their brilliant sparkle and combination of color. Each is finished with a a crescent of red rhinestones that give the designs a more 3D feel. It is just gorgeous and even better in person. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slip on to wear. Elastic through the neckline. The fabric has some stretch so should fit a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
The top of the neckline will stretch from 12" to 18" flat across
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 22" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3440
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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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 designed them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality his dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies.
This one is made out of a fine silk twill which holds color beautifully and is why we are seeing such vivid colors even after all of these years. The colors are almost neon and no matter how much you love the photos, in person the colors are even better. They combine a bright acid yellow/green with hot pink, coral and purple in an abstract print that runs over the entire dress. It is sleeveless and at the front the dress falls from the shoulders in a loose and easy column. At the back, there is a yoke across the top of the shoulders and the fabric is set into that edge of the yoke in a series of pleats. This gives the back extra fullness. The skirt will stop at about a midi length on most girls give or take depending if you wear it belted or not. If belted it transforms into a pretty little summer piece and if worn without the belt is has an almost avant garde feel to it. This dress is wonderful. Excellent condition with a small note to review below
Fully lined in an soft tangerine silk. It slips on tot wear and closes along one shoulder with a series of hook and eye. Hand finishes throughout. The fabric is also signed throughout. There is a little bit of rust staining near the hook and eyes that you don't see once it is hooked closed. I see a touch of color run on one side but because of the print you would never notice this once on. A tiny spot on the front and minor thinning of the fabric along the seam under one arm. Please review the four shots after the label photo. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range f sizes
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LTG
Item# DD3438
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Leonard Paris label began as a textile firm in 1954 and for the first four years of its existence only produces fabric. In 1958 they started making garments but it was not until about 1970 when they started using a printed silk jersey for the majority of their collections that the label really took off. They are often compared to Pucci and during the seventies the two labels battled it out to be the label of choice for the jet set.
I love the loose and easy cut of this dress. It is one of those pieces that you can just throw on and walk out the door in anything from bare feet to the highest of heels. The waist and the neckline is elastic so it is extremely comfortable to wear. You can slip it on and wear it as is or add a belt to add more shape. The elastic through the neckline allows you to choose to wear it on the shoulders or completely off the shoulder for more bare skin. The bodice is cut wide with an almost cape-like cut that curves up from the waist and into each wide 'sleeve'. This leaves no inner seaming down the sides so it has an almost caftan feel to it through the top. Under the elastic of the waist the skirt is cut supermodel long and falls to the floor in a gently widening swath of silk jersey. The base color is a soft ivory and onto that is the huge print that used the houses signature purple orchid mixed with greenery. It is very, very pretty and chic and better in person. It really needs an actual body to show it off properly and is so much better in person. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The waist and neckline are finished with elastic. The fabric of the body is all a silk jersey and has stretch. I see some minor pilling here and there.
Shoulder: no defined seam due to the the elastic
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 11-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from shoulder to hem but will blouse up a bit when on
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3439
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Pucci butterfly print is one of my favorites. He designed and drew all of these early designs himself and this one in particular feels like you are wearing a piece of art with those huge butterflies that cover the surface of the silk. The combination of print with that unusual color is wonderful. This is the kind of vintage Pucci that is instantly recognizable. The base color of the silk chiffon pretty deep yellow with a touch of a green undertone. Onto that are those butterflies that you see. These are done primarily in a mix of purples with shots of other colors used to highlight the design. I love the use of his signature, contrasting borders that define and anchor the waist and hem. The dress is made from a light, scarf weight silk that makes it very easy to wear and it feels lovely and light once on. It is cut in a simple column that gently flares as it nears the hem. This simple cut allows that beautiful butterfly print to shine. A wonderful example of the more sophisticated side of Pucci. Excellent condition with a small note below to review.
Fully lined in a neutral silk and closes at the back with a hand set, hidden set zipper. The fabric is signed throughout. I see two tiny storage spots on the front of the dress. These are both extremely minor. Tagged a Pucci size 8
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from natural neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2529
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This late 1970s set from Oscar de la Renta has a bit of a bohemian vibe to it and that combined with the bright color is heavenly. It is made up of four separate pieces. The top, skirt, a camisole meant to be worn under the too and that fantastic huge gold tassel belt. Having so many pieces makes it very versatile set since you can mix and match them with other pieces in your existing wardrobe. The color is a bright red-coral that has a tiny floral pattern printed throughout for the prettiest touch of contrast. The silk on the top also has a ribbon effect so that parts of the silk have a different finish and different transparencies as a result. The silk is light in weight and floats beautifully over the body once on. The skirt has a wide panel of elastic that is finished in a gold thread. This makes it very easy and comfortable to wear. The skirt below that is cut loose and easy through the hips and then widens out slightly as it near the hem. It has a intricate print covering the entire silk surface. The hem is finished with a small edging of more gold. The inner camisole is a simple cut that slips on to wear and is made from a solid colored silk crepe. The top that goes over this has that ribbon finish mentioned above and it has tiny lines of gold metallic thread running through it following the lines of the ribbons. The neckline is ruffled and the body of the top is loose and full. Each sleeve is also full and billows out above a ruffled cuff. It comes with a matching cord and metallic gold thread belt that slips into place and has an absolutely huge triple tassel finish at the front. You could probably also wear this belt as a neck piece and leave everything else loose and easy. It a fabulous set and having four pieces makes it so versatile. Excellent condition with a note about the skirt below
All the pieces are unlined. The skirt has elastic from the waist the hips and the camisole and tunic top slip on. The cuffs also have elastic . The elastic on the waist and the cuffs seems to have stretched. It looks fine but feels slightly loose. It is priced accordingly. Perfect condition otherwise. The set will fit a MED-LRG if you don't use the camisole which seems small for this set given the loose top and the skirt that has stretched a bit. The camisole is more a SML-MED so if you are that size the outer top will be really loose and easy and you might want to get the skirt tightened.
Top
Sleeve: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from shoulder to hem
Camisole
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from shoulder to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from waist to hem
Belt
34" from end to end and the tassel falls 6.5" down
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG but please read the notes above
Item# DD3437
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a gorgeous original Halston caftan dress that is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. A slightly different version of this dress was included in the Halston book by Phaidon and that reference photo is included here.
This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a bright, vivid tangerine orange that you can't miss. Worked within the silk is a slightly wavy stripe done in yellow, blue and green. The combination of colors is lovely and it is nice to see a brighter, more colorful piece of his work. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, running in one long bias cut sheath to the floor with a little more volume towards the top. The bias cut gives the dress the slightest of shape as it drapes around your body. The neckline is cut straight across. It comes with a very long sash that is original to the dress and you can wrap this around the waist, the neck or even wear it as a turban or head wrap. All of the edges are hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Each sleeve is cut straight and to just past the elbow with a slight flare to them as they reach their ends. Laid out flat, the dress is more of a T-shape. Once on, everything falls in soft and flattering folds. The silk is semi-transparent so it will require something underneath. This transparency made it hard to photo on the dress form and caused a lot of shadows. In person the color is crisp and true and it does not have quite as much of a transparent feel. It is amazing in person. Excellent condition
The dress is constructed from one single layer of a silk crepe chiffon that is semi-sheer. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Hand rolled and finished edges. One edge of the matching sash has been re-stitched at a later date by someone and has a looser stitch then the rest of the piece. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes.
56" flat across from the end of one sleeve to the other
Bust- hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem
Sash: 23" wide x just over 5' long
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3435
Reference Photos: (1) Model in Halston, Vogue, May 1973. Photo by Chris Von Wangenheim. / (2-3) 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.
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Donald Brooks launched his self-named label in 1964 and only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. During that time he did two lingerie collaborations, one with Sinclair and one with Maidenform. The pieces for Sinclair were slightly less 'lingerie' and more hostess and at home wear. This is a wonderful dress from that collaboration.
This was originally meant to be worn only at home but is just thick enough that you could definitely wear it out. It does have a touch of transparency to it but just a touch. The fabric is a nylon jersey that you can easily wash and it will travel exceptionally well. It is cut on the bias so once you slip it on it just drapes over the body. It is not meant to be super form fitting which makes it very easy to wear and very flattering on. It has that perfect one shoulder cut and the edge of the neckline is finished with a band done in a contrasting black and white print. The entire body of the dress has the print set on a angle with helps to give the wearer the illusion of more height. A very high slit up one leg belies it lingerie roots but makes for a very sexy dress for our modern world. Excellent condition
Unlined and zips to close up the side.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem, with 1.5" turned under the hem
Slit: 30.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3433
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This amazing and rare Donald Brooks Boutique set is an early example of the pieces he was doing for his main couture line. He launched his self-named label in 1964 and only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He also designed costumes and stage wear and that love of exuberance and high glamour was also seen in his own label and in pieces like this.
This set is incredible and is such a glamorous and distinctive design. The pants have an unusual harem cut to them and this will give them a slightly cropped feel to them depending on your height. Each leg ends in an elastic and this allows the pant leg to pouf over the inner elastic and gives it that wonderful harem feel. They are slim cut through the hips and the waist is set higher. Over this is the long tunic dress that is cut to skim over the bust. The waist is cinched in with a seam and there is the matching, original tie belt that allows you to add even more shape if needed. Below that the skirt falls past the knees so that when worn together the pants just peak out under. The longer length of the top gives you the extra versatility to wear it as a dress on its own and of course you can mix the pants up with other pieces from your wardrobe. I love the edging of big gold pailettes that dangle from the edges with little looped seed beads. These go all the way around each cuff, the neckline, and the hem of the skirt. When you move they will move as well and create a fabulous added feel to the set. The fabric is a beautiful printed silk chiffon over an inner lining of silk and there are big gold dots created by gold metallic thread. The combination of the bright turquoise, the print and those metallic dots is killer. Excellent condition with a small note below
Both the top and skirt are lined in a bright matching turquoise silk. The tunic closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the back and hook & eye at the neck. Each cuff snaps to close. The pants zip and hook to close and have elastic at each hem. Note that there are a couple of the gold pailettes missing on each cuff. I have photoed them for you to review. One pant leg seems to fall slightly differently then the other I would have it adjusted to where they sit perfectly on you. Note that the back does close all the way - it was just small on my dress form
Tunic/dress
Sleeves: 27" with the pailettes adding another 2"
Shoulders: 15'
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from shoulder to hem
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem including the pailettes
Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: approx 30"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3427
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This Halston IV set is not 100% perfect so is priced about 1/4 of what I have sold these for in the past. That said it is still strong and wearable and once on you would be hard pressed to notice the flaws. It is a great set to be able to wear and have lots of life left in it.
I recently had a gold set in the shop and was pleased to have this bright electric blue version come in so soon. These sets combine one of his classic and easy to wear tunics with a more straight leg pant. Both pieces are made from a lightweight, bright blue metallic lurex lame fabric. This fabric choice is almost weightless and feels effortless to wear. The ease of the pieces combined with the metallic fabric make this a great way to be full on glamorous while still being entirely comfortable. This is the kind of outfit that will easily take you from a big evening event to entertaining at home with flats. You can wear the pieces together as shown, or as separates. The tunic is just long enough that you could probably get away with wearing it as a micro-mini. The pants are cut with straight, wide legs and slip on. Over that the tunic sits with a loose cut. Cinching in the waist with a belt would give you a whole other way to style it. Wonderful piece. Great wearable condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic on the waist of the pants. Each cuff of the tunic has a loop and button to close. The fabric has a touch of transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. Note that the color of the blue has worn off a touch and the silver is showing through. This is seen at the base of the arms and there is a slight area on the base of the pants as well. When the top is laid out flat you really see it but when it is on you don't because they fall in the fold of the fabric. Comes with its original matching belt. The color is more a vivid blue in person. Sold as is and final sale
Tunic
Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from neck to hem
Pant
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3426
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Tina Leser became known for her use of fabrics and designs that were inspired by non-Western ideals. She traveled the world and her love for all of the places that she went shone through her designs. The label on this set was the one used from roughly 1953 to 1966 and I suspect this piece was designed around the turn of 1960. During that time period she was known for these top and pant sets. From my understanding these were sold separately so her clients could mix and match. She was greatly inspired by her travels and the exotic feel of the far east shows through in this design that we have here.
More then anything I love the extreme width of the pants in this set. At first glance you would think that it is a full length skirt. It is not until you start to move that anyone will realize that it is actually extra wide pants. Both the pants and the top are light in weight. I know it looks like it should not be with that intricate pattern making it appear like it is a brocade or something along that line, but the fabric is actually a beautiful, light silk twill that is then backed in another layer of silk. The pattern is fantastic. The intricate design covers ever square inch and you can see how the top and pant have a matching design where they meet. It did not fit my dress form exactly and the pattern will line up even more on a person wearing it in the correct size. The top zips up the back and the front has a high neckline above a row of working buttons that runs down the front. The sleeves are long and finished in a buttoned cuff. I love how the width you see in the pants is created by a series of sharp pleats that are closed and sewn for a form fitting waist and hip, and then open to give all that volume you see in the legs. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Both pieces are fully lined in an orange silk except for the sleeve of the top that are unlined. The top closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The pants zip and hook to close. Each cuff buttons with a silk covered button and loop and the same type of buttons run down the front.
Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 2.25" turned up
Inseam: 29.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3425
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I love when I get versions of this dress in the shop and have had one of these ivory cream one before and love it just as much this time around. These were made in the 1980-1981 time period and I have included two ads from those years that show similar versions with the same gold belt at the waist. Versions of these Bill Tice pieces have been worn by countless celebrities for the red carpet and events. Lady Gaga wore a version, as have girls like Rachel Zoe & Nicole Richie and every girl that has bought one through me has absolutely loved it.
This is one of those dresses that is a fail-safe piece that you know is going to work every time you put it on. It is also insanely sexy with that front cut to plunges almost to the waist. But even with that deep front it feels pretty secure once it is on the body because of how it is cut and the way it ties at the waist. The ability to cinch and tie it allows you to control how deep the plunge sits once it's on. It is made of a liquid, slinky jersey that feels amazing on. This fabric has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on upon arrival with either flats or heels and you are instantly ready to walk out the door. There is a high slit at one side that shows when you walk or sit and I love the belt. This is a Tice signature. It is attached and covered with a gold lurex on the topmost side. It is cut wide and then top stitched. This adds an instant dose of high glamour and also allows you to cinch in the shape as much as you want. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It has elastic through the front part of the waist and ties with the attached gold belt. Very very light padding in the shoulders. The easy fit and elastic waist should allow it to work on a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no true defined seam as they are dropped
Bust: open
Waist: to about 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam untied - you can cinch it in a lot from here if needed
Hips: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL
Item# DD3424
Reference Photos: (1) Bill Tice for Swirl Ad. Vogue US, September 1980. / (2) Bill Tice Ad. Vogue US, September 1981.
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 always watch for caftans and pieces by Yuki. It is one of the more rare labels to find and I love his work. Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972.
One of his trademarks was to use minimal seaming on his pieces and this caftan is no exception to that. It had just one central seam that runs down the back and then the seams that form the tops of each sleeve and neckline. To give it a suggestion of shape, he then gathered the fabric just under the bust at the front. Inside this gathering portion of fabric is attached to a pipped waist stay in the same fabric so the dress is held perfectly in place when on. It is shockingly sexy despite its full cut because of the draping. The neckline is set wide and the top of each shoulder is left bare above where you slip your arms through. You are completely covered and yet the draping does a magnificent job of suggesting the figure underneath. All while hiding anything you wish to hide. It is gathered at that center front which allows it to drape and cocoon down the sides beautifully. The jersey is a light synthetic that drapes and moves beautifully. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with hook & eye down the back but at some point someone has tacked it closed so you don't get gaps between the hooks. It easily slips on so I decided to leave it as its actually quite practical this way. The inner waist stay is elastic and hooks to close. The cut will allow it to fit a large range of sizes as it will just drape more on a smaller figure.
Bust-hip: open
Elastic waist stay: stretches and will fit a 22" waist up to 38"
Length: "58.5 from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3422
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.
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This late 1970s Lanvin jumpsuit has the feel of an earlier decade but with a more updated cut to reflect its era. At that time Lanvin was focused on trying to appeal to their younger, jet set client with easy to wear pieces. This great little playsuit fits that bill perfectly. It is made out of an ivory and gold silk brocade and I love the swirling, slightly 3D feeling pattern that runs over the entire thing. The patterned parts are made out of gold metallic lame thread and these really catch the light wonderfully and give the suit a touch of high glamour. It buttons up at the front so you can choose to wear it as open and low as you dare. Each button is hand covered in the same fabric so that they do not draw away from the design. It is sleeveless and the collar appropriately pointed for the era. It skims down and over the body with just the suggestion of shape through the waist. You could easily add a belt to cinch in the waist and add more shape if you wished. The shorts part of are cut wide like a loose boy short. I love it. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with the buttons down the front.
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Full length: 33.5" from neck to bottom hem of short with about an inch turned under
Inseam: 3.25"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3418
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Isabel Canovas worked for Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton before launching her own luxury accessories label in 1982. She had three locations - in Paris, New York and Madrid - and stayed in business for ten years. She used the very best materials France had to offer and her designs were known for their very 'French' look. Her pieces are now highly collectible.
I have had some of her jewellery in the shop in the past but not a piece like this. I have never even seen a piece like this before from her and suspect that is may have been a custom ordered piece. It is a huge textile that combines a vivid green with a bright blue. It has no closures to indicate how it was meant to be worn and I played with it on the dress form to shape it into a extremely dramatic cape. The green portions are done in a diagonal, jagged pleat and the outer blue parts are done in a crisp knife pleat. The inner square of blue silk has been left un-pleated. It was so large I could not take a photo of it laying out flat but you can see it draped over the dress form in the photo before the label shot and that should give you an idea of its immense size. I think you could even throw it on a bed for a bright pop of color. It really is that huge. An amazingly rare piece that for someone creative, will have endless styling possibilities. Excellent condition
The outer parts are a double layer of the same fabric. The entire piece appears to have been primarily done by hand. Extraordinary
88" and 86" (approx 7 and a 1/4 feet each way)
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3414
Reference Photos: (1-2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (3) Model in Isabel Canovas, Vogue, November 1985.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Zandra Rhoes launched her label in 1969 and built her career on using organic shapes and inspirations taken from nature and then transferring that creativity to the fabric with her own hand painted designs. Her pieces are held in museums world wide and have been worn by just about everyone over the course of her career. She has had her work included in many exhibits and her pieces are highly collectible.
This caftan dress is entirely hand painted. It is a beautiful combination of a deep green mixed with lighter more vibrant greens. The silk is feather light and you can actually feel the green, blue and gold paint that has been applied to the top of the fabric. The dress is a classic caftan shape and as a result the cut is very loose and full as it drapes over the body. Only the outermost seams are sewn closed, with slits left open for your arms to slip through. At the neck, piping defines the opening and it curves down a touch and ties above that. The hem is cut on a curve and is finished in a way that gives it a slight ruffled feel. The silk is unlined so the entire thing has a touch of transparency to it, allowing you to wear it over just about anything your imagination can come up with. The print is entirely done by hand and combines her classic shell design with flowers and organic shapes that cover all of the silk on both the front and back. It is a true work of art and very special. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. It open caftan cut will fit a full range of sizes. Hand finished throughout and entirely hand painted.
52" across at the widest point
52" from the shoulder to the longest point of hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD3413
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 love Halston's work and personally think that his coats are exceptional. He tended to keep them extremely minimalist and that makes them virtually timeless. This one is cut to just below the knee and I think this length makes it very versatile. It is cut with the utmost respect to the fabric with minimal seaming to create the beautiful sleek line that you see. The curves and simple seams become a part of the design and all of them are set vertically. The color is a deep jet black and when done in this fabric that mixes wool and cashmere has the feel of wool blanket. It slips on and buttons into place. The upper body is more fitted and this is balanced with the lower portion of the coat where it flares out from the hip. Pockets sit along each hip and the glossiness of the buttons down the front are the only decoration. It is a wonderful versatile piece that is very wearable and collectible. Excellent condition.
Unlined with finished interior seams. It buttons to close at the front. Pockets on each hip
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# C543
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.















































