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The lines and detail of this dress are very similar to the work that Dior was doing during this time period and it immediately made me think of the pink Dior set that I have ion the shoo with a similar front bow detailing. This dress only has it Neusters label in it Neusters was a high end department store in Denver and at one point was one of the leading shops for high end designer labels outside of New York in the US.
It is made out of silk faille with a slight texture running through it. It is cut to skim over the body. I love all the proper dressmaking techniques used like the way the sleeves extend out from the body of the dress and there are gussets underneath the arm instead of a seam around the shoulder. This gives the dress a nice rounded shoulder at the top. The front crosses over and extra panels of the fabric extend out to create a feeling of a giant half bow at the front without creating bulk. Both the front and back dip into a curved V for a little bit of skin to show. The shape is created through vertical seams down the front and the back and this allows it to skim over the waist and then open back up over the hips. It is just a chic and simple little black dress that is charming with the added bow detail at the front. Great condition with a small note below
Unlined and closes with a back zipper. It looks like some of the vertical seams may have been opened at one point. They would be easy to bring back in if needed. Pockets along each hip
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D650
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
harvey berin
Early 1960s Harvey Berin Black Velvet & Ivory Silk Skirted Dress w Sparkling Beaded Detailing
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Harvey Berin opened his self-named label in 1921 and by the 1940s his label was considered to be a leader in American fashion. The collections were designed by Karen Stark, his wife's sister, and it is said that all designs had to meet with Berin's approval before going into production. The dresses were made with high end finishes and were often based on the Parisian couture designs of the season. By 1952 Stark had won a Coty award for her work at the label. This dress is a beautiful example of the work she was doing during this time period.
This is a gorgeous dress that has that classic feel of its time period. It combines a stark black and white with incredible iridescent sparkling beads for even more glamour. The dress completely covers you and has a beautifully classic, feminine, elegant feel to it. The bodice is made out of a black velvet and it is meant to skim over you. The sleeves are long with a little notch at each cuff. The neckline is high and detailed with a wide band of tightly spaced glittering beads. The beads are tightly spaced directly next to each other and circle the entire neckline. A band of them runs straight down the center of the front to the waist seam. This adds an incredible sparkle to the top of the dress as the beads catch the light from every angle. The waist is seamed and the dress comes with its original matching black velvet buckle belt that allows you to cinch the waist in for an hourglass shape. From there the skirt falls to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. The skirt is made out of a rich ivory silk that has a nice weight to it. There are pockets hidden along each hip and it is just incredibly graceful. Excellent condition with a small note below.
The top is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is lined in ivory. Pockets along each hip. Original matching belt. There is an attached inner netted half length underskirt that adds volume through the hips. I see a couple of tiny pin head size storage marks on the skirt but it otherwise looks unworn. Please see the photo after the label shot
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" 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 shoulder to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4424
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
bill blass
Amazing 1980s Bill Blass Bias Cut Deep Teal Silk Dress w Bead Detailing & Draped Low Back
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have of always being flattering on the body. This is a gorgeous example of his work into the 1980s. The teak silk is even better in person and it is just beautiful.
The fabric of this dress is stunning. It almost has a sueded feel to it and it is all cut on the bias. It falls from the shoulders in a stunning sheath down the body and widens out as it nears the hem. The front is cut in a way that feels more simple and straight and then at the back is where you have a lot of drama. It is sleeveless and the neck is cut straight across at the front. Each shoulder has a intricate detailed art deco feeling spray of beads across the top of the shoulder. The beads are an iridescent copper gold and they pick the light up wonderfully. The back is exceptional and when you walk away or turn in this dress no one is going to forget you. The silk is gathered in around the top of the shoulders and then drapes down past the waist. He did not add a waist seam to the front of the dress but at the back he did put on in to both bring it in and give the silk a place to be gathered into to. This also gives you more shape as well. The fabric drapes down from the shoulders and around the sides a bit and then is gathered back into that low center point of the back. This leaves the entire back bare and exposed. This unexpected flash of skin is seriously sexy and the drama of that draping is fantastic. The fabric is also gathered more at the back of the skirt so that you have a bit of gorgeous movement happening when you move. It is really a stunning piece. Excellent condition
The dress is lined through the bodice in the same fabric and the skirt is unlined. It closes at the back with an overlapping flap of silk that hooks into place. Hand finishes throughout. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem, 59" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4423
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 am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and in 2016 a red version of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. We have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result. These were made in a variety of colours and this one is a gorgeous deep teal colour that I have not had before.
Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one shoulder. It gives the sense that the entire dress could drop in a puddle around you. It is constructed from two attached layers. The inner dress skims over the body in a long sheath. The inner part of the dress has a high slit that travels up the side of the leg opposite to the draped side. So when you walk or sit you get a flash of leg. Attached to that inner sheath lies a draped panel of the same nylon jersey that is suspended from the shoulder. This falls from that shoulder and drapes down and over the front and the back of the dress so that the jersey cascades loosely down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and so easy to style. A quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. I love the teal of it. It is just so pretty. Excellent condition
The dress slips on to wear with no closures. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch.
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hip: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top ff shoulder to longest point of hem
Slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4421
Reference Photo: (1-2) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. / (3) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (4) Martha Hunt wearing this dress in Cannes, 2019. / (5) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. / (6-7) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (8) Halston Form Fit Ad, Vogue, October 1980.
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 had a couple of Harold Levine pieces in the shop in the past and they are always pieces that seem to have a little extra glamour to them. This amazing little dress is no exception. It is a stark black and white that has one side completely done in the white and the other completely done in black. The seam between the two literally runs down the center of the dress and this sharp contrast makes it a huge statement piece. The dress is made out of a rayon crepe and the fabric is easy to wear and drapes well. It comes down into a V at the front and then wraps around the back of the neck. The size are plunged into Vs as well and slightly wrap over each other at the base of the sides. This all serves to further emphasizes that great contrast of the two stark colors. The waist is seamed and I tied a black ribbon around so you could see it belted. I will include the ribbon but you could add any belt that you wish. The skirt flares out a bit as it reaches the hem and then it is finished with that incredible wide band of dyed ostrich feathers. In keeping with the spirit of the dress, half of the feathers are white and the other half are black. It is an incredibly fun and unusual piece and is one of those things you will only ever find in vintage. Excellent condition with one tiny note below
Unlined and slips on to wear with hidden snap closures at the front. The ribbon belt is not original to the dress but will be included. An inner waistband hooks to close. There is one tiny dot on the seam at the back near the waist. Please see the photo after the label shot
Bust: each side of the halter top has no true side seams that will cover up to 12" flat across from side to side
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to actual hem and the feathers extend past that a bit
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4415
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
alexander mcqueen
Chic 2006 Alexander McQueen Stark Black & White Polka Dot Silk Chiffon Halter Dress
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This is the most chic and glamorous day or cocktail dress from the Lee era of McQueen. This was a dress that would have been produced for the shops and it is absolutely gorgeous. I feel like I have seen a reference of this one on someone from that time period at some point but as of listing we have not yet found it but when we do I will send to the new owner.
This is just one of those dresses that whenever you put it on it feels perfectly feminine, lady like, and chic. It is just the perfectly appropriate dress for any occasion. The dress is made from a fine feather light silk chiffon that is black with a stark white dot print. The dots are spaced fairly close together and the print covers the entire dress to make it a statement in itself. It is cut in a halter that swoops up to the neck and then the sides plunge down and on an angle. At the front it is softly flat pleated into the neckline and this allows it blouse and open up to the waist for a pretty and easy feel. I did not belt it for these photos but you could absolutely add a belt if you wanted the waist to really have a cinched in feel. The skirt is soft and easy and the lightness of the silk chiffon lets it float around you when you move. Attached around the neck is an extremely long tie made of the same silk chiffon. This really let you change the look of the dress because you can tie it at the back and have the tie sweeping and trailing behind you. You can wrap the ties around the neck and maybe add a pin or a large flower to get a very refined feel, or tie it around the neck into a big bow like I have. The back is where you that McQueen sexuality really comes into play. It is a slit that is completely open from the base of your neck down to the waist. Because the fabric billows over the bodice this opening is only revealed as you move and turn so you get this subtle yet extremely sexy glimpse of bare skin down the middle of your back. It is fantastic. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and buttons to close at the nape of the neck. There is a low zipper at the back under the waist. Tagged a McQueen 44
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist but will blouse over once one
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Neck: 17" around
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4416
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
james galanos
Prettiest 1970s James Galanos Couture Weightless One Shoulder Floral Silk Chiffon Dress
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James Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally acknowledged as being a true Haute Couturier, he certainly produced clothing that had all of the hallmarks that define couture. This attention to detail and cut gave him the status as being known as one of the 'American Couturiers'. This is a gorgeous little dress that you can wear a couple of different ways which makes it a little extra versatile.
This dress is gorgeous. It closes at the top of the neck with a single hook and then wraps and hooks into place around the waist and that it is. It feels so sensual once on because of this. The fabric is almost weightless and this feeling of it just being hooked and wrapped around you is very sensual. very unusual and I had a hard time deciding how to best have it sit on the dress form. It sits beautifully when worn as a one shoulder dress but you can also turn it around a bit and wear it as more of a halter with the back left more bare and open. I love that it has this little bit of extra versatility. It is made of an incredible five layers of silk chiffon. The top layer is printed with a gorgeous floral print done in greens, corals and deep yellows. Under that top layer are four more layers made out of a solid green silk chiffon. All of the edges are hand rolled. These added layers keep the dress from being too transparent when on. At the same time the silk chiffon is of such a high quality that the dress is as a feather. The neckline is finished with a ruffle of the chiffon layers for pretty detail and a touch of romance. The skirt wraps over itself and where it overlaps there is a slit that only shows when you walk or sit. I added a green velvet ribbon around the waist which I will include to show you how pretty it is with something to cinch in the waist a bit. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in the four layers of green silk as described above. Hand finished throughout. It wraps and hooks to close. Elastic through the edge of the halter top. Inner tag that defies the front. Teeny bit if fading along an edge here and there but otherwise looks unworn
Bust: variable because of the wrap
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and you could adjust the inner hooks up or down as needed
Hips: variable because of the wrap
Bust: approx 18" from shoulder to waist but meant to drape a bit
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3398
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
pauline trigere
Fabulous 1980s Pauline Trigere Scarf Weight Silk Huge & Brillaint Coloured Floral Printed Caftan Dress
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Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She was from Paris and moved to the US in 1937. That early French influence showed throughout her career. In 1949 she was awarded her first Coty award. She won it again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening and her work with silks is wonderful. In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use an African American model. This is a stunning example of her work from the sixties and it is gorgeous.
This dress is just fantastic and so easy to wear. The colours on it are brilliant and mixes brilliant tropical red, green, pinks and yellow on a black base. The print has those wonderful giant flowers that are scattered over the dress and follow the beautiful drape of the caftan. The effect that those vivid colours have combined with the drape and flow of the silk is fantastic. I love it. The neck is a simple deep V for a little bit of skin. The sides are closed along the very outer seam so that it is very loose and easy as it falls over the body. The sides are cut to drape outwards to help make room for your arms and there is a defined cuff that your slip your hand through. The cuffs button to close and there are two glittering crystal buttons on each one. Having the defined arms gives it a bit of shape around you without effecting the fullness of the caftan. The fabric is caught up and under those cuffs so from the side you get this gorgeous draping affect. The back is full with tons of volume. When you walk you get this wonderful billowing effect around you that that is fantastic. The quality of silk is wonderful and it's like wearing a giant scarf. It is as light as a feather. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. Each cuff buttons to close. Its open cut should allow it to fit a full range of sizes. There is a tiny bit of chipping to the edges of the buttons but I am being pretty picky
Open through the body
Length: approx 50" from neck to front hem and approx 56" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD4410
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 Great little silk shift dress that's very easy to wear. It's by Chloe and is from In-N-around early to mid 2000s. It's made out of a scarf weight silk that has a slight textured finish to it. The cut is very easy and flattering. The sleeves or long and shoulders are slightly dropped. There's a bit of yoking across the top of the shoulders at the front for a little bit of detail and the neckline is slit open with a metal pearl looking button at the top of the opening. A matching button to that sits at each cuff of the sleeves. It falls loose and easy over the bodice, waist and hips and there is a gathered ruffle partway across the front of the waist for detail. Slant pocket sit on each hip for the perfect slouchy feel and attached ties at the back allow you to leave it loose or cinch it in for more shape. The skirt is cut fairly straight with just a touch of fullness from that front ruffle detailing. This is a great every day dress that can work for the office and beyond. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a matching silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. The attached ties at the back cinch the waist in for shape. Button and loops at the top of the neck and on each cuff. Tagged a modern 42. It's meant to sit it slightly oversized and should fit a ranger of sizes
Sleeves: 24.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4408
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
malcolm starr
Wonderful 1960s Malcolm Starr by Elinor Simmons Pink Detailed Metallic Brocade Dress
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The dress is absolutely wonderful and it really showcases the higher end work that the label was capable of. This is the work of Elinor Simmons who designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. She excelled at the heavy embellished piece that the label was known for and this is a wonderful example of her work. It is even more amazing in person and the photos cannot convey the impact of the metallic parts and the presence of it. It is gorgeous
This stunning dress is a gorgeous example of the work being done during this time period by them. The best of this label always has lots of drama and impact and this dress has a ton of all of that. The fabric is gorgeous. A heavy dose of green tinted gold metallic thread is mixed into a pattern with the palest possible pink and a brighter more vivid pink. There is also a more golden yellow thread and the mix of all of these is fabulous. The dress is just heavy enough to hold the shape and volume you see but it is so easy to wear. The bodice skims over the torso and the neck is cut into a V at both the front and back for a little bit of skin to show. There is a border of a contrasting pattern that edges the V on both sides. This is also used to detail the cuffs and runs around the hem of the skirt. The sleeves are set on a curve to follow the shape of the arm and the waist is set a bit higher up to sit just under the bust. A piped band of the same fabric runs over the seam there to add more detail. The skirt cascades to the floor and widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. This balances that shape of the bodice and is perfect to see. Pockets sit along the each hip. The fabric holds the shape of the dress beautifully and the entire dress has a subtle shimmer in the light. I love it. It is just a beautiful dress. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in an ivory silk and it zips to close at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Ribbon edged inner hem and hand finishes
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4406
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
malcolm starr
Prettiest Early 1960s Malcolm Starr by Elinor Simmons Hand Beaded Pale Yellow Silk Dress
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This is almost certainly the work of Elinor Simmons who designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. She excelled at the heavy embellished piece that the label was known for and this is a wonderful example of her work. Her early pieces did not include her name on the label but the presence of the B. Altman label and it style helps to date it to her time with the label. It is even more amazing in person and the photos cannot convey the weight and presence of it.
This is a stunning dress. This is the kind of piece that you only find in vintage because they just could not make things at this level anymore. The price would be too cost prohibitive. The entire dress is made from a pale yellow silk that has an extensive design done in silver and clear beads on top. The beading is all hand set and done into little curving swirls and patterns that cover the entire dress. A panel made of the beads stacked on top of each other defines and highlights the waist with the more abstract pattern above and below. To add yet another layer of glamour some of the beads are done in little 3D medallions in and amongst the pattern for a little added detail. The dress is completely covered in the bead work from to hem and this makes the entire dress shimmer and catch the light from every angle. The cut of the dress is simple so that the beading can take center stage. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped front. The waist nips in slightly and then the skirt falls under that and widens out just a touch as it nears the hem. There is a small slit at the side for a little kick as you walk. It is a beauty. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a the same silk crepe and it closes with a hand set back zipper. There is a teeny bit of grubbiness to the inner neck line here and there biut it is super minor and mentioned for accuracy.
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem including the one inch band around the waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4407
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
alexander mcqueen
Spectacular 2011 Alexander McQueen Bias Cut Liquid Silk Satin Ivory Dress w Amazing Sleeves
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This is an incredible dress. This was a dress produced for the shops and it would have been made specifically for the wedding collection that year. What is interesting about this dress is that I have a purple version just listed that is from 2007. So Lee's original design was re-issued in this ivory for the wedding collection. You will recall that I recently had a lace dress in that was also made under the same circumstances where a original dress done by Lee was re-issued at a later date for a wedding collection. I love when they repeat pieces like this. This would of course make an amazing wedding dress for a bride or could be an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any fabulous and glamourous event. The dress still has its original hang tags in place and was never worn. It has that same bias cut draped feel as the McQueen that Elle Fanning borrowed and wore recently so that will give you an idea of it onthe body.
This is a stunningly beautiful dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body and will only truly come to life when worn. It is a dress that definitely takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. McQueen was a master tailor and the seam work and simplicity of this dress do not hide that fact. It is made from a beautifully weighted ivory silk satin that has that same liquid feel that the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from this similar fabrics. Like those dresses of the thirties this is also cut on the bias but with a more shaped silhouette. I love that the fabric is heavy enough and that the dress is lined so that it will not highlight 'flaws' underneath like some bias cut pieces can. It is cut to flow over the body and skims over the bust, waist and hips to the floor. The neckline drops into a V at the front for a bit of skin to show. It glides over the bust and there is this interesting softly curved seam that starts at the bust and runs down into the side seam. This not not only helps to add a little shape but it also becomes this interesting design feature and a subtle way for him to work in one of his signature angled seams. The skirt continues past and over the hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem. At the back there is extra fabric worked around the center seam to give you a bit of a trailing feel behind you. This flaring out at the bottom and the extra bit at the back give you fabulous movement when you walk or move. It also adds to the hourglass shape the dress has. The sleeves are incredible. They are set in these soft loops around each arm. They leave the sides of the shoulders bare and really add to the thirties feel of the dress. They are spectacular. It is in its original uncut length and was never worn. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a McQueen 40. The bias cut fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. It has its original tags attached and was never worn. It is in its original supermodel length. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to front hem, 75" the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4412
Reference Photo: Elle Fanning in Spring 2008 Alexander McQueen, from our archives, at the Critics Choice After Party, January 2023.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
christian lacroix
Gorgeous Resort 1993 Christian Lacroix Crisp Cotton Floral Print Halter Dress w Pouf Back Skirt
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Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was an instant success on the worldwide stage. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always exotic, lavish affairs and his designs seemed to span the decades with their eccentric glamour pulled from multiple sources of inspiration. This dress is from the Cruise collection for 1993 and it in perfect condition. I don't think it was even ever worn.
This dress is so simple in some ways yet so dramatic and glamorous in others. It is that perfect combination of a pretty piece that you can wear all the time but it still has that Lacroix signature feel. The fabric is a crisp cotton printed with a bright floral print. This print is set on a black base and the strong colours pop against that beautifully. The bodice is structured and has an inner stiffened lining that helps at hold that shape along with light boning as well. It curves around you at the front with straps that extend out and hook behind the neck. The seaming is vertical and curves around at the sides. The skirt falls below that. The very front of the skirt is cut a little more sleek and simple and then it is gathered with different tiers that wrap around to the back. At the back there are three layers to the skirt and each one sits on top of the other to create that Lacroix signature back pouf bustle effect. I absolutely love that back drama of the skirt. Above that the back is scooped low to leave a bare expanse of skin and I am obsessed with the little bow that hides where it hooks behind the neck. It is the perfect Lacroix finish. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
The bodice is lined and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back zipper. Inner stiffening and light boning through the bodice for structure. The strap hooks and snaps to close behind the neck. Tagged a 40
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: approx 34.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4400
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
louis feraud
Early 1980s Louis Feraud Black Silk Tafetta Dress w Puff Shoulder Sleeves & Velvet Detailing
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Louis Feraud opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made his first official couture presentation. Ready to wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. This is a wonderful little dress from the early 1980s that has a bit of a nod to the turn of the century in its design that was so popular during this time period. It will look fantastic paired with modern accessories.
The dress is made out of a fine black silk taffeta and then onto that you have details of velvet that have been fused directly into the fabric. The bodice is cut to skim over you and buttons at the base of the plunging front. A ruffled detail circles around the collar and down to the waist to keep that plunge from feeling too low and add a bit of drama. I love the little band of velvet ribbon the details this. The waist nips in and I had added a ribbon of velvet that will be included with the dress. You could also add a belt to really add shape. The skirt falls from under there to about mid-calf depending on your height. It is beautifully full with soft pleats that are set into the waist all the way around. These open up to give the skirt the fullness that you see. The sleeves or what give the dress it's historical nod. They are a modern modified mutton sleeve with a more poufed shoulder that narrows down to the wrist. On the top of the shoulder, around the cuffs and around the hem there is a pretty velvet pattern that adds detail to the dress. The fabric choice keeps it very light and easy to wear and it is very pretty once on an actual body. Excellent condition with a small note below
The skirt has an inner silk lining and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the front with the buttons that you see and also with a hidden set side zipper. There's a tiny bit of wear to the velvet on the sleeves here and there where it was kept folded for storage. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a 38
Sleeves: 23" and 14" around upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 33.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4395
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
bill blass
Dreamy Early 1980s Bill Blass Pale Pink Silk One Shoulder Dress w Full Slightly Trained Skirt
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have of always being flattering on the body. This is a gorgeous example of his work. The pale pink is even better ion person and I think this is a dress that might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. It is just beautiful.
This is a stunning dress that is made out of a pale pink silk that is very light in weight but that has just enough structure to hold the shape that you see. The dress falls from that single spectacular shoulder and is cut to skim over the bodice, nips in at the waist and then the full skirt falls to the floor from there. The neckline is absolutely fantastic. It begins on one side and the angles up towards the shoulder on the opposite side. It slowly widens out over that shoulder so that there is this spectacular dramatic detail that sweeps up and around your neck. It then drops down and curves around your back. There is actually a little bit of boning hidden inside the top of the cure of that side and this gives it the inner structure needed to stay ion place and have that sweeping shape. Its incredible.The silk is gathered into the waist on the opposite side and I love how the banding at the waist is set on a curving angle. The skirt falls from under there and widens out as it nears the hem. At the back it has extra fabric so that it feels fuller and the hem extends out a bit for a sweeping feel as you walk. It is just an amazing simple and easy dress to wear with tons of impact. Excellent condition.
The bodice is unlined and the skirt has an inner pale pink silk lining. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. There are some small marks at the back hem
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of natural shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 53" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4393
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 Louis is the designer who created that dress that Marilyn Monroe was sewn into when she sang Happy Birthday to President John F Kennedy. Louis worked in the movies heading the costume department at Columbia Pictures before starting his own label in 1961. Once he began designing under his own label he concentrated on suits and evening wear and was known for his beautiful fabric choices. This caftan is the perfect example of his eye when it came to choosing fabrics. It is absolutely stunning.
This is an incredible caftan that makes a striking statement with its combination of that vivid pink silk with the gold and silver metallic thread that runs over its entire surface. The base is a ultra light silk organza has a slight iridescent quality to it and this has been layered over a fine tissue silk inner lining. Woven onto that is an over sized floral design done in gold and silver thread. This combination gives it the glamorous and exotic feel that the piece has and is is incredible to see in the light. The front has a thick braiding border that is made from a gold metal thread and pink cording. This is tightly braided and runs around the neckline and down to the hem. On the upper part where it opens one side extends out into loops and the other into little frog knots. The dress is full and easy through the body and the sleeves are cut to be extra wide. It is as light as a feather and it is just beyond. Overall great condition with notes to review below
Fully lined in a pink tissue silk and slips over the head to wear. Some point the hem was cut and not resewn. I have chosen to leave it this way so that you have every available inch and you can have it to your perfect length. There is some light fraying and the beginning of separation here in there along the edge of the sleeve. I see a bit of fraying and separation here and there along other seams and some small tearing to the fabric here and there. It is perfectly wearable as it is without doing a thing but these are pointed out for accuracy. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 22" from natural shoulder
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-hips: 28-29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to unfinished hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD4392
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
loris azzaro
Sexiest Fall 1995 Loris Azzaro Couture Sequin Covered Leopard Print Dress w Open Cut Outs
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This is the short version of one of my most favourite Azarro dresses I've ever had in the shop. It is from the Fall 1995 collection. When I had the long one I shared the editorial photo I have included here and that photo is one of my favourite fashion photographs ever. In 2018 I lent the long version to Karen Fairchild who wore it for the 2018 CMT awards. She was styled by Karla Welch and Karla ended up falling so in love with the dress that she ended up purchasing it and she wore it to the 2018 Instyle awards. This version is the twin of that dress and everything except length which for some will make it that much more versatile and wearable. It's fantastic.
This is a killer dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body and it is a dress that in person it is even better. The first thing you see is that the entire dress is covered in overlapping clear iridescent sequins that catch the light from every angle. This alone takes your beathe away when you see the dress in person. These cover a fantastic leopard print underneath. The shoulders are strong with underneath to hold the shape that you see. The neckline angles goes down from the shoulders and then goes across the shaped cups of the bust. The bodice is seamed to be fitted and shaped around you there is one of his signature strapless bras built-in underneath to add shape and support. The fabric has some stretch so it shapes to fit around you. It nips in slightly at the waist and then the skirt under that curves over your hips and the falls to the hem in a pencil shape with no vent making it fitted all the way down. The back as a huge all been cut out that leaves a bare expanse of skin. It is as incredible from the back as it is from the front. The sleeves are long and the perfect balance to the shortcut and openness at the front and back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Unlined and the fabric has some give. It closes with a zipper at the back and hidden set snaps at the back neck. The lower seam of the open back has elastic for easy fit. Padding in each shoulder. Built in signature cupped and wired strapless bra.
Shoulders: to 16" with the padding
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4387
Reference Photos/Videos: (1) Fall 1995 Loris Azzaro Couture photographed by Alexander Ubeda. Model: Victoria Silvstedt. / (2-5) Karen Fairchild in Azzaro at the 2018 CMT Awards. / (6-7) Karla Welch in Azzaro at the 2018 InStyle Awards.
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My client bought this around 10-15 years ago. It is not a runway piece but I think it should have been. This is Fendi from the Karl Lagerfeld era and it is phenomenal. I think this might be one of the best Fendi dresses I've ever seen actually. Adele and Edoardo Fendi opened the first shop in Rome in 1925. They originally made leather goods and were very succesfull. Edoardo passed away in 1946 and Adele and their four daughters took over the company. In 1965 Karl Lagerfeld became the creative director. He was the one that introduced the famous Double F logo and pushed the brand to world wide recognition. Fur was a focis for many years but he also oversaw the roll out of ready-to-wear in 1977 and a shoe division in 1978. In the 1980s they expanded with boutiques world wide and in 1999 LVMH Moet-Hennesy and Prada giving it even more exposure on a global scale.
This dress is stunning. It is an obvius play on that full skirted fisties dress but in the most modern of ways. the bodice is cut to skim over you and then it nips in and it is banded around the waist for shape. The skirt is incredibly full. It is gathered in around the waist and the way it is seamed and set into the waist combined with the fabric that has been used gives it that extremely full pouf around you. No extra crinolines have been added underneath the skirt. That shape that you see is the shape of the dress and it is incredible. The dress is made from two fabrics. One is a crisp thin cotton that has striping running over it in the traditional Fendi colors. This is set vertically over the bodice and horizontally around the skirt. Between the panels of cotton are wide ribbons of a stiffened nylon netting. This is what allows the dress to hold its shape and gives the support to achieve the fullness through the skirt. It also acts as incredible peekaboo panels. The areas that have the netting have no backing so you can see a touch of skin through them. On the top they have been cleverly placed so that you have vertical hints of skin around the bust and wrapped around the back but nothing scandalous shows. On the skirt there is an inner lining so you never really see a full glimpse of anything but you get the feeling that you are because of the transparent panels. It is just one of the most fabulous dresses I've ever seen. Excellent condition.
The top is unlined and the skirt has an inner black silk lining. It zippers to close at the back with an expose zipper. It appears to have been worn a very little if at all.
Bust: no true side seams
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to top of the band at the waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem including the 2" band at the waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4388
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 1960s jumpsuit that is made from a pretty metallic brocade that has a paisley and floral pattern woven through it. It combines a deep coral gold base that has pops of green here and there with a gold thread that is woven directly into the fabric. The gold metallic thread is woven over the fabric and this gives the fabric a textured slightly raised effect. The gold covers the jumpsuit from shoulder to hem so that the entire piece has that amazing metallic feel to it. No matter what angle you see it from the metallic thread catches the light perfectly. The neckline is cut onto a deep V at the front that plunges to just above the higher set embellished waist. A wide band of primarily gold lurex braiding accents the neckline and circles the waist. Mixed in with the gold are a scattering of coloured crystals that are all set by hand. The bottom part of the jumpsuit is amazing. The legs are incredibly wide and full and each legs finished in an elastic so that it is drawn in around the ankle. This makes them pouf out around the legs and it is just fabulous to see. At first glance it appears to actually be a skirt but as soon as you move you realize that it is really very wide cut pant legs. The movement and fullness this creates is just fantastic. It is even better in person as the gold has more of a presence then how it photoed. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a peach silky crepe and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Some hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from the shoulder to the bottom of the waist band
Pant length: approx 41" from bottom of waist band to hem
Inseam: (dropped) approx 28"
Rise: 18" from back waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# E715
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 gorgeous dress would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love his work during the 1970s period. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in his work with colour, cuts and his fabric choices. Here he goes full on evening with this sequin number and it is incredible. The Lanvin label is numbered and it is one of the best evening pieces I have seen from him
The dress is made from a black silk chiffon that is backed in a black silk. The outer layer of silk chiffon has an incredible pattern done on sequins that make the entire dress catch he light from every angle. The sequins are a mix of black, gold and a deep copper and they are set in this stacked row design that steps up and follows a grid of metallic cord that lies under the sequins. The cording is done on the same three colours and so the eye just sees the rows of colour run over the dress from head to toe. The sequins have been applied in this dense pattern over the entire dress and it is just incredible. The dress is suspended from two silk chiffon straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline is cut straight across and the bodice kept simple. It is cut to fit over the bust and the waist is cinched in. The skirt falls to the ground from there and widens out gradually as it nears the hem. There is a slight gathering where it is inset around the waist and this exaggerates the feeling of a smaller waist beautifully. It also allows for more fullness through the skirt. This is that classic beautiful design whose simplicity lets the sequinned fabric take center stage. It has a very classic Old Hollywood move star feel to it. It's an incredible thing to see and even better once on the body. You also have the option to tuck the straps in one this one and wear it as a strapless dress. The dress is numbered under the fold of the label and when you see that on a Lavin Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris. This is a dress that you just slip on and it is perfection. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a back zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice. Numbered tag. Hand finished throughout.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5 from top of shoulder to waist
Length: 43" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4381
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
valentino
Vintage Valentino White Silk Wedding Dress w Elaborate Trains, Pleating & Extensive Beading Detail
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This stunning Valentino wedding dress is new with tags and was never worn. It is beautifully made and is most likely from the late 1990s. The wedding collections are not as well documented as the regular collections so dating them is a little trickier but regardless of date this would most certainly be from the Mr Valentino era. It is in perfect condition and is a stunning dress from a bride looking to make a chic and elegant statement.
This is a stunning dress. It is made from layers of a natural white silk chiffon and these fall in a smooth column from the shoulders. The shoulders are the most elaborate part of the dress and are made out of a white silk netting. Onto that is this elaborate floral design that has a 3D quality to it. Little white silk flowers have been hand made and applied to the netting with clusters of beads at their centers. Their stems and leaves are made from embroidery, seed beads and teeny tiny sequins and then little prong set rhinestones are scattered throughout. This covers the upper chest and shoulders with little cap sleeves. The bodice is made from the same silk chiffon and it has being elaborately gathered into soft romantic pleats that run across the bust and around the back. At the back it crosses over itself for more detail there and this is from where the train extends out from. At the front the dress falls in a smooth column with three layers of silk, two silk chiffon top layers with an inner silk layer under those. It skims over the waist and hips and then gradually widens out at the hem. At the back you have multiple layers of silk chiffon panels extending out from that center point. These all widen out as they near there ends and are cut to different lengths. This gives you a weeping train that extends far out past the ham but still has tons of visual interest because of the different lens of the panels and the way that they expend outwards. Having them separate panels also give them lots of movement. It is stunning and it was never worn and still has all its original tags. Excellent condition
Fully lined a white silk and the upper bodice is unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hidden cups inside the bust and light boning on the interior corset. And of course it could be adjusted if you needed more room especially through the waist. It has its original hang tag. Tagged a US12, IT44, FR42, UK14
Bust: to 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from top of the shoulder to the seam under the bust. The bust band is 5.5" high
Skirt: 65" from the seam under the bust to the front hem and the train extends at the back by several feet
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4374
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
hanae mori
Incredible 1970s Hanae Mori Floral & Butterfly Peach Silk Chiffon Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Beading
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Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. Hanae Mori excelled at these beautiful prints that combined nature had elements of her homeland. When I find pieces like this one with such a stunningly beautify example of that I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work. This one in its pretty and romantic colour palette is even more so.
This is everything you look for in a piece by Hanae Mori. It has one of her custom designed prints screened onto a feather light silk chiffon. Think the finest silk scarf you could have in terms of weight and feel. The entire dress has been printed with that gorgeous and romantic flower design and I love that it includes some of her iconic butterflies flitting over the flowers in the print. The neckline is set in a slight scoop around the neckline. The silk has been gathered across the top of the shoulder for pretty detail. To highlight that detailing even more it has been completely beaded by hand in an extremely intricate manner. The silk chiffon has been gathered and then beads are stitched in place by hand to form those little repeating diamond patterns that you see. The work to do this and have it all lie flat and perfect like it does is mind boggling. This pin tuck finish runs from the neckline all the way over the top of the shoulders all the way around front to back. This beautifully highlights the shoulders but in the softest possible way. That detailing is then bordered by a a tightly spaced row of beading that goes all the away around the actual neckline. A little row of beads also circles each cuff for the perfect little flash of glamour at each wrist. From the neckline it cascades and skims loosely over the body and gently widens out until it reaches the hem. The dress is cut to simply float over the body. It does come with its original matching tie belt so you also have the option of wearing it more cinched in through the waist. I have photoed it both ways for you to see and I love that you can add shape and completely change the look of the dress by adding the tie at the waist. You can also wear the tie around your neck or even as a head piece. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is an incredibly full balloon sleeve that poufs out dramatically about the cuff. The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. It is a stunning example of her work and beautifully made. I love it. Excellent condition
Fully lined with a peach silk and a full second layer of silk chiffon under the top printed layer. It closes with a back zipper. The sleeves are unlined. Each cuff closes with a hidden silk covered snap. The original tie belt is included. Hand finished throughout with hand rolled hems on the top two chiffon layers. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger frame.
Sleeves: approx 25" but meant to come up once on
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4372
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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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have of always being flattering on the body. This is a gorgeous example of his work. It is from one of his secondary lines that was done to appeal to a broader audience. It is simpler in execution that his main line would have been but in this case that works in its favour. It is a seriously good dress.
This is a stunning dress and so easy to wear. It is made out of a black crepe that is very light in weight and then that spectacular neckline is done in a black taffeta. The dress is cut to skim over the bodice and then the dress falls from there in a column to the floor. A slit sits along the seam on one side to allow you the room to walk and also lets a bit of a flash of leg to show. If you wanted more shape you could add a belt or ribbon and it would instantly transform giving you two looks for this one dress. The star of the show is of course that fantastic neckline. It begins on one side and the angles up towards the shoulder on the opposite side. The ruffle increases in width so that it is this spectacular dramatic detail that sweeps up and over the shoulder. It then drops down and curves under the arm. The back is left simple with a single strap that curves around the neck to help hold the dress in place perfectly. You can wear the ruffle so that it sits straight up for the most drama possible or you can have it fold over itself if you want it to feel a little less dramatic. It is just an amazing simple and easy dress to wear with tons of impact. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a side zipper. Tagged a vintage 8. Ribbon finished hem. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. There is a tiny little mark on the inside of the taffeta neckline where it looks like someone put a snap at some point.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 14" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4366
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
zandra rhodes
Fall 1995 Zandra Rhodes 'The Fairy Collection' Hand Painted Metallic Gold Lace & Silk Dress
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Zandra Rhodes is one of my favourite designers and I love that we were able to verify this one and date it. When hunting for the date we found a runway photo that is perhaps not the best runway photo ever but it does effectively date the address to the Fall 1995 'Fairy' collection. She showed the collections during London Fashion Week at the Dickins & Jones department store on Oxford Street. The collection was meant to represent a whimsical magical land that fairies would exist in. The dress is gorgeous and even better in person.
This is a stunning dress that combined black lace and chiffon with gold lace and painted gold detailing. The skirt is hand painted and then the lace on the top picks up on that gold and black design. The bodice is made of a black lace netting that has gold metallic thread woven through it to highlight the design in the fabric. The neckline is squared off and I love how the edges of the lace follow the pattern across the neck and back to soften the straight line there. The sleeves curve over the shoulders and then run down the arm to just past the elbow. They are unlined so you get a glimpse of your skin through them. The top curves down past the waist and flares out over the top of the hips. The skirt is set under that and widens out beautifully as it nears the hem. The skirt is constructed in layers. The very top layer is a silk organza and then under that are two layers of tulle. The very inner lining is a black silky rayon. These built in layers are what gives it the fullness that you see and I have not added any extra underskirts. I love it. That top layer of silk is completely covered with one of Zandra's signature designs. The gold runs over the entire surface in these stunning hand painted sun patterns. It is gorgeous. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The skirt is made up of multiple layers of as described above. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tagged a UK 12, US 10.
Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3605
Reference Photo: Fall 1995 Zandra Rhodes Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I believe this was a production dress from the pre-fall 2009 collection based on the leather buckle at the shoulder. He did a few pieces for that collection that utilized a more western feeling etched leather and buckles and this would fit right in with that theme. Beyond that it's a dress that shows his master tailoring and draping. It is beautiful.
This is an easy to wear dress in a black knit that drapes beautifully once on the body. The dress falls from the single strap that curves over the shoulder. The strap is a stunning detail in its own right. It's made out of a hammered etched leather that has a brass buckle. This is the only detail on the entire dress other than the actual cut. From there it angles down over the bottoms and skins over the rest of your body. It sits loose and easy over the waist and hips making it very easy to wear. The fabric is wrapped around you and the bottom hem is all cut on a curve so that where the knit meets at the front it comes up to show a flash of leg when you walk or sit. The wrapping of the fabric is this brilliant little detail that lets the dress have more movement and interest. As you walk the dress moves around you more than if it was not wrapped over itself like that. The knit has a touch of transparency to it and he plays with this effect. Where it is wrapped and a double layer results you have more opacity and then where it is just the single layer you get more of that touch of transparency feel. This is all classic McQueen sexuality. It is a stunning dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The knit has some stretch. Tag a small. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The 3 buckle holes are spaced 1" apart and can adjust up or down if needed.
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to longest part of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4365
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
lanvin
Prettiest 1970s Lanvin Couture Pastel Floral Print Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress w Balloon Sleeve Jacket
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This is just the prettiest dress and shows the softer side of Lanvin from this time period. This would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourite periods for the house and I especially love his work during this period. He was a genius at colour and I love that this pieces show that he could also be very romantic in his approach to print. This dress dates to the latter part of the 1970s and it is incredible. The inner seams are all edged and there are hand finishes throughout. It is just incredible.
The dress is made from the most beautiful pale pink rose printed silk chiffon and there are yards of fabric in its construction. The bodice is gathered in an elaborate ruching of silk that begins at the top of the bodice, continues over the waist and then runs right to the top of the hips. The Silk is gathered into tiny little gathers that rock around you and I caught up along the length of each side. The dress is strapless and the neckline has just the slightest of curves across the top. The bodice is fitted and cinches in at the waist with interior boning to help hold the shape. I love that it is extended to the top of the hips so you really get shaping all through the torso. The skirt cascades to the floor from under that and it is made up of three layers of weightless silk chiffon. The two inner layers are a pale ivory and all three layers are bias cut. There are many yards of fabric in the skirt and this lets the skirt float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. I think if you were to lay the skirt out flat it would extend beyond a full circle. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk. To help with the floating movement the skirt has all of the edges on all three layers have been wire finished and this creates the slightest bit of ruffle. It is very beautiful. This one comes with a matching cropped jacket that is very clever. The back is very full and easy but once on this gathers up to sit just above the edge of the neckline at the back. At the front it covers just the front and tops of the shoulders. The sleeves are these massively full balloon sleeves that I love. They sit above fitted cuffs that button up with matching silk covered buttons and then the sleeves poof over them beautifully. Once on an actual arm they really come to life. A little silk flower in a matching pink sits at the top of each cuff for added detail and a touch of romance. I love that you can wear the dress with out without the jacket and get two completely different looks. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a hand set ivory silk and the skirt is made from three layers of silk chiffon as described above. The dress closes with a side zipper and the jacket has no closures. The cuffs of the jacket button to close with 7 silk covered buttons on each cuff. Hand finishes to demi-couture level and light boning through the inner bodice. The waist stay hooks to close. I see a small area of darkening on the back of one sleeve. Please see the photo after the label shot.
Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam of bodice: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of the bodice to bottom seam
Skirt: 36" from bottom seam to hem
Jacket
Sleeves: approx 28" and will come up when on
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust-bottom hem: approx 22" flat across from side seam to side seam and will drape smaller if needed once on
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4363
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
yves saint laurent
Dreamy Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Off Shoulder Pink Feather & Bow Print Silk Dress
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This dress is the twin of the dress that walked the runway for the 1987 show and I love having the reference photos from that show for you so that you can see just how great this dress is on the body. and no matter now good it looks in the photos it is even more gorgeous in person. It is just dreamy. The feather and bow print that covers the dress was an integral part of the closing looks for that collection. Yves sent down a full grouping of pieces in various colours and cuts that all centered around this print. This pink one was a particular stand out. The 1987 collection is one of my all time favourite collections and I am very excited to have this wonderful example from it in the shop for you. this is a dress that might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. It is just beautiful.
I love the the romantic print of this dress mixed with the soft white. The soft pastel colours are dreamy and the feather print with the feathers tied at their base with a bow is the perfect amount of whimsy. It is constructed from a beautiful light weight silk charmeuse that draped beautifully over the body. The neckline is finished with an elastic all the way around its edge. This lets you wear it fully off the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show. You can also wear it higher up on the shoulders if you wished. Starting at the front a ruffled panel drops to cover the tops of your arms and then this continues all the way across the back for a bit of a cape feel. It then comes around the other arm to end just at the front of that arm to match the other side. The bodice is loose and meant to billow a bit and skim over you to the waist. The waist is seamed and the dress has its original matching tie belt that you can cinch the waist in further. The tie belt also allows you to continue with that sense of whimsy by adding a little bow at the waist for a pretty touch. The skirt skims over the hips and flows to the floor. It widens out in a pretty flare at the lower skirts to the hem. This flare of the lower skirt is mainly at the sides and the back so you get a pretty kicking sweep of fabric around you when you walk. The dress is stunning and it has a fantastic romantic and light feel to it while the bareness of the shoulders gives it a bit of a sexy touch. Excellent condition.
The bodice is unlined and the skirt is lined in a white silk. The dress closes with a side set painted metal zipper. Elastic through the neckline and the original tie belt is tacked in place at the back. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a YSL 36
Elastic at the top of the bust: 17-23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 14-15" from top of natural shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with just over 1.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4365
Reference Photos: Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
stavropoulos
Exceptional 1970s George Stavropoulos Couture Bias Cut Grey Ribbon Silk Chiffon Dress w Sash
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George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s one of his evening dresses started at a cost of around $8500USD and they went up in cost from there. To put that in modern terms, that would be about thirty thousand dollars now. It was an incredible amount of money at the time and yet women couldn't get enough of them.
The dress is made out of a single layer of a bias cut printed ribbon silk chiffon that sits over three more layers of ivory silk chiffon. All of the inner layers are also bias cut and the four layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. It is incredible. All four layers are as light as a feather so that the dress feels wonderful once on the body. It is incredible how light and airy it feels. The neckline is scooped across the front and then the back dips into a low V that leaves a bare expanse of skin showing. From there the dress falls in this extravagant swoosh of bias cut silk. It is cut very long and I love that the top layer has that ribbon finish to it so that there is a play on the transparency through the two parts of the silk chiffon. It has also been printed in a stunning and intricate pattern made of soft grays that have a subtle touch of a metallic feel to them. Only the body of the dress is lined so you get another play on transparency with the sleeves being left unlined. It falls over you loose and easy for an almost caftan feel to it. The bias cut lets it swirl around the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut so that they get wider as they reach the ends and this gives them stunning movement as well. This one also comes with its original matching sash tie belt that you can use to cinch in the waist or you can tie it around the neck. I pictured both those options here. You could also use it as a headpiece for an ultra glamorous feel. The pattern that covers the dress is like that of a huge silk scarf and this gives it its fabulously glamorous bohemian feel. It is immensely flattering once on and should work an a wide variety of shapes. This is a dress you will want to wear over and over for every summer occasion from day to evening. It is truly a remarkable dress that is hands down one of my favorite pieces ever. Excellent condition
Made from four layers of silk chiffon as described above and the sleeves are online. It closes with a box set zipper. It comes with its original sash belt. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut does have stretch so should fit a variety of sizes
Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Sash: 21" at its widest point x 92" long
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4359
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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Halston did variations of these chiffon wrap dresses over the course of several years and they are still among the most collectible of all of his pieces. Nothing says Halston like this classic shape. When you find one in a silk chiffon and in a classic black that you can wear over and over it is a joy to have in the shop. Versions of this dress have appeared in several museum exhibits of his work and like many of his pieces it is just insanely comfortable and easy to wear. This one is from his main label and it is a very special piece of his work and it is gorgeous.
This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its yards and yards of bias cut silk chiffon in that perfect simple black. The construction on it rivals any of the best Halston pieces I have seen to date. The dress is made of four feather light layers of bias cut silk chiffon stacked on top of each other through the body and then the upper shoulders and sleeves are a single layer. This gives it a play on transparency that I love. It is just stunning to see it in person. Layering the chiffon like that also gives it so much more movement then it would have otherwise. Your slightest movement while this is on causes the silk to float and move around you. The layers have just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still and then when you move they will move with you and the result is gorgeous. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The dress wraps at the front and is secured in place with hook and eye on the inner and outer waist. For some of the photos I added a pretty black ribbon so you can see how it would look belted. You could wear any belt and instantly change the look. I also photoed it without a belt so you could see that it's just as great worn like that. The neckline plunges in a low V at the front and then the dress falls in a loose and easy cut that skims over you. The bias cut lets it both cling and skim over you at the same time and its incredibly easy to wear. It simply falls from the neckline to skim over the bust and nip in a bit at the waist. The hips also skim over you and are an easy fit due to that bias cut silk and wrap. The skirt widens out as it nears the hem and the layers and bias cut of the silk all create more movement and swing when you move. Depending on your height and how cinched in you make the waist the dress falls to about mid-calf or a little lower. Cinching it can bring it up more. I love the way the shoulder are set on a slant and then fall to the wide cut sleeves. The silk there is only a single layer so you get a glimpse of skin through them and it's very sexy in that very Halston kind of way. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. And even as beautiful as it is, it is also a technical masterpiece with all those layers of silk and the way he constructed it. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition
The layers of silk as described above act as the lining. It hooks and snaps to close along the waist line. The waist is elastic so has a bit of stretch. If you need to adjust the waist you could easily move the hooks to fit you perfectly either up or down or cinch it in more with a belt.One tiny repair on the innermost layer of the skirt
Sleeves: approx 21"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: no true side seams
Elastic waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can cinch it in as much as needed with a belt
Hips: open
Length: 51" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4357
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 just had one of these on the shop fairly recently and am very happy to have another so soon. In 1968 Ossie Clark was designing his own couture line and also designing pieces for Alice Pollock for her Quorum Boutique. The Radley company approached Alice to find out of she could convince Ossie to design a top of the market collection that they would produce and sell to various boutiques and department stores. Dresses like this were the result of that collaboration. Even with this early version of 'ready to wear' the pieces that were made were still never produced in vast quantities and certainly nowhere near whet we think of today as RTW. as gar as quantities. It is a classic Ossie design and one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable creations. A version in ivory is held in the Victorian and Albert Museum. Lily Sullivan wore a version and you can see how it is transforms once on the body and especially if you wear it with the buttons left open like she did. Those shots give you a great idea of just how fabulous the dress looks like on.
The design of this dress seems so simple when you see it on a hanger and yet it still retains the flow and drape that he was known for. His signature sexuality that he worked into his pieces is displayed in that ultra low front plunge if you choose to wear it open and buttoned. What I really love about this particular style is the ability to fully button it. When you do, it had an almost puritanical feel and you are fully covered, but somehow he still managed to make even that feel sexual. The buttons have been covered in the same moss crepe as the dress is made from. They run from the top of the neck all the way to the waist so you can control just how plunged it is. An attached tie wraps around and ties to give you some the shape and definition through the waist. The skirt flows from under there to cascade to the ground. It widens out quite a bit by the time it nears the hem and there is a wonderful amount of volume that flows around you when you move. This is balanced out by huge bishop cut sleeves that puff up above each cinched wrist. More moss crepe covered buttons close each wrist and there is even an extra button sewn into an inner hem. I own one of these myself and it will always be in my collection and I can tell you from personal experience that it is a dress that you will wear over and over. It easily goes from day to night and it can be worn to feel very sexy or more covered. It is in its original uncut length which is hard to find with many Ossie pieces you now see out there for sale. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist. It buttons down the front. Each cuff has three fabric covered buttons at the wrist. There is the slightest sense of pressing to some of the seams. The easy cut should fit a variety of sizes, Tagged a vintage Ossie 38
Neck when buttoned: 14.5"
Sleeves: 28" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4356
Reference Photos: (1) 1969-1974 Ossie Clark Dress in the V&A Collection. / (2-4) Lily Sullivan at the Inaugural Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) Ball in Sydney, February 2018.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
john galliano
Gorgeous 2010s John Galliano Spanish Influnced Tiered & Ruffled Black Lace Bias Cut Dress
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This is the second time I have had this extraordinary dress and this time it is in a larger size then the last one which I love. It is from John Galliano's own label and I believe it is from within those last few years that he held the position of Creative Director there. Galliano has always been known for his amazing bias cut gowns and this example is a stunning lace version of that. His work, especially the bias cut pieces like this, have a feeling of high decadence mixed with the glamorous luxury of the twenties and thirties. They are always beautifully cut. His work marries the old Hollywood feel of those past eras with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early aughts and the results are stunning. I just love this dress. It is completely glamorous but at the same time very easy and comfortable to wear.
This dress is exceptionally beautiful. It is made out of a soft black lace with tiers and flounces made from that same lace. It is completely cut on the bias and once on the body it skims over your curves and highlights your shape. The inner lining is a stretch nude that makes it extremely comfortable to wear and give it that nude dress illusion. The lace is draped over that so that the entire dress simply skims over you. The neckline is set in a V at the front for a bit of skin to show and the shoulders are slightly wide set. The back has a low scoop that is covered with a single layer of the lace. This is set to drape down softly and I love that you can see your skin through that part. This also picks up perfectly on the lower part of the skirt to tie it all together. The bust has some angled seaming so define it a touch and then the dress skims over the waist and hips from there. On the lower skirts there are multiple layers of lace ruffles that wrap around you and are set on curving angles. The placement of the ruffles draws the eye vertically and give you the illusion of added height. They also create this massive volume that you only see once you move. It is incredible. I also love how the ruffle visually anchor the dress and darken the illusion of lace of a nude base as it nears the hem. This ruffled technique makes it feel like it might just be some fabulous gown from the twenties or thirties. It is just stunning and in its original supermodel, uncut length. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a bias cut silky nude rayon. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4351
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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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my Instagram. They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made and detailed. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. I am always happy to find the really fabulous examples for the shop and this is definitely one.
This is a wonderful example of her work and it is gorgeous too. The cotton is soft and it is a dream on. Most of her caftans tended to be bright vivid colours so it is a bit unusual to see this one with in this deep charcoal and ivory combination. There is still that pop of vivid colour though with the embroidery work on it and the muted coral stripes. I love it. The cut through the body is full and easy. It falls from the shoulders and opens up even more as it nears the hem. The panels set along each side add volume and I love how those are a striped fabric that add contrast to the solid charcoal middle. I also shot the caftan laid out flat so that you can see how this looks. Because the cut is more loose and easy over the body it is incredibly easy to wear. The sleeves are fantastic and each is wide and cut along a curve underneath. You can see on the photo of the caftan laid out how they are cut straight across the top and then curve to add shape at the bottom. At the front is a huge embroidered flower and there is a small embroidered flower in each sleeve. These are all done by hand. It is stunning. Excellent condition with minor notes below
Unlined and closes at the back with a metal zipper. I see a few small spots on thisone. On the sleeves and a couple on the body of the caftan. Please see the photos after the label shot. They are all pretty minor and get lost in the pattern. It is even better in person and has a beautiful authentic vintage patina. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 20"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4349
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
balmain
Stunning 2010s Balmain by Olivier Rousteing Huge Floral Print Front Plunge Knit Mini Dress
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This is a spectacular and bold Balmain dress by Olivier Rousteing. This dress was a piece made for production for retail and is one that was sold out everywhere when it was released. I actually own the twin of this dress and I have included some older shots of me on the dress so you can see how it looks like on. It is very bold and short but the huge floral pattern keeps it feeling bright and happy to offset the sexiness of it. I love it.
The print on this dress is fabulous and it takes it from being a simple little dress to something really special. It is made out of a tightly woven knit and that huge flower print is worked into it to cover the entire dress. The print just explodes in a bright wash of colour and then it anchored by the black neckline and bands of black at the hem and cuffs. It has just enough weight to it hold the shape and structure that the dress has but without feeling too thick or too structured once on the body. The knit helps shape you and it is super comfortable to wear. The shoulders have Rousteing's signature bold and sharp shape and the sleeves taper to the wrist from there. Each cuff is finished with his signature bold and chunky zipper and zipper pull . The neckline is done in a deep V for a bit of skin to show and the waist is banded for shape. At the back, the Balmain signature chunky zipper runs down the center almost to the hem. It is spectacular and sexy and a collectible both now and as a future vintage piece. It has its original tag attached and has never been worn. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the back with the signature chunky brass Balmain zipper. Padding in shoulders. Tagged a modern Balmain 40. Original tag. It has a little stretch
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 17" to the seams including the shoulder pads
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to top seam
Skirt: 20" from top seam to hem including the 5" banding at the waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4344
Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.
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 it only produced 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. This is a particularly fabulous dress from the label
I love whenever I get a fabulous Leonard dress into the shop. They are so chic and easy to wear and travel with. This one is a beauty that is made out of one of their signature silk jersey fabrics. This fabric choice is what gives these dresses their perfect drape and fit. Each of their dresses were made of custom designed fabrics and prints. The colour combination on this one is stunning. It combines a variety of ocean blues ranging from pale turquoises to deep sea blues. These make up a gorgeous swirling print that runs over the entire dress. The dress is meant to skim over you and widens out a bit as it reaches the hem. The sleeve are long and detailed with a contrasting border at each cuff. The neckline is high at the front and also finished with a contrasting border for detail. That same border is used at the end of the hem too. It has this fabulous slightly oversized, boxy shape that is easy to wear. You just throw it on over anything and walk out. It great as a piece on its ow or as a super glamorous beach piece while traveling. It is short so can play double duty as both a tunic or a micro mini if you dare. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a back, hand set metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. A small size frame can wear it more oversized
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4342
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 dress is from the Spring 2017 collection and this was the collection that the duo expanded their line and started the path the really become the broad and well known label they are today. Gilda told Vogue that the theme of the new collection was 'exotic and erotic'. This was one of the best pieces in the collection and it is the twin of the runway presentation dress that was Look 25.
This amazing wrap piece is made out of a light weight black silk that is then densely covered with over-sized paillette sequins. There are thousands of them on this piece and that gives it some weight despite the lightness of the base. It also gives it a fabulous sound. All of those paillettes are attached by one top point so they have freedom to move. So when this is on you get this swishing sound as all of the sequence brush up against each other. They completely cover every square inch of the piece. It just makes it feel super glamorous and I love the way that the light catches the sequins from every single angle. It is also a piece that is so easy to wear. I love that you can choose to wear it as a dress or use it to layer over or under other pieces and treat it like a light weight coat. It is also long enough that it would layer perfectly over the pants and adding a wide legged trouser would give it a whole new feel. It is equally as good on its own as a dress or a coat. It has no collar and the wrap creates a bit of a front plunge. It is loose cut through the body. Each sleeve is cut straight for a bit of a decadent feel. They're also cut a little longer than normal so you can push them up a bit once on. You can definitely see a bit of a nod to the Kimono and/or Yukata in its cut. It comes with its original tie belt that is made out of the same sequin covered fabric. It too is cut ling so you can tie or wrap it as you wish. It is very chic and very versatile. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black crepe and slips on to wear. It wraps and ties with the matching sash. Pockets on each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged an Attico size II but its loose and open cut should fit a variety of sizes. The colour is a perfect solid black. Any green or any other colours you see are just the light reflection from the camera
Sleeves: approx 28" and are 16" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 19" across
Bust-hips: 23" and widens to about 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 49" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4345
Reference photo: Attico Spring 2017 Look 25
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
emilio pucci
Gorgeous 2010s Emilio Pucci Feather Light Pink Silk Chiffon Scarf Weight Printed Caftan Dress
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This gorgeous Pucci is a more recent piece that I believe is from the Peter Dundas years but since it's not a runway piece I don't know for sure. Regardless it is stunning. It is made from a bias cut feather light silk chiffon that has a classic Pucci print covering its entire surface. The silk has a touch of transparency to it which is nice because you can literally wear this to the beach as a cover-up if you want to feel more glamorous, or wear something nude and/or covered underneath and you can go out for the evening in it with a quick change of shoes and accessories. The front is cut into a V for a touch of skin to balance out the volume of the caftan. The side seams are done along the very outer edges of the caftan so it is completely open through the body making it a piece that should be able to fit just about any body shape, size or type. To wear it you simply slip it over your head and slip your arms through the openings down each side. It also has a little bit of an opening at the top of each shoulder for a little more skin to peek through. The sides of the caftan are cut far longer than the middle so you get the stunning floating, trailing feel around you whenever you move. The silk itself is feather light so it also moves at the slightest bit of air. It's an exceptionally pretty and versatile piece. Excellent condition with one small note below.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The open cut should fit most sizes. There is a bit of grubbiness and a couple of stable small holes where it had caught on something at some point near the hem. It is on one of the long points and not seen when worn. Please see the photo after the label shot
Width: 52" flat across side to side
Length: 51" from the neck to the front center and drops to about 67" to the longer side points
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD4340
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 spectacular and bold Balmain dress by Olivier Rousteing. This dress was a piece made for production for retail but I have included the runway reference photo of the suit that had the same fabric as this dress does. You can also see where this mini got it's strong shouldered silhouette from that photo as it was obviously based on the jacket of the runway suit. It is like Olivier closed the front of the jacket to make it a dress and then extended the jacket just enough so that it could be worn as a mini. I love it.
The fabric on this dress is fabulous and it takes it from being a simple little black dress to something really special. It has a 3D quality to it from the eyelash detailing and I love that it has that added metallic finish. The whole dress has a touch of glitz to it because of this. It has just enough weight to it hold the shape and structure that the dress has but without feeling too thick or too structured once on the body. The shoulders have Rousteing's signature bold and sharp shape and the sleeves taper to the wrist from there. There are five gold toned metal snap buttons at the end of each cuff for another play on that suit feel. The neckline is done in a deep V for a bit of skin to show and then one side wraps and hooks over the front of the hips. The fabric on that top piece is gathered in and up to play further on the feel that it is wrapped around you. At the back, the Balmain signature chunky zipper runs down the center almost to the hem. It is spectacular and sexy and a collectible both now and as a future vintage piece. It has all its original tags attached and has never been worn. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with the signature chunky brass Balmain zipper. The inner lower skirt is closed all the way around. One side of the front wraps and hooks into place. Padding in shoulders. Tagged a modern Balmain 40. All the original tags and it comes with an extra button for the cuffs.
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15.5" to the seams and then the shoulder pads extend beyond the natural shoulder a bit
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4332
Reference Photos: Fall 2013 Balmain Runway, Look 11. Model Othilia Simon.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
christian dior
Fabulous 2004 Cruise Christian Dior by John Galliano Deep Blue Lace Jacket Mini Dress
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This gorgeous jacket is from the Dior 2004 Cruise Collection and is a beautiful example of the work John Galliano was doing during this time. As a stand alone piece it is spectacular. It is the kind of thing that you can pair with just about anything. It would work with a sleek pair of pants, wide pants, long skirt, short skirt. You can layer things under it and it could potentially go from wearing it as a jacket or light coat to wearing it on its own as a mini depending on how you style it. The jacket is structured and the base is a deep blue. This is then covered with a layer of an open weave deep blue cord lace. The jacket has a bit of weight to it so that it feels expensive once on. It is very beautiful and the openness of the lace against base underlayer layer of the jacket is stunning and gives the jacket a bit of a sexy feel. The front is dropped into a V with a notched collar that is also covered in the lace. There are two buttons below that to hold it into place. It is meant to skim over and follow the body. It curves in at the waist and then over the hips. I love the pocket details on each hip. They add detail and a bit of exaggeration to the shape through the hips. The sleeves are long and each ends with a single button detail at the cuff. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with the two buttons at the front. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4331
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 Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram. They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made and detailed. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. I am always happy to find the really fabulous examples for the shop and this is definitely one.
This is a wonderful example of her work and it is gorgeous too. The cotton is soft and it is a dream on. Most of her caftans tended to be bright vivid colours so it is a bit unusual to see this one with in this black and ivory combination. There is still that pop of vivid colour though with the embroidery work around the neck. I love it. The cut through the body is full and easy. It falls from the shoulders and opens up even more as it nears the hem. Panels are set into the sides to add volume and I love how those are a striped fabric that add contrast to the solid black and cream parts. I also shot the caftan laid out flat so that you can see how this looks. Because the cut is more loose and easy over the body it is incredibly easy to wear. The sleeves are incredible You can see on the photo of the caftan laid out how they are cut straight across the top and then drop into long points almost to the hem. Running around the squared off neckline is a wide band of embroidered rows of multi-coloured embroidery all done by hand. This wraps over the shoulders and all the way around the back in the same way. It simply slips on to wear and is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. I see a couple of very small spots. One on the sleeve and a couple on the body of the caftan. Some of the threads in the embroidered parts are a little loose. They could probably be clipped if this bothers you. Please see the photos after the label shot. They are so minor they have zero impact. There are some natural variations on the colour of the cotton here and there. The black is a little softer in person and the ivory a bit more a natural linen colour than how they photoed. It is even better in person and has a beautiful authentic vintage patina. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 39" to the longest point
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4324
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
isaac mizrahi
Prettiest 1990s Isaac Mizrahi Pale Pastel Lavender Silk Dress w Flared Skirt & Back Bow
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Isaac Mizrahi presented his first collection at a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman's in 1987. By 1992 Chanel had bought a stake in the company and Isaac's name was everywhere. He was doing custom work for clients and Hollywood on top of his mainline. In 1995 Isaac was the subject of the movie 'Unzipped' based on his Fall 1994 collection. He is known as much for his personality as he was for his clothing. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized him with the Perry Ellis Award (now called the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award) in 1988 and the women's wear designer of the year award in 1989. He loved to experiment and would often change his aesthetics from season to season. This comes directly from the client that worked with him one on one to create this dress.
My client had this dress custom made and it is a gorgeous. I love the nod to Old Hollywood it has. The bodice cut into a V at the front and it does the same at the back. The silk has enough weight to hold the shape you see but it still feels light on the body. The pale purple colour is beautiful. In person it is a touch lighter then how it photoed and it is even better. It is cut to skims over the bust, waist and hips with the shape created by ling vertical seaming. At about the knee the lower skirt flares out in from an slightly angled seam. The way the seam is set helps to visually elongate the line of the dress to make the whole dress feel longer. At the back there is an oversized bow that is also set on an angle to follows the seam. It is fabulous. And l love that you can see that little bit of the bow peaking out from the front. The skirt is cut slightly longer at the back and there is a bit of extra fabric there so that it flares out behind you. It is even better in person. Excellent condition with a small note below
Fully lined in a matching purple silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There is a bit of grubbiness at the back hem. Please see the last photo after the label shot.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A-B cup
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 62" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3595
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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Mary McFadden patented her Fortuny inspired pleating technique just a couple of years after launching her label in 1973. By the eighties she had many licensing agreements and her dresses were being made on a larger scale. She called her pleated fabric 'marii' after her own name. She went around the world to source the fabric she wanted and her pieces need up being made out of a synthetic charmeuse that she sourced from Australia. The fabric was then sent to Japan to be hand-dyed and the pleating technique was done by a machine press in the United States. Mary was known to say frequently that there was no greater beauty than pleated cloth on the human body and she said then when she developed her 'marii' fabric her aim was to have it 'fall like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.' This is a gorgeous example of her work. We found a very similar dress to it on the Spring 1980 runway that has the same skirt finish and have included that shot here so that you can see just how spectacular the dress will be once on.
This dress is made from McFadden's fabric in her signature pleating technique. Like many of her best pieces the pleating gives it the comfort of a bias cut and it is very sexy while still feeling refined. The colour is a brilliant deep royal purple that is flattering on most skin tones. The lightness of the fabric lets the dress fall over you beautifully and skims over you in a way that is very flattering. The neckline is set on an angle and there is a panel set over the bust area. This is done so that she could put the pleats running horizontally in contrast to the ones underneath. From one shoulder is an elaborate strap made of gold metallic cord. Covering that are a series of oversized faceted beads in two tones of blue. The strap is set at the back and then curves up and over the shoulder. Where it meets the front the cords are left in a fringe to cascade over the bodice on that side. The dress falls to the floor from under the bust area in a column of pleat work. These longer skirts like this are not always seen in her later work. As time went buy she tended to prefer to design pieces that ended well above the ankle so you could see the shoe underneath. This makes the truly longer pieces a bit rarer and harder to find. I love the detailing on the lower part of the skirt. A wide panel has been added to the sower skirt and it creates a subtle ruffle where it is joined into the body of the dress. This give you extra kick when you walk and added detail. No matter how good it is in the photos it is better in person and it is wonderful once on the body. It is beautiful example of her work. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. The easy cut and give of the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage 10
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
The waist and hips when laid flat are 16" flat across from side seam to side seam but will open to well over 25" across because of the bias pleat work
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4323
Reference Photo: Spring 1980 Mary McFadden Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I have had the twin of this dress in the shop a couple of times now and it is one of my favourites. It is also a very well documented dress and our research turned up two different ads that it appeared in for Vogue. It also made an appearance in one of Vogue's party round up editorials. The ads were from the September issues of both 1980 and 1981 and this one with its more solid designed gold belt is the 1981 version. Countless celebrities own and have worn this dress. Lady Gaga wore a version, as have girls like Rachel Zoe & Nicole Richie and every girl that has bought one through me has loved it. It is one of those fail safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on.
The dress is insanely sexy and bare feeling with a halter style front that plunges right to the waist. It ties behind the neck and then the back is left completely open and bare. The dress is made of a wash and wear black liquid nylon jersey. It is so light and slinky and it feels amazing on the body. The fabric is almost weightless. Despite its bareness it is cleverly cut so that when you have it on it stays in place. At the front of the skirt there is a high slit that shows lots of leg when you walk or sit. I love the signature wide top stitched gold fabric belt at the waist. The belt is attached all the way around the back and then ties at the front to cinch you in exactly to where you want. The belt is really what gives it that signature Bill Tice look and this one has the little harder to find more rounded and detailed ends to the ties. The dress has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. It packs down to almost nothing and barely wrinkles. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on. Ties at the back of the neck and at the waist. Elastic through the front portion of the waist. The easy fit allows it work on a variety of sizes. The gold is a true bright gold in person
Bust: variable as there are no side seams
Partial elastic waist: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from natural neck to waist but can be tied to adjust the length if needed
Skirt: 40" from top of back waist to hem
Front slit: 20" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4320
Reference Photos: (1) Bill Tice for Swirl Ad. Vogue US, September 1980. / (2) Bill Tice Ad. Vogue US, September 1981. / (3) Nancy Kissinger in Bill Tice, Vogue, October 1980.
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 fringed body suit is by Bob Mackie and it is a very unusual piece but one that perfectly reflects his costume designing side. Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamourous looks but he was also extremely active as a costume designer throughout his career. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to entering costume design and he began by co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In some ways he and his creations defined their careers and that era of glamour. His work always has that touch of the best of the bygone glamor of Hollywood. I have no information on this piece other then it is an earlier label when he would have went solo and that its original intention would have been for stage.
A modern girl could probably wear this out and make it work with the vast range of styles and looks that we have access today but it would have originally been a costume piece. I hope that one day someone might chance across what it was originally intended for. Either way it is an interesting piece for the collector. It is a body suit that has had fringes added to extend the length and give movement. The body suit is covered in a black nylon jersey so that it has a bit of movement and stretch. It is vertically seamed all the way around which again gives it that ease of movement while still holding the body in place. The cups are shaped and there is padding added by hand inside for support and lift. It plunges low at the front and the front appears to cross over itself. This illusion is made even more so by the clear and black rhinestones edging the neckline and down the front. The straps extend to hook at the back of the neck. The back is scooped and there is a large brass zipper to close. The inner bottom is wide cut with elastic around the opening for each leg. More rhinestones circle the waist and come up to meet the ones extending from the neck and then he put a rhinestone edged bow on that hip. The fringes are set under that waist detail and the movement they have at your slightest move is incredible. It is fantastic. Excellent condition.
The bodysuit is interlined and slightly boned. Hand set padding in the bust and a partial waist stay that hooks to close to help hold it in place. It hooks at back of the neck and closes with a low set zipper. Hooks or metal end of stage costume size and weight so they're very sturdy. The zipper appears to be made of brass. Elastic through the leg openings. boning through the body suit. The gusset in clean and fresh. Hand finishes throughout. There are some sequin and rhinestones missing near where the hook closes at the back of the neck. Please see the two photos after the label shot
Bust: each cup is 6-7" flat across from side to side
Waist: 11-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodysuit: approx 30-33" from top of neck to inner seam
Full Length: approx 37" from neck to shortest point of fringes and 55" to the longest point
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4322
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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Dan Werle launched his label just after the end of World War II and by the 1950s he was dressing Hollywood starlets on a regular basis. He designmany of the looks worn by Loretta Young for her TV show 'The Loretta Young Show' that ran from 1953 to 1961. She often launched her show wearing one of his designs and it was that publicity that made his label thrive. His work tended to stay on the more simple side but they were still striking. You get the feeling that he made pieces for women to be able to wear over and over without tiring of them or made things that were to outlandish.
I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a brilliant blue silk and the colour is breathtaking. The choice of this silk gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but still keeps the dress light and comfortable to wear. That fabric choice mixed with the soft billowing cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso and the neckline is extraordinary. The dress is meant to be worn off the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show across the top of the shoulders. The line there is set on a curve so that it dips down at the front and back into a V. This is then edged with a little matching silk ruffle all the way around the top for the prettiest detail. 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 bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. The dress comes with a matching long wide sash that you can use to cinch the waist in even more. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of silk. I have shown it without any underskirts but you could easily add a crinoline if you wanted even more fullness. Pockets on each hip. The dress has a fantastic romantic feel but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a matching silk, the sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a pale blue organza. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. A small faintmark on the skirt lost if folds. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.
Sleeves: 19"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: approx 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4319
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
josefa
Colourful 1960s Josefa Deep Blue Cotton Caftan Dress w Multi Coloured Ribbns & Hand Embroidery
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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. This one is not perfect so is at a really great price but its still 100% wearable and has that perfect vintage patina
I have had this pattern on a Josefa caftan in a gold and black before and I really love seeing this far more colourful version. The cotton is still crisp the colour of the base is a deep deep blue. Like all the Josefa peiece I have seen there are natural color variations in the fabric since they were all hand dyed and I love the feel of authenticity this gives the fabric. Bright multi-colour ribbons adorn the neckline and I love how they are set to cross over each other and have a woven effect where they meet at the base. Those same rainbow colored ribbons also wrap all the way around the hem and each cuff is finished with them. If that was not enough the caftan has medallions of hand done embroidery work just below the front neck and down the each side. More embroidery work is set on each sleeve. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is cut wide and mimic the way that the skirt widens out as it nears the hem. The dress is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs. Good overall condition with notes to review below
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. It's even better in person I think. There is a mark on the ribbon at the front and one of the medallions and a bit of grubbiness to the ribbons. There are a couple areas of fading on the fabric where the fabric folded during storage and was exposed to sun. There's a sense of overall light patina and a bit of fraying to the ribbon at the botton edge. Please review the photos after the shot of the label. None of these affect the strength and wearability of the caftan. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4318
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
chanel
Striking Spring 1996 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Fitted Dress w Pockets Chanel Buttons & Belt
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The near twin of this gorgeous Spring 1996 Chanel dress was worn by Kirsty Hume on the Runway for Look 160. The runway dress was done in velvet and was full length and then this version was produced in a light weight wool silk mix done to mid-calf for the shops. Women's Wear Daily described the show as 'Karl hits the Mall' and this is the collection that the nipple covering micro bikini came fro. Karl said that it was a 'Little fantasy, a little glamour, optimism and brightness… a little shape is coming back to the body but they're soft curves – it's body-conscious relaxed'. This dress is definitely one of the body-conscious pieces and it is just a spectacular little black dress.
The dress is made out of a stunning light wool and silk that is light in but heavy enough to keep the structure. There is a slight ribbed texture to the fabric. It is so simple in it's cut but is so chic and elegant once it is on the body. It feels very much that perfect French origin Little dress. Two wide straps curve over the shoulders and the front neckline is done in a V. At the back it dip slightly lower with a more squared off feel. The front is shaped in a bit of a triangle feeling halter and there is a little two faux pocket on each breast. It buttons down the front with four Chanel logo buttons in silver and black. The waist nips in and it is defined even more with a slim belt that clearly says Chanel on its silver buckle front. The skirt falls under that in a neat little pencil silhouette with a vent the back for you to be able to walk. Also at the back are two more faux pockets for each have a Chanel logo button. I love the angled pockets on each hip and the zipper closure at the front. These little details just elevate the dress that much more. Once on this fits and hugs your curves in the best possible way. It is a beauty. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with one tiny note below
The dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes at the front with the buttons and zipper as noted above. The belt is original to the dress and has a slip buckle closure. Tagged a vintage Chanel 40. The zipper has a slightly sticky feel.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can cinch with the belt that has three holes at 28", just under 29" and at 29 3/4"
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4316
Reference Photo: Spring 1996 Chanel Runway, Look 160. Model Kirsty Hume.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
chanel
Incredible 1990s Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Silk & Silk Chiffon Jumpsuit w Camellia Applique Overskirt
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This fabulous little jumpsuit has had the part of the label that tells the collection date removed at some point in its history but I believe it is from the late 1990s based on the styles and similarities to other dresses I have previously had in the shop from that period. Regardless of its exact date it is definitely Karl's work and it is a gorgeous example of his work. It is a very easy to wear piece and I love how unusual it is while still being utterly Chanel in feel.
I love that this little jumpsuit looks like a dress at first glance. It is just the cleverest thing and it has the added bonus of making it super easy to wear. It has that touch of a flapper feel to it that so many of his pieces have and it is just so pretty. The jumpsuit part is made out of a light in weight black silk that is soft and easy to the touch. It has that feel of the best of 1930s silk. Over that the skirt overlay is a black silk chiffon that has camellias and ribbon appliqued onto it for added detail. This mixing of fabrics give is a play on the different transparencies. It is light in weight and wonderfully easy to wear. Despite its light weight the fabric still has enough structure to hold the cut and give it the wonderful shape that you see. The top of the jumpsuit is sleeveless and cut to skim over you all the way down to the low dropped seam at the top of the hip. The neckline plunges into a V at the front and there is a row of silk covered decorative domed buttons underneath that. Where the bodice meets the skirt there is a wide gathered 4" band made from the same silk as the top. This band is pleated and I love the detail it adds. Under the skirt are attached legs that continue down from the top. These are done in a peg leg shape and they narrow down as they reach their hem. On the outside of each leg there is another row of tightly spaced buttons that match the ones on the bodice. Depending on your height they will probably be a bit of a cropped pant. The skirt falls over that from under the banding and it is made up of a silk chiffon that is softly gathered in around the waist. Onto the skirt are embroidered and silk cut out of the famous Chanel camellia and then it is finished all around the hem with ribbon. The lightness of the silk allows it to flare out and the movement that this creates once it is on is incredible. The construction is immaculate and it looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The cut is meant to be loose and easy through the body. The band around the waist buttons to close. The buttons on the top are decorative and the ones on the pants are functional. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner pant hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at bottom of bodice
Skirt: 30" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Pants: 32" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Inseam: 27"
Gusset: 29" from top of shoulder to inner back seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4315
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
arnold scaasi
1980s Arnold Scaasi Brillaint Emerald Green Strapless Dress w Woven Heart Print & Bows
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This dress is by Arnold Scassi and I love the choice of sequin and net that he used for this one. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his dressed reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line. This one is with its heart print is just so pretty
The color of this dress is just outstanding. It is a true brilliant emerald that is beautiful to see. The colour alone would have been enough but the fabric also has these little hearts on it that are part of the fabric itself. The technique used to create the hearts is very unusual and really adds to the dress. Each of the hearts is a single chiffon layer that is transparent so that they add depth and interest to the green. It is almost like the way a silk devore is created but in chiffon and silk. It is quite brilliant. The dress is strapless and the bodice is lighting boned inside for structure and support. There is a full inner green silk dress inside and then that solid and transparent top layer falls over that from the top of the bodice to the hem. This gives the dress one long line as it falls to the floor in a cascade of fabric. The back has extra panel of fabric built in so that it is fuller there. The is gathered into a soft pleated curve that sits just under the small of the back and give the back skirting that extra fullness and volume. Just above that there are a series of four large bows set edge to edge across. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition
Fully lined in green silk and closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay hooks to close and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an inner skirt made of two layers of silk and the outer layer is interlined in an organza. Both the inner and outer layer of the skirt have a wide banding of stiffened netting at the hem to help hold the shape.
Bust: to 17" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4313
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.