Leger worked for Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and followed him to Chanel in 1983 when Lagerfeld took over there. In 1985 Leger began designing under his own name, but it was not until 1993 that the actual Herve Leger label appeared on the scene and history was made. His dresses were on of the stars of the nineties and were among the most coveted and iconic of the labels during that period of fashion. His bandage dress in particular were coveted by every girl everywhere and his strong lines and sensual designs were seen on everyone and appeared everywhere. This is a stunning version of that famous dress and I love the combination of textures used on it. The body of the dress is made up of those famous "bandage" strips of fabric that cinch you in and give you curves. In sharp contrast is a low, inset panel of luxurious velvet that is set in like a corset at the front. The velvet is studded with jet black bead work that has been all hand placed. This combination is gorgeous. The dress will mold and shape itself to your shape. Gorgeous. Excellent condition

The front panel at the bodice is fully lined in a black silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a size L but please check actual listed measurements. The fabric does have stretch

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2847

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

The fabric on this dress is a stunning deep blue jersey that has some stretch and weight to it that allows the dress to flow and drape exactly how Stefano Pilati, the then Creative Director at YSL, wanted it to move. He said of this collection to Vogue; "I just started with three thoughts: blazers, sweatshirts, and a vaguely preppy idea and then it went into thinking about goddesses, stars". The runway dress shown was done in a similar fabric but with more coverage and in a more sombre color. This version picks up on the blue he used throughout this collection. The choice to produce it with a more bare sleeveless look and with more volume through the skirt makes for a better balance and I by far prefer this version. It is made from a sensual feeling, jersey and the draping effect this fabric creates is what makes this dress spectacular. It has the feel of old Hollywood in its cut and line and the dress is super model long. The dress is completely cut on the bias and once you slip it on it simply drapes into place and molds itself around your curves. It has a strong nod to the late thirties in its design and the fabric choice only heightens this comparison. The top is cut straight across at the front and the back dips into a V.  The skirt is wonderful and it flows to the ground and beyond, draping about your feet. It has incredible seaming - some point are shaped into "points" and when these fall they drape and suggest a "bustle" effect that is thoroughly non-structured and modern. At the front the seams sweeps to one side to add draping there as well. Its really incredible. Excellent condition.

Unlined and completely cut on the bias and with flat ribbon finished edges. Slips on to wear and the fabric has some stretch. Tagged a Small but the bias cut makes it more flexible in sizing. The bias cut and stretch fabric will accommodate a range of sizes

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 63" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2846

Reference Photo: S/S 2008 Runway, Look 37.

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

This is a very pretty example of Jean Paul Gualtier's work from the 1990s. It has a definite nod to the gowns of the thirties and 40s but with that 90s twist in terms of a splash of sexiness and the fabrics used. The skirt is bias cut and made form a silky rayon on a deep blue. It swirls out from just under the bust with the torso area cut to be more fitted and the then it has more volume under that, The top is incredible with a eyelet fabric used in the most elaborate way. There are tiny little straps inside that allow the dress to stay up while those fabulous sleeves just kind of slouch off the shoulder. The volume in them is fantastic and that deep V cut on both sides combined with the pouf sleeves gives it a decadent, boudoir flare. Excellent condition

Fully lined, except for the sleeves, in a deep blue silky rayon and closes with a side hidden set zipper. Tagged a US 6 and cut in the bias.

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2845

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

Vicky Tiel started her career under Louis Feraud after graduating from Parsons and then went on to launch her own label. She quickly became known for her sexy, fitted dresses and in particular, the corseted and draped silhouette that we see on this dress. The dress is  wonderfully constructed and well cut. I must say that my photos are doing it an injustice as it was too large for the mannequin so the curved hourglass shape that would be created on a proper sized girl is not being displayed to its full extent. That shape is created by the interior structure of the bodice made of vertical boning inside so that it is shaped right down through to the hip area. The fabric used is a fine silk net that is a deep navy color. This fabric drapes beautifully and the slight stretch inherent to it gives you shape and structure. The net is hand gathered in beautiful draping that run across the bodice and shaped to highlight the bust. Little caps sleeves can be worn high on the shoulder or off. More draping circles the waist and end in long panels of fabric that cascade down the front. The skirt sweeps to the floor and has the perfect amount of volume and movement. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep blue silk placed between the boning on the interior and closes with a back zipper. Boned through the bodice and waist. The skirt has an inner lining of her signature black stretch jersey.

Bust: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 57" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2844

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

I always love being able to date a piece and when this wonderful little Malcolm Starr dress landed in my studio I instantly remembered seeing it before. Its twin was used in a 1971 Harper's Bazaar editorial. The dress is a glamorous take on the more fitted silhouette of the day. The base fabric has a slight stretch to it and a gorgeous pattern that has a slight far East feel to it. Over this is are glossy clear sequins that entirely cover the dress. Each is hand sewn into the fabric and spaced perfectly apart so that the entire dress has the feel of being covered in a glassy skin that catches the light as you move. Each of those little squares was hand applied and it is surprisingly light and fluid in person. The neckline is cut with a high collar and the sleeves are long and slim. The shape is kept simple and the fabric will hug your curves. At the front there is a high center slit that allows you full movement. It looks wonderful on. The simplicity of the cut combined with the high glamour of the fabric and sequins give it an incredible high end feel. Excellent condition.

Fully lined, including the sleeves, in a black stretch nylon and it closes with a back painted metal zipper.

Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2840

Reference Photo: Harper's Bazaar, 1971. Photo by Chris Von Wangenheim.

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

Ferdinando Sarmi was an actual Italian Count and started his design career working for Elizabeth Arden couture salon during the 1950s. In 1959 he ventured off on his own and launched his label "Sarmi". He designed for just over a decade and then closed up shop. During those ten or so years he was known for his evening wear especially and the fabric he chose were often opulent or very difficult to work with. The results were often quite beautiful. The label on this one gives us a date from the early part of the 1960s

This is a really wonderful dress and my photos of it really do not fully convey the beauty and richness of the fabric and impact of the color. In person there is a real luminescent quality to it and the colors seem to glow from within. Sarmi was known for his dramatic pieces that had a real decadent feel to them and this is a wonderful example of his work. The body of the dress is made of a silk brocade whose design is a swirl of pastel hues - predominantly pink but with a soft mint green, lavender and pastel blues mixed in. Over that is a secondary floral design woven through the silk using a subtle gold and silver lame thread. This upper layer of the design catches the light and gives the fabric its beautiful metallic. The skirt flares out gently from that waist and widens as it falls gracefully to the floor. The neckline is a simple, high scoop and the sleeves are cut long and slim. The waist is highlighted with a wide cut silk ribbon and bow.  Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk through the skirt and a green silk through the bodice and sleeves. It closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper, Hidden set, fabric covered snaps sit at each cuff. The belt is tacked and attached at the front and wraps and hooks into place. Hand finishes throughout and finished to demi-couture standards

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2575

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

Ferdinando Sarmi was an actual Italian Count and started his design career working for Elizabeth Arden couture salon during the 1950s. In 1959 he ventured off on his own and launched his label "Sarmi". He designed for just over a decade and then closed up shop. During those ten or so years he was known for his evening wear especially and the fabric he chose were often opulent or very difficult to work with. The results were often quite beautiful. The last year of his business, in 1972, his labels bore his full name on them which neatly gives us the exact year for this dress. 

I love this dress with its expansive volume and use of ruffles on the skirt. The fabric choice is wonderful and give it a feeling of lightness and fantasy as it floats around you once on. The gown is constructed from a fine silk organza in the perfect red. The silk has a touch of a wavy ribbed texture and a hint of transparency to it that gives it an interesting visual effect. The bodice is cut strapless and fitted. The waist is accented with silk piping made of the same fabric and this is attached, warps around and then hooks under the bow at the front. From there the skirt gently widens to a beautiful fullness in a cascade of silk and ruffles. It is very light and airy feeling when on but inside the construction is immaculate with a boned foundation through the corset to keep it perfectly in place. I love the cascade of ruffles down the front that runs down the front and then around the hem. The large matching silk half cape is also finished with ruffles and is the perfect topper to the gown. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red tissue silk through the skirt and the bodice is finished in silk with an inner lining of cotton net. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper. The tie at the waist hooks under the front bow. Hand finished. Fully boned inner bodice. Made to demi-couture standards.

Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to front hem, 40" to back

Shawl
78" x 25" at the widest part

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2079

Photographed for creative purposes by Ted Belton, Stylist: Amanda Lee Shirreffs, Hair & Makeup: Erin Heather.

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

The best part of this dress is that it works with that elaborate ruffle edged dip sitting at either the front or the back. That effectively gives you two distinct looks for this dress. It is just gorgeous and made from a midnight blue silk taffeta. As with the best of Bill Blass pieces, the lines are kept fairly simple and it is the fabric choice and the elaborate ruffled embellishment that gives the dress its full impact. The ruffled detailing is intricate and suggests flowers at full bloom, each [packed tightly against the other for a swirl of petals. These add volume and drama to the cuffs of the elbow length sleeves and to that elaborate neckline. They sit high up on the neck on the one side and follow the deep V on the other. I am sure that originally the V was meant to be worn in the back but because of how that side is cut with no seaming to suggest a bodice, you can easily flip it around for a deep plunging front. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined and closes at the base of the V with hook & eye and a low zipper. Hand finished to demi-couture standards.

Sleeves: 18.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2836

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

The interesting thing about John Kloss for Circa pieces are that they were originally intended as lingerie pieces. This makes the vast majority of piece that one finds too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. But every once in a while you find a fabulous little exceptions like this one ins a deep ivory color. John Kloss was a contemporary of Ossie Clark and I love how you can see that same British sense of sexiness in his pieces. This gown has a simple but sexy cut that really shows off the body once on. The front plunges to the waist seam and then buttons to the hem from there. The skirt is long and flows to the floor in a column of bias cut nylon jersey. Kloss was genius at choosing extremely high quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. Excellent condition.

Double lined through the bodice  in the same fabric and unlined through the skirt. and buttons down the front to wear. Tagged a vintage Kloss for Circa Petite but please check measurements.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2835

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

This is early Bill Blass and the fabric that it is made out of is just beautiful and very special. Dresses like this one really show his love of fabric and unusual textures. His earlier pieces especially showcased unusual textile choices that were a contrast to his simple cuts. He continued to do this throughout his career but I feel that the earlier pieces showcase it the best. The dress is made from a beautiful silk velvet that is fused onto a silk chiffon base. This keeps the fabric light and easy to wear. The velvet is extremely soft and plush. The colours are a combination of an ivory mixed with a metallic gold. This is fused onto a black silk chiffon that has a touch of transparency to it and then that layer is backed in a nude-ivory silk. The shape is simple and easy. The neckline is done in a high set scoop and there is an attached panel of the same fabric that ties around the neck. The waist has a seam but is cut to be open and easy. You could add a belt to cinch it and give you more shape if you wished. From there the skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out a bit as it nears the hem. Circling the entire bottom part of the skirt is a full five inch wide finish of ivory silk and a taupe and reddish faux fur trim. The construction throughout is beautiful. It is all hand finished and meticulously done. Excellent condition with one note below to review

Fully lined in an ivory silk. It has ribbon fabric finishes at the inner hem. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. and zippers at each cuff. There is one small area of the hem where a piece of the faux fur fabric is missing. Please see photo after the label shot

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 38.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2834

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

This is a stunningly beautiful silk chiffon & net gown by the Genny label. It is one of the most beautiful pieces I have seen from this label and I like to think that I can see the influence of Gianni Versace's work for the house in it. Silver thread is used to create little stars that are sprinkled over the surface of the long cut bodice made of a fine net over the inner lining. Their centers are little sequins and they creates a stunning pattern that runs over the entire bodice and add a touch of glitz and glam. The neckline has a black silk chiffon draped panel that continues around and down the very low cut back of the dress. This same solid black silk chiffon makes up the lower skirting and it is cut longer in the back to create a wonderful trained effect. It is cut to be more fitted through the body and then that skirt floats out for a mermaid silhouette feel. The movement the dress has once is is incredible as the silk used is very light and airy. It is very sexy and gives the wearer a goddess feel. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in black chiffon and closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see a few of the silver threads missing on the pattern here and there and two small repairs near the back hem but otherwise looks to have been worn very little 

Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from shoulder to front hem, 70" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2833

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

Mary Quant become famous for her mini dresses in the 1960s. You often will see references that even attribute her as inventing them, but she was a talented designer whose scope went far beyond the 1960s mini. Her clothing reflected what was happening in the British fashion movement of those days and she was still a major force into the early 1970s. This dress is most likely from the very early 1970s based on the fabric it is made out of. It is very similar to pieces I have seen from that same early time period by Ossie Clark. The London designers would have been buying from the same or similar textile shops and factories so that makes sense.

The dress is made of a black silk that has some weight to it and it holds the shape beautifully. Woven through the silk is a floral & leaf design and the threads for that part of the design have a glossier finish so that they catch the light differently. It is very pretty in the light as as you move. The cut showcases her incredible tailoring skills and ability to work the fabric while still keeping a simple line. The dress has an almost Victorian feel to it. The edges of the neckline, the straps, and down the front are all edged with a fine black lace.The bodice is squared off with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. It buttons down the front with big glossy black buttons. It is fitted through the body to the waist. Then there is a panel of fabric layered over the waist that wraps around you for a great peplum feel to it. From under the waist the skirt widens out as it nears the floor and is quite full by the time it gets to the hem. The entire lower part of the skirt has a ruffled tier that goes all the way around and also adds more fullness and movement. The volume the skirt has is incredible when you move and it is really a dress that comes to life on the body. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with buttons running down the front. It has its original matching fabric tie belt that is not photoed but will be sent with the dress.

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2832

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

In the 1990s Ben de Lisi was dressing celebrities like Kate Winslett, Helena Bonham Carter and Anjelica Huston. He closed up shop in 2008 so really only designed for a short period of time. In his heyday, his gowns were very sought after and their designs really captured that nineties aesthetic. Here we have a lovely silk chiffon gown in a deep eggplant/aubergine color. The silk is cut on the bias and set so that the dress drapes over an inner corset that is lightly boned for support. The silk he chose to use has a slight texture to it. The outer layers of the dress sit over an inner layer of silk slipper satin so it feels wonderful on. I love that he chose to turn the smoother surface of that silk satin inwards so that once on, you feel that sensual fabric directly against your skin, this simple trick makes the gown feel like a lingerie piece once on the body. A panel of chiffon drapes up and over one shoulder in a sensual curve of fabric and then cascades down the side, trailing beyond the hem to create the suggestion of a train. A 31" slit runs up one leg for a flash of skin. It is simple but dramatic and the color is just superb. Excellent condition.

Constructed with a full, finished inner dress that is made of a silk satin in a matching hue of purple and that closes at the side with a hidden zipper. Additionally, there are lingerie hook & eye running down the side of the inner bodice. Lightly boned through the interior corset. Tagged a US 6 but please check measurements listed below

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner corset waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bias cut hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from inner waist to front hem and 66" to the back hem (cut on the bias so will come up some once on) with the fabric panel that comes out from the waist extending another 7" past the back hem length

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1460

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

This is just an amazing piece of art-to-wear. Hand made in Mexico in the late sixties, maybe early seventies, this is the epitome of hippie chic and is very easy to wear. The design is based on a classic caftan with wide cut sleeves and a body that widens as it nears the hem.  It is made of a  light, raw feeling cotton with a linen like finish. The base color is a orange that is striped in different hues and over that are sewn different color ribbons that run down the length of the dress. with an explosion of color and movement with those strands of multi-colored ribbon applied to the front. These are hand sewn into place, as are the little rounded corner squares of fabric that are scattered over the caftan. Each of those are done is different color stripes and each has some whimsical little bug, or plant hand embroidered in its center. It is wonderful. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The cut will allow for a variety of sizes to wear it.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2828

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

If you loved the volume and excess of the eighties this dress will make you fall in love. It is very unusual in many aspects but once on the body it really looks wonderful. It is made from a black chiffon that has little silver strips of foil applied to the fabric in rows that run down the length of the dress. What is interesting is that some are applied on the top layer but most are applied underneath so they become muted and give the fabric depth and a sense of texture. The collar, cuffs and waist are defined by bands of silver glass tube beads, again applied in tightly spaced rows, The bodice is cut with a ton of volume that floats over a low drop waist. The sleeves are cut equally full and pouf from shoulder to cuff. From under the beaded band at the waist the skirt flows out to the floor and beyond to the trained back. To balance all of that fabric and the train, the back is scooped in a wide low curve to leave a bare expanse of skin. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a layer of black chiffon. It has no closures and is meant to slip over the head and sit low and loose on the body. The cuffs have loop & buttons to close.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from waist to hem - train adds 11"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2825

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

Annacat is a label that is very hard to find and quite rare. In its day, Annacat pieces were a favourite of the magazines for editorial and the label was often worn by the 'it girls' and rock stars of the day. They only made a few of each look and they were sold as fast as they could make them. This dress is an amazing example of their work and why there were often wait lists to get your hands on their dresses. The bodice does up in a simple but unusual way. The fabric is gathered along the centre of the halter with a piece that extends up and around the back of the neck to button onto place. Then on each side of the bodice the front panel extend out at the sides into a long fabric tie that you wrap and tie at the back and leave trailing down. This design leaves the back almost completely bare and is insanely sexy. The waist nips under that and the skirt falls to the floor with yards and yards of fabric. Once on it moves wonderfully as it is all cut on the bias. It is made of a crisp cotton and I love the pretty floral pattern that covers the surface. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper at the back waist. The front extends on either side and ties at the back and then the halter buttons at the back of the neck. 

Bust: variable as it ties
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2824

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

The label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a cream chiffon. The construction is very interesting. It has a more fitted interior dress that has a straight sleek cut and this inner dress is made form a silky rayon until it nears the hem. It them changes to the chiffon that is extensively embroidered as you see in the photos. Floating over this is an attached caftan that is loose and full. The 'sleeves' of this outer layer  have her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back. The front is cut very low with a series of loop and buttons that you can close or leave open for more of a plunging feel. It is beautiful and would even make a fabulous wedding choice for a bohemian bride. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk rayon and closes with a side painted metal & nylon zipper on the interior dress. Fabric covered front buttons on the plunging neckline

Interior bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Exterior caftan: 58" X 44"
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2823

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

This is one of my favorite of the early Oscar designs. It is so bright and colorful that you can't help but smile in it. The cut is also extremely sexy yet it still has an innocent, girl-next-door feel to it. It is made from heavy linen that is striped with a rainbow of bright colors. These sit horizontally over the skirt and mimic the cut of the diamond shaped halter of the bodice. The halter top stays in place with little piped straps that crisscross over the back and tie. The waist is cinched in and the skirt has a pretty amount if volume. The skirt is finished with a wide ruffled edge. I love that the back and sides are left completely bare and open. The barely covered top with the sweetness of the ruffled, long skirt are the perfect contrast to each other. This dress appeared in an editorial photo that I had at some point but can no longer find. I will send it to firmly date it to its new owner once I re-find it one day. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silky rayon and closes at the low back with a painted metal and nylon zipper and flat hook & eye at the back waist. The straps tie at the back to hold the halter in place.

Bust: adjustable
(The actual diamond shape measures 14"w x 10"h from waist to top, the straps will adjust for length and width from there)
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: adjustable with straps
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2821

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1972 Oscar de la Renta Runway.

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

This gorgeous dress is by Bob Mackie and from his main line which can be considered as demi-couture. He Mackie is best known for dressing Cher. His work showcases his love of over-the-top opulence and often showcase extensive bead work and applique work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label. This early entry into costume design and the glamor of Hollywood continued to influence his work through his career. His designs are always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. Here we have a piece from the 1980s and it has that opulent feel in spades. The gown in made in delicious shades of metallic golds through the bodice mixed with a pastel coral based metallic silk for the skirt. The bust is strapless and has a gold cord embroidered "lace" applique that covers it all the way around. This is layered over the same silk the skirt is made up of. Scattered over this are gold and clear crystals that catch the light when you move. The skirt is fabulous and the silk is a nod to Fortuny in the pleating treatment. The silk here has a lame feel to it and seems to glow. The underskirt is a gold silk taffeta and there is a lot of fabric there so it really has fullness and movement when you move. The bodice is very structured and molded. It feels like couture once on. Extremely well made. Excellent condition with two small condition notes to review below.

Fully lined in a muted gold silk though the bodice and the silk taffeta underskirt is interlined in a silk organza. The bodice has a built in, molded bra and boned corset built in under the lining. There is also an inner waist stay. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a small repair to the silk near the hem at the front, at the back and another near the base of the zipper. The pleating treatment to the silk effectively hides these when on but mentioned for accuracy and I have photoed both.

Bust: 17.5-8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks to fit a either a 26-27" waist, if you need the full 28" you can leave the stay undone or remove it
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Skirt: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2814

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

The label on this dress gives us a date range of 1953 to 1966 and I suspect this piece was designed somewhere during the turn of 1960. In the late 50s and into the very early 1960s she was known for her slim cut pants that were topped by exotic tunics - like this one. From my understanding these were sold separately so her clients could mix and match. She was greatly inspired by her travels and the exotic feel of the far east shows through in this design that we have here. The tunic dress is shockingly light - I know it looks like it should not be with that intricate pattern making it appear like it is a brocade or something along that line, but the fabric is actually a beautiful and very light chiffon. The pattern is fantastic - the intricate design is made from a fine gold metallic thread woven through the fabric. The upper bodice is cut with a high neckline and the sleeves are full and wide. The sleeves have been left unlined giving it a touch of contrast despite it being the same fabric. It is ling and sleek from there as it falls to the floor and each side is slit to the upper hip so whatever you choose to wear underneath will show with every movement. I especially love the inset of metallic brocade that runs down the inside of each slit. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined through the body in a neutral colored silk except for the sleeve which are unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. the color has a touch more of a blush undertone in person

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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

The label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a black chiffon. The bodice is what gives the dress its caftan feel even though technically it is more fitted then a typical caftan dress would be. The sleeves are cut wide for a kimono feel and her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back of the dress. The front is cut very low with a loop and button holding it in place. The waist nips in and is highlighted with red embroidered piping. This same red line runs down the skirt, highlighting the sweeping lines as the skirt gently flares out as it reached the floor. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The front button on the plunging neckline is also functional.

Sleeves: 21" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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

This little beautiful Suzy Perette dress is made of a beautiful light weight fabric with a floral pattern in an array of citrus hues. I have not found a really great Perette dress in ages and am so pleased to have such a fine example of her work in the shop today. There never was an actual "Suzy" behind the label but the company that created the line relied heavily on the designs coming out of Paris and the interpretations of the Couture looks, in particular Dior's "New Look", were spot on. This gorgeous little dress dates from the 1950s and has such pretty colors and pretty lines that you can't help but swoon at the sight of it. The top is a simple sleeveless affair with a wide boat neck cut. It is seamed to hug the body and then this flares out and tops a full skirt that has lots of fabric in it and could be worn over a crinoline if you wanted it even fuller. The entire skirt is made from a series of perfectly spaced, crisp knife pleats so it has a lot of movement. The original, matching fabric belt cinches in the waist even more and I love the large flat belt that adorns the belt. The colors are lovely, the cotton voile fabric of very good quality and the lines and cut are wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The belt is in excellent shape as well.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2810

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

The Hawaiian label Kamehameha was launched in 1936 and was named after King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian islands. They were famous for their brilliant tropical floral prints which they made for the tourist markets. They combined the feel and beauty of Hawaii with the looks popular on the mainline. The items were manufactured on the island and the prints done in-house.  They primarily used cotton for their designs and this dress is no exception. The fabric is that perfect crisp fifties cotton and it has been screened with a brilliant pattern of leaves on an abstract yellow backdrop. The bodice is fitted and cut so that it has shape and molds to the bust. I love the double front panels of fabric around the bust that allow for support but give the dress that interesting detailing. The waist is cinched and the skirt is very full below that. I have photoed it with a light crinoline for that full fifties cupcake effect but it can easily be worn in its own as well. The back is finished with a panel of elastic so the fit adjusts to the wearer. Excellent condition with one small note regarding the elastic to review below.

The dress is unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Some small areas of the elastic back have loosened out a touch. I am being pretty picky. It is perfect otherwise.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2809

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

This dress is one of the best 1940s dresses I have seen and is well made and definitely higher end workmanship. It has its Fashion Originators Guild Label but no other. The Guild was formed by a group of designers, manufacturers and actual shop owners who agreed that they would only work with original designs and not sell, design or produce "knock-offs". The group existed form 1932-1941 giving us a 9 year period in which to date this dress.

The blue base of the dress is so dark that in some lights it seems black which only serves to allow that brilliant green and red print to feel even more of a pop of color then it is. The dress is made from a beautiful weight silk that is cut on the bias so has a touch of stretch to it. It is also easy to see that it was stored properly for all these years as the colors are as crisp and vibrant as the day it was made. The base is that deep blue-black hue and then onto this is a beautiful floral print in a vivid green ad a bright, true red. The cut is fitted with a V neck and pleating along to top of each shoulder and it has fabulous pouf sleeves below that. The waist nips in and is accented even more with attached panels of fabric that turns into two extremely long ties that wrap around you and tie to accentuate the waist with. The skirt is cut to below the knee and flares out slightly as it reaches the hem. What a beauty Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Attached ties at the waist. There is one tiny repair to the skirt at the back near the side.

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D577

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

This gorgeous little set by Hanae Mori has lost its tags but I can guarantee that it is indeed Hanae's work as I have sold a light coat in the exact same fabric and print in the past. So I immediately recognized it for what t was when I cam across this set. It is made from  a light weight silk crepe fabric and the design this overs its surface is classic Hanae Mori. It depicts a bamboo print and flowers dine in a white against a pretty blue backdrop. Here and there are scattered pops of pink where she added a larger flower into the design for a pretty splash of color. The top is cut to sit loose and easy over the body and is suspended form the shoulders from two little straps. I photoed it tucked out so you can see the entire print and shape but you can also tucked it in and/or belt it if you want a more defined waistline. The skirt is more fitted around the hip and then flares out in a pretty swing of pleats. It is very chic, pretty and since you can wear the two together or separate, the set is versatile to. Excellent condition.

The top is fully lined in a deep blue silk and slips on to wear. The skirt is unlined and closes at the waist with a zipper and flat hook and eye.

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 31" from waist to hem

Top
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25.5" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2808

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

This amazing Pauline Trigere set is the absolutely stunning. It really is one of my favorites pieces by her that I have had come through my hands so far. It feels shockingly modern and I have seen similar pieces walking the runways recently. The skirt is supermodel length and has the perfect amount of fullness to it. The fabric has a fine ribbed texture to it and has been hand dyed a brilliant green. The silk has enough weight to it that it almost has the feel of like a light canvas type fabric. This allows it to hold the intended shape and fullness that you see but at the same time not be stiff or unwieldy. The skirt wraps over itself and closes with attached ties that wind through the waist band. The front of the skirt has a beautiful pleating detail and pockets sit along each seam at the hip. The halter top wraps up and around the neck and is cut to leave the back bare. I love the intricate seam and stitch detailing that runs over the front and follows the plunging neckline. It is gorgeous and a real statement piece. The set has its original hang tags and also has an envelope with an extra button for the halter neckline. Worn together it looks like a dress but the two pieces give you the extra versatility to wear it as separates. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the top lined in a matching color polished cotton. The top closes with a fabric covered button at the neck and hidden flat hook and eye at the back waist. The skirt wraps and ties to close with a hidden hook & eye along the wrapped edge. Pockets on each side of the skirt. Note the the hook of the closure at the waist is set in just under 2" so you could adjust this easily to get more room. The  potential adjustments will allow it to fit a broader range of sizes.

Top
Bust: no true side seams so variable
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam (if you move the hook you could get to 14")
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: ties so adjustable - approx 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2292

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

This is one of the best Geoffrey Beene gowns that I have seen in some time and is really an outstanding example of his work. My client had this looked at by someone that actually worked closely with Beene and even they said it was one of the best Beene pieces they had seen. I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. It also has a very refined look to it which is a feat in itself considering how many details and separate elements have gone into its design. It is made form a combination of a gold backe, silk lurexy mixed with netting and chenille velvet yearn embellishments. The prints are a mix of pattern, lines, stripes, dots and  animal prints with a lurex trim detailing.

The body and skirt of the dress is made of a fine metallic silk lurex, with striped netting used  for the sleeves. This same striped netting curves around the back waist and up into the inset bodice. . The bodice has a silk muslin with velvet chenille dot embellishments covering it. It is cut full through the bodice so just skims over the bust and out into the sleeves. The extensive detailing work and lurex piping that details all the design is amazing. From there the skirt floats over the hips to the hem where it is finished with a fine band of black netting set just under the hem line. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Note that the dress also comes with a short lurex sash that you can tie around the waist or neck. I chose not to photo it ties around the dress so you could fully see the amazing detail at the waist and neckline. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed in gold and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at the cuff. I see one small stitch where there was a break on the net at the top of one shoulder.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2807

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

This stunning dress is one of the most incredible Stavropoulos gowns I have had in the shop. I love the lightness and airiness of it that created by the layers and layers of the mint green silk chiffon. In person, the layers give it a depth not quite captured in the images here. The photos don't quite capture the tone of the color the layering creates. Trust me when I say it is even better in person. It is also a touch more of a pastel tone in person. The entire gown is cut on the bias and there are yards and yards of silk that have been used to make this beautiful dress. Four full layers of silk are used in the lining of the skirt alone and that is under and in addition to the top layer. The interior bodice has a simple V neckline that you see under the top layer of silk. A second V at the back mimics the front. The waist is shaped by vertical seaming and gives the dress just the perfect touch of shape. That seaming opens up into deep pleats on the skirt that allow the tremendous amount of fabric that makes up the the top layer of the skirt have full movement and drape. Each sleeve is a single layer of silk chiffon and flow cape-like over the arm. The sleeves are cut very wide and full. Each is fully open along the lower edge so you get a real flowing, cape feel from them. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

George Stavropoulos is one of my favorite designers and his work is extremely overlooked in my opinion. He 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 did not like overt, flashy ornamentation and instead 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 a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000 in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason many of his gowns are not considered Haute Couture is because he was not an official member of the association.

It closes with a back painted metal zipper and buttons at the neck above the keyhole. I see one teeny bit of darkening to the fabric about mid-waist on one side and two tiny areas on the back of one shoulder.  The dress is entirely bias cut so it will drape to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 31"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2502

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

This is the second time I have had a version of this dress in the shop and each time I find one love it even more. It is one of those perfect, pretty, easy summer dresses that you can wear to just about any event and it easily goes from day to evening. It is utterly gorgeous and has all the hallmarks of the best of what Hanae Mori could do. The colors are stunning and the palette she used for it are vibrant and bright. The soft backdrop print is a brilliant mint green that has touches of blue in it and this has been screened onto a soft, polished cotton feeling fabric. Onto that pretty backdrop are a design that has huge exotic birds flying over its surface. These bold and beautiful birds fly across the dress in an array of bright pinks and corals and they seem about to fly off the green backdrop. It is cut in an easy to wear caftan style with an elastic through the waist. A tie belt in the same fabric allows you to cinhc it in for more shape if you want. The bodice is full and easy and the skirt widens as it nears the hem. Hidden front pockets are hidden along the front seaming detail that runs down the dress. The bodice is left loose and easy and the neckline is cut  a V. The sleeves are left loose and wide with no seams at the arms to break the lines of the print. I actually own one of these myself and wear it endlessly. An absolutely wonderful piece. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic at the waist. It has its original tie belt that can be used to cinch in the waist more. The color in person is a touch more vibrant and more of a true green in person then how it photoed. The easy cut allows for a range of sizes.

Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to top waist seam
Skirt: 40" from top waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1829

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

Like the other dress by Biba that I have in the shop right now, the sleeves on this dress stand out immediately. They are just amazing and really take this simple black dress to a whole new level. Each sleeve ends in a full circle cuff that circles the wrist and gives you really dramatic movement once the dress is on. In typical Biba fashion, the rest of the dress is kept simple and easy with a figure hugging silhouette. It is that perfect British mix of saucy, sexy and girl next door. The fabric used for the dress that fabulous black moss crepe that was favored by the British designers during this time period. The front bodice is fitted and plunges in a V. From there the black moss crepe fabric is cut on the bias and flows out from just under the V neckline on the bust all the way to the floor in a beautiful sweep of fabric that widens as it nears the ground. It is an amazing, original Biba dress that is extremely collectible and still very wearable and fresh feeling. A real treasure. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The occasional but of sheen to the fabric here and there from it being cleaned and pressed over the years but nothing that really takes away from the dress or would be considered anything but normal vintage wear and patina.

Sleeves: 28.5"
Shoulders: 11.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2571

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

This is an absolutely incredible dress and once on the body it flows and drapes into place beautifully. It is from the 1970 collection and is documented in the "A To Biba" where a photo of a model wearing its twin was captured at the press launch party for the Biba make-up range on Kensington High Street in April of 1970. This is everything you look for in Biba dress, from the signature black moss crepe fabric that is so representative of this era, to the incredible flowing bias cut, to those amazing  Bishop cut sleeves. Those sleeves are the star of the show on this dress and they are incredible. This is classic Biba at its best and each billows out in a huge pouf of fabric above the elastic cuff. Above that they narrow to a slimmer fit over the upper arm which gives them balance and mimics the flared cut of the bodice and skirt. The front bodice is fitted and plunges quite low and it is gathered with seaming just under the bust. From there the black moss crepe is cut on the bias and flows from just under the bust to the floor in a beautiful sweeping column that widens as it nears the ground. The cut is supermodel long so it adds height to the girl wearing it. This is Biba at her best and even now feels incredibly relevant and modern. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Elastic at each cuff

Sleeves: 32" but pouf up and shorten once on
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under-bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to under-bust
Skirt: 45" from under-bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1290

Reference photo credits: Image from the "A To Biba" book by Barbara Hulanicki, Blogger Anita Clarke of "I Want, I Got"

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

 

This is a really beautiful and romantic, full length maxi dress, designed by Hanae Mori. The colors on this one are especially wonderful and give it a fairy tale, ethereal feel. A soft lavender backdrop has pretty little bouquets of flowers screened onto the almost weightless chiffon. This combination of color and fabric is magical. It is cut with an elastic through the waist which makes it very easy and comfortable to wear. To cover that and to give it even more shape if you wish, it has a long matching fabric tie belt that wraps around the waist. The bodice has a loose and easy cut and each sleeve is quite full above the cuffed wrist. The skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of chiffon. The lightness of the fabric here allows for lots of floating and swirling movement around you when you walk. I can imagine this with sandals for day and then a stacked heel at night. I am such a huge Hanae Mori fan and I just love this little dress by her. It really feels fresh and modern and it is easy to imagine slipping it on and going out the same day it arrives at your door. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined through the bodice and skirt in a very light pastel lavender silky crepe chiffon and closes at the back with hidden hook & eye above the elastic at the waist. It has its original fabric belt. Each cuff has a fabric covered snap to close. The elastic waist allows for a bit greater range of size.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2537

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. Photos by Erin Leydon Click here to see the instagram post >

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

This black pleated full length cape is a wonderful example of Giorgio di Sant'Angelo's work and aesthetic. He first hit the fashion map when Diana Vreeland asked him to design clothing for a desert location shoot that starred Verushka in 1968. That shoot is now legendary - it created such a buzz that his clothing was instantly sought out by all the most fashionable women on the planet. In 1976 he dropped the "di" from his name giving us a post-1976 date for this. His pieces were sexy, bold and had a hippie flair to them that few other designers could match at the time. I love his work. This spectacular cape is constructed from an unusual perma-pleat fabric that is lightweight but gives it some structure and keeps the slim line  of the piece until you need to move around in it. It falls all the way to the floor in a full length swoop of fabric. The collar is gathered and it has ties running through it that allow you to loose or tighten that ruffle around the collar as you wish. This lets you have it so that it sits wide at the shoulder or tightly framing your neck. The lightness of the fabric gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic cape that will top just about anything. Excellent condition.

The cape is unlined and ties at the neck. It will fit any size

Length: 57-60" from neck to hem depending on how you tie the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C441

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

This is a beautiful and romantic bias cut black chiffon, full length cape by Adolfo. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged form clients ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He won a Coty Award in 1969 for his head to toe women’s design. I love his work and though you most often see his more conservative suits here and there these days, he was actually quite flamboyant in his work during the early days. This spectacular cape is constructed from a lightweight black chiffon that falls all the way to the floor in a full length swoop of feather light fabric. At the neck are very long, attached ties in the same fabric and the neck is cut so that it sits wide at the shoulder instead of gathered up around the neck. The lightness of the silk gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic cape that will top just about anything. Excellent condition.

The cape is unlined and ties at the neck. It will fit any size

Length: approx 58-60" from neck to hem depending on where you let the neck sit on you

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C439

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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

This Halston IV pant and tunic set, is a made from an easy to care for, easy to wear silky synthetic that is light and easy and that you can wash and wear. The simple, classic design makes it is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. This easy to wear and style set can go from the beach to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamor. You can wear then pieces together or as separates and the tunic is just long enough that you could probably get away with wearing it as a micro-mini. The pants are cut with straight, wide legs and slip on. Over that the tunic sits with a loose cut. Wonderful piece with all the lines you love from Halston at a far more reasonable cost. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic on the waist of the pants and a tie at the neck of the tunic.

Tunic
Sleeves: 26" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32.5" from neck to hem

Pant
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42.5" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2799

Reference photo by Rico Puhlmann for Harper's Bazaar, June 1974.
(Click here to see Laura McLaws Helms' article on our blog, Curated, which features this full editorial >)

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

This beautiful dress was created by Ceil Chapman who is often referred to as Marilyn Monroe's favorite designer. It is so beautiful in person and the level of detail put into the construction is wonderful. The dress is constructed from a blue silk crepe that has a touch of stretch to it which allows the dress to move and mold itself the the wearer. The silk is then covered in swirls of blue glass tube beads mixed with iridescent blue sequins that trail over and on top of the beads. Once on, the dress seems to be sculpted onto the body. The skirt hugs the hips and is cut close to the leg with a back vent to allow you to walk. The waist nips in to create that sexy hourglass silhouette. The bodice has an inner boning and a front tulle detail to bring all the attention to the bust. The shoulders, upper back and arms are left exposed. The workmanship is exquisite and it is absolutely stunning and provocative. What I love most is that is is very close in design to the dress that was worn by Marilyn to performing for the U.S troops in Korea, February 1954 (click here to see more on our blog). Excellent condition.

Fully lined in matching blue silky rayon. Boned through the front and back and the interior has hand finishes. It closes with a painted metal side zipper. Note that the color has a slight purple undertone that does not quite come across in the photos. Museum quality

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Length: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1163

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

Roland Klein trained under Christian Dior, and was Karl Lagerfeld's assistant at the atelier of Jean Patou. In 1965, Klein relocated to London from Paris, and joined the company of Marcel Fenez where he eventually became the head designer and was given his own label. He produced pieces under his name from 1973 till the end of 1978 when he left to open his own design house. So this gives us the perfect little window of time to date this piece. There were a few label changes during this time and if I had to narrow it down even further I would say this piece was made sometime between 1975 and 1978. It is fantastically ahead of its time and is a very beautiful dress. It has a bit of a Grecian feel to it and I love the mix of patterns. The long asymmetrical hem with its draped and trailing sides is quite beautiful. The deep plunging back and front are both feminine and sexy. A spectacular and very well made piece. Excellent condition

Made of two layers of silk over each other. It has an elastic waist which makes it very easy to wear. Original tie belt

Bust: approx 16" flat across but it has some variable to it as it has no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to hem
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem at longest points

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1106

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

I love the graphic black and white, oversized check that has an almost digital feel to it and covers the entire surface of the dress. It is completely cut on the bias and skims and drapes over the body from the draped neckline to the tips of the skirt. The bottom skirt in set into the body of the dress in a series of seams that feels like the same technique used for dresses constructed in the 1920s. It flows and skims over the body to the skirt that is all angles and points in different lengths. A tiny, tightly spaced row of buttons runs down the side of the dress. This allows you to get into it and also adds that signature touch that he used on many of his dresses. It is very light and stunning on. It almost feels like you are wearing nothing at all the fabric is so light and fine. Added to this is the fact that the back is left completely bare and its hard not to fall in love with this dress. During his tenure  at Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut gowns in the houses history. His work, especially the bias cut pieces, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties and they are beautifully cut. They marry the old Hollywood feel of those past eras with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and the results are stunning. This is a beautiful example of his work during this time and it is beautiful. Excellent condition

Made of two layers of bias cut silk chiffon, the outer printed layer and then a white inner layer. It slips on to wear and closes with the series of buttons and fabric loops that run down the side. It appears to have never been worn. The bias cut will allow for a variety of sizes to wear the dress. Note the length does come up when on depending on the size of the girl underneath since it is cut on the bias.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from top of neck to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2797

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

This Bill Blass dress is fabulous. It is the kind of dress that will stop people in their tracks. This is not from his main line and I rarely pick up this particular version of his label but I have to say that I was very impressed with this dress. The design is on point and the construction is very good. It would have definitely been the upper end of this line and the fact that it basically looks to have never been worn and is as crisp and fresh as when it was made certainly doesn't hurt. It is cut in a sleek column suspended from the tiniest of straps. You could tuck these in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wished. That huge black and white diamond pattern is created by squares of fabric placed piece by piece so the pattern is made. The yellow top stitch bow that sits on the top of the bust is the highlight above that great graphic feel. That pop of yellow is fantastic and the tops stitching gives it that perfect Blass touch. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back zipper. Light boning through the bodice. Tagged a US6 and looks unworn.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2796

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

This Halston IV caftan, is a made from an easy to care for, easy to wear black jersey that you can wash and wear. The simple, classic design makes it is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. These easy to wear and style caftan dresses can go from the beach to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamor. It is cut deceptively simple with a slit front neck and a second slit that goes up to the knee up the center seam at the front. The rest is loose and cut to skim over the body with seamless set sleeves that have a wide cut. The skirt flows to the floor and widens as it reaches the hem. You can wear this loose or belt it if you want to add more shape and definition. Wonderful piece with all the lines you love from Halston at a far more reasonable cost. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. The loose and easy cut allows it to fit on a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx. 20"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 26" around the hips
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2791

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 Kloss for Circa were originally intended as lingerie pieces the vast majority are too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. This one walks the edge, perhaps not to be worn on its own out in public with its open sides, but as a layering piece. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything. I love his work. He deliberately chose good weight and quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. This black tabard cut gown is simple in feel but big on style. It slips over the head with an elastic drawing in and adding shape under the bist and to the waist at both the back and front. It is left completely open on either side with just a simple tie. Quite amazing and daring. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. The design will allow it to fit just about any size.

Bust to hips: open
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2790

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

The La Mendola label is highly collectible and sought after - when the duo behind the label where designing in Rome it was girls like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth that were buying and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. The Italian based shop closed in 1974 giving us a date for this prior to that. The silk jersey used to make this dress is the best possible grade so feels amazing on. The design is beautifully vibrant and bright with a mix of teal, green and lavender. These travel and wear exceptionally well, exactly what a jet set girl of that time, or now, requires. It has a simple and sleek cut with an undefined waist, high neck and long sleeves. I love how it covers the body completely and how the fabric drapes and skims over your curves so it is still sexy. A matching tie belt  of the same fabric allows you to cinch in the waist for more shape. A row of tightly spaced, hand covered silk buttons up the back of the neck are the perfect finishing detail. It is an amazing piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a row of hand covered silk buttons up the back of the neck. Original tie belt. The bias cut stretch silk jersey and forgiving design of the dress will allow it to work on a range of sizes. Appears unworn

Sleeves: 20"
Drop shoulders: 18"
Bust: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2159

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

George Stavropoulos was an amazing designer. He was known especially for his evening wear and his hallmarks were draping, floating panels and bias cut dresses. He disliked overt ornamentation and instead focused on cut and his fabric choices to convey the beauty of each piece he designed. This is a wonderful example of his work and the construction is on par with demi-couture. It is also a beautiful and romantic shade of pink that I love and is very flattering on most skin tones.  The interior of the dress that lies hidden under the lace and silk chiffon is a strapless shift that has been perfectly constructed from a pink silk crepe. This inner dress hugs the body and has a corseted bodice that keeps the dress in place and then from there it skims over the body in a column to the floor. Over this interior structure is three full layers of a soft pink silk chiffon. It is virtually weightless and so fine that it adds no unneeded bulk as it flows under the top layer of lace. It is cut with extra volume at the back and set between where the lace exterior meets so that it peeks out as a design detail down the entire center back and then flows into a small train behind you. The very top layer of the gown is finished in a beautiful pink lace with all of the edges done to showcase the scalloped design of the pattern. It is very beautiful in person and better then how it has photographed. Excellent condition

Fully lined in pink silk crepe. The interior lining is constructed so it is like a full finished dress inside and out, over which the chiffon and lace layers lie. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. The bodice has interior boning through the lining and smaller, fabric encased boning spaced around the bust area for a little additional support. A small repair or two to the lace here and there. The pink is a more pastel, prettier pink in person. 

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Length: 48" from top of bust to hem at the front, extending to 52" to the back

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD927

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

Philip Hulitar only designed under his own label for a short time period - 1949-1964. Prior to that he was the in-house custom designer for Bergdorf's. His pieces are very beautiful and have an air of sophistication about them. Finding examples is hard due to the short period his label existed. This dress with its unique matching skirted 1/2 jacket is absolutely incredible. The fabric is exquisite - a fine silk chiffon in a vivid clear green that has a spray of pink and coral flowers screened onto the bodice and skirt. The bodice is quite wonderful with its meticulously constructed flat pleats. - a signature design element of Hulitar. At the waist is a silk satin bow in pink. The jacket that sits over the dress is made of that same bright pink silk satin. It slips over the dress with little cap sleeves and and long side panels that go the hem and end in a fine fringe. At the back it drapes inwards to a fringing detail. The lining is a green silk chiffon that perfectly picks up on the dress  and is so well made it is almost reversible. The skirt is cut long and lean with weighted discs set inside in the couture manner at the back hem to add weight and ensure that it falls perfectly. The bodice has a full built in corset that is lightly boned. All the draping and pleating have been done by hand and the work is on par with demi-couture. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a green tissue silk. The bodice has a full built in, boned corset. The hem of the dress is weighted. It closes with a back, hand-set painted metal zipper. The half jacket is made of a pink silk satin that matches the bow on the waist and is lined in green silk chiffon

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1263

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

I think this is the most coveted of all the Bill Tice designs. A version of it sits in the closet of countless celebrities (Lady Gaga recently wore a version, as have girls like Rachel Zoe  & Nicole Richie) and it is one of those fail safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on. Every time I get one in they fly out the door. It is insanely sexy with a halter style front that plunges to the waist and a back that is left completely open and bare. It is made of a black liquid jersey that feels amazing on and has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on  with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The front has a high slit that shows when you walk or sit and I love the signature wide top stitch gold and black belt at the waist. It is attached all around the back and then the front ties to cinch you in exactly to where you want. 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 gold in person

Bust: variable as there are no side seams
Partial elastic waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from natural neck to waist but can be tied to adjust the length if needed
Skirt: 44" from top of back waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2783

Reference Photo: 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.

This dress is made from a combination of a inky black velvet through the body with a gold flowers in a black silk chiffon adoring the sleeves and skirt. The floral design is made from a combination of gold lame eyelash thread and curving lines of velvet fused onto the silk. At the from of the dipped neckline sits a pretty flower made from velvet, feathers and beads. The lines through the body are long and lean and have an almost flapper quality to the cut. The sleeves are cut full and billow above each cuff. The skirt is made of the same fabric as the sleeves and falls in a sleek column with a touch of fullness. Both the sleeves and skirt are left unlined so you get a glimpse of the body underneath. Excellent condition

Fully lined through the body with a black silky rayon and the sleeves and skirt are unlined. It closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 42

Sleeves: 24.5" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2784

Reference Photo: Model in Yves Saint Laurent. Photo by Chris von Wangenheim. Vogue Italia, December 1971.

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

The near twin of this dress is held at The Metropolitan Museum which enables us to exactly date it. The difference between the one in The Met's collection and this one is that this one is opaque top to bottom so even though it would have originally been intended as lingerie piece you can easily wear it out as a dress now. I also have found a photo of the exact twin of the dress from the December issue of Vogue that year.

The vast majority of John Kloss pieces that one finds are usually too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dress, but every once in a while you find a fabulous little exceptions like this one. John Kloss was a contemporary of Ossie Clark and I love how you can see that same British sense of sexiness in his pieces. This gown has a simple but sexy cut that really shows off the body once on. The halter cut bodice has an almost scandalous plunging front that goes right to the waist. At the point where the waist and the halter join is an elaborately beaded pair of swan set so they highlight the plunge and add a beautiful detail. At the back it is cut so you have an almost slight cowled effect and the entire back is left bare above that. From there it flows to the floor in a column of bias cut nylon jersey. A slit up the front shows miles of leg. Kloss was genius at choosing extremely high quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear and ties at the back neck. Tagged a vintage Kloss for Circa Small but please check measurements. The fabric does have some stretch so the size range is slightly more variable then usual.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2785

Reference Photos: (1/2) John Kloss, 1971. Both from the MET Collection.  /  (3/4) Vogue US, December 1971.

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

Halston is one of those rare labels that the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple - knowing that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress is made from a deep red, light wool jersey and simply slips on and you hook it into place at the waist. The front crosses over itself with a mid-level plunge that the placement of the fabric and interior hooks hold in place so that you feel safe wearing it. It is cut with the absolute minimal seaming - you can clearly see this especially at the sleeves and how there are no seams to attached them to the bodice, rather they just extend from the same fabric. It is cut on the bias, then wraps and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is lean and again it is the crossing over of the fabric that gives you the coverage to wear it and feel secure. The wrapped styling allows the entire front to look like you could step out of the dress at any moment but it is designed to stay in place. The waist is elastic so very comfortable and you could really cinch it in further with a belt. This is signature Halston Studio 54 sexiness but in a dress that you can wear day or night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with flat hooks inside and out at the waist to hold it in place. The waist could be adjusted approx 1" up or down by moving the hooks and has elastic running through it. The wool jersey is a very comfortable and easy weight and feels fabulous on.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 16-17" flat across but has no true side seams
Waist: 11.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2781

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