I love this gown! There is something whimsical and wonderful about these pieces form the 40s that incorporated striping of vibrant colour don't you think? It seems to convey an instant bit of joy! This is a really pretty piece and though it is not perfect 9see condition description below) it is so unusual and pretty that I think it deserves a few more rounds on a dance floor before its retired permanently! The bodice is simply cut and has a fantastic wide swath of that ribbon detail added. It extends around the neck halter style and a huge bow has been created - all perfectly placed to silhouette the face as prettily as possible. The skirt has miles of fabric and drapes beautifully. That same wide ribbon has been sewn on an angle so you get the illusion that it encircles the top portion of the skirt and fools the eye into an extra bit of movement. The colors are classic 1940s - pinks and greens mixed with a deep blue and yellow - all on a black silk taffeta a base. Gorgeous!

This under kimono is mind boggling. It looks so sixties and yet it was produced in the late thirties, maybe early forties. I have the honor of helping a long term kimono collector de-accesion her collection and some of the piece I have and will be getting are exceptional and quite rare - like this one! This piece was made for the Japanese market, not for the tourist trade and is actually an under kimono. These are unusual to find in the Western market and the pattern is quite unusual.† It is hand silk screen printed with the most stunning of designs, The main body almost has a stylized British flag feel to it don't you agree? And the sleeves and edgings are amazing - stately and massive trees with deer and roosters abound. The fabric and hand print technique used make this very collectible and rare. It's finished by hand and remarkably light weight - parts of it have a light padded feel to it. The colors are vivid and true and it really is unique - I have never seen another like it!† Truly fabulous! Item# C99

This forties day dress is just fabulous! Its made of s silk that is light weight and drapes well.† love the screened print - it has a snowflake feel with little blue & red dots with screened "flakes" in each. These are on a soft grey backdrop with a scattering of white "flakes" all through! Its just stunning! The cut is that classic soft, bloused forties cut with a belt to cinch in and define the waistline. The skirt is made of long vertical panels of silk all pieced together perfectly - this creates a lot of movement and swing/ The top is loose and comfortable to wear. I love the fabric covered buttons - they just do not make buttons like that anymore! It appears unworn and is in superb condition!

A really special forties suit that is super rare and hard to find! The color is amazing - it's a rich, luxe copper with an almost deep undertone of pink to it. Made of thick silk satin it is just amazing! You normally see this fabric in gowns that take advantage of the weight of the fabric to create deep draping effects but here some clever designer has used it in high contrast and made it structured! The skirt is of a length typical of the time period and is a classic A-line shape. Lots of seaming to create that shape and hand finished at the hem. The top/ jacket is just amazing - its classic forties with shoulder cut to be strong, small, neat collar and fabric covered buttons The waist cinches in and the hip flares out. I love love love the tie at the waist - its actually part of the hip peplum! Amazing construction and a beautiful piece in excellent condition!

Top
Shoulders: 15" flat across from seam to seam
Bust: approx 18" flat across the back from side to side (no defined seam where arms start)
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from mid neck at the back to bottom hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 27" from waist seam to bottom hem

Both the top and skirt are unlined. The top closes with a set of fabric covered buttons & an attached front tie at the waist, while the skirt closes at the side with a unpainted metal zipper and hook & eye. There is the occasional scuff here and there on the satin but it is really in exceptional condition!

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# E316

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

Hard to find larger sized fifties cocktail dress has a strong hint of the burlesque and saloon girls to it. The is a certain sauciness to it don't you agree? The bodice is cut in a style reminiscent of that corseted Maid Marion style with fabric covered buttons running down the front an a pretty curved neckline. Teeny single black sequins are scattered over this on the front and back. The skirt is really the masterpiece of this dress and I am glad they kept the bodice fairly simple so it does not detract form the skirt's glory! Its five full layers of fabric and the middle layer is a shocking Schiaparelli pink silk satin! This gets muted and turns to an undertone after three layers of tulle but shows in full strength when you dance or sit! The top layer is just stunning. Black silk taffeta is fashioned into bowed ribbons that circle the entire skirt and run in rows from top to bottom. Each row is edged and highlighted with glossy black sequins. What a fantastic piece!

Gorgeous little black fifties wiggle dress! Its made out of a silk mix fabric and holds up incredibly well against wrinkling. It has a soft sheen to it adding a nice luxe touch and is cut to follow and show off every curve. No defined waist seam - its vertically seamed to create those curves! The skirt is long and lean and the bodice simple. A really classic cut that is infinitely flattering. Little cap sleeves and a killer inset of three layers of cream colored lace edged white trim sit just inside the low scoop front. A wide flat bow sits just under that. The little touch give the dress a saucy, naughty edge. Mint condition - it appears unworn!

Fantastic and dramatic forties swing dress with a strong shoulder detail! The dress is made of silk moss crepe so has a wonderful drape and hang to it. It is seamed to perfection - I love the angled and curves seams that flare out just under the waist in particular! The skirt is long and lean and has a hem made of sharp knife pleats - it adds a kicky bit of movement to the dress! The shoulders are cut round and padded underneath a la Joan Crawford. The workmanship to create that yellow band all inset with black and yellow 3D leaves and that center flower -all out of fabric! The sleeves end just under the elbow and are cut the same width. Really super forties dress and in excellent condition!

Absolutely exquisite early bombshell pin up dress that just had to be owned by the most fabulous of girls! Rarely have I seen such a sizzling early piece like this one! Silk crape has been given the all out glamour treatment with squiggling rows of sequins applied from top to bottom. They are applied in stacked little rows so you get two effects - one that wonderful gloss and shimmer from the sheen of the sequins themselves, and two - an almost 3D effect from the opulent use of them! It's cut to follow your curves with an oddly generous waist measurement - works perfect for girls now who don't like to cinch with undergarments like they use to! I think the detail that knocks it out of the park has to be that insane "flame" neckline - a jagged flame like designs runs around the entire collar of the dress. I can't help but think that had to be made for the stage or the movies - its just that glam! Wonderful, rare piece and in excellent condition.

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice Length: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt Length: 25" from waist seam to the bottom of the hem

The dress is unlined, the base is made of black silk crepe. It closes with a long side metal zipper. hand finished and the sequins are hand applied.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# E322

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 thirties bias cut silk crepe gown is astonishing. It is completely cut on the bias so drapes and moves to fit you perfectly from the second you slip it over your head. I am sure the deep V was originally meant to be worn at the back as was the style then but it is so well constructed you can get away with wearing it either way - if you dare to have a plunge that deep in the front that is! The silk has a pretty texture to it and the colors are vibrant and bright against the off white back drop. Lots of those fab period details - teeny gathers at the shoulders and stunning inset panels on the skirt created by more gathers at the top of each. Truly a beauty and in fantastic condition!

Does this fabulous little dress just absolutely define the sixties and the whole mini dress movement? Its label is from The Youth Guild - a group of young designers that banded together to produce their work - a very free thinking sixties idea! It is a simple shift dress made of a textured linen look mix in a deep blue. It is cut short - a true sixties mini mini - one can just imagine the go go boots that the fabulous girl who owned this wore with it! I love love love the checked and offset four rows of bright yellow fabric squares appliqued around the hem! They are the perfect mod touch! Excellent condition!

These where all the rage back in the sixties. They are the original "green" movement clothing - made of paper that has been worked so it has a almost thin, felt like feel, these where actually meant o be worn, washed by hand once or twice and then disposed of when they fell apart. Which is exactly what girls did, hence their rarity. I have a couple to share and this first is a lovely pop art shift in blues highlighted with pink swirls. The neck and arm are piped in a baby blue fabric and I love the big bold pocket on the front. It was found folded in its plastic bag as pictured and only removed to be measured and photoed. Excellent condition!

These where all the rage back in the sixties. They are the original "green" movement clothing - made of paper that has been worked so it has a almost thin, felt like feel, these where actually meant o be worn, washed by hand once or twice and then disposed of when they fell apart. Which is exactly what girls did, hence their rarity. I have a couple to share and this one is a lovely shift in bold pop art mod colors! Blues, greens and pinks mix with yellow and white. The neck and arm are piped in a baby blue fabric and I love the big bold pocket on the front. It was found folded in its plastic bag as pictured and only removed to be measured and photoed. Excellent condition!

Thai silk pieces from the sixties are in my opinion, some of the best silk work ever done in the history of fashion. This set was made by Star of Siam and the label proudly states that is was hand tailored in Bangkok. The silk is absolutely amazing and the pink as vibrant as the day it was made. It literally looks to be unworn! It was hand woven and hand screened and is an absolute testament to the craftsmanship being employed in constructing silk garments during this time period. The super model length skirt wraps into place and flares out in a wide A-line form the waist. You have the option of wearing the little triangle topped halter that simply ties into place leaving your entire back bare, or throw on the button silk top/jacket for a more covered look. It still has its little tie that you can wear around the neck or waist! Stunningly beautiful! I love it! Amazing concept & a definitive look of the sixties and a beautiful set in mint, unworn condition! Item# D322

This is certainly a high end piece and perhaps a top designer piece that has sadly lost it's label along its journey. It definitely has a Balenciaga, Dior-ish feel to it with its fine attention to details and quality and craftsmanship in the way it is constructed. The dress is gorgeous - a refined shift with a nipped in waist. I love the wide flat pleat detail that crosses over itself on the bodice and carries through the skirt. Even the small V that is formed at the neck seems to have a distinct, studied shape to it. Every line of this dress was carefully thought out and sculpted into place. A side zipper ensures that no line is broken. Most amazing is the little round shouldered short cape that is original to the dress. It sits charmingly on ones shoulders and is absolutely balanced and cut to perfection. The fabric is a fine, silk in jet black with a slight sheen. I can't go one enough about this piece - it really is extraordinary and I know I will regret listing it once it goes - the pictures do not come close to doing it justice. Immaculate condition.

I know the pictures cannot come close to conveying the beauty of this coat. It is really extraordinary but being black, it is hard to capture just how wonderful it is. The cut is stunning - full length it has narrow shoulders and is fitted through the upper torso with long slim sleeves. It then flares from the waist ans sweeps to the ground with miles of fabric. The fabric itself is stunning - its has a self raised design that has an almost exotic skin quality to it - the raised bits have a slight sheen to them so you get a wonderful contrast. The inside is a marvel. Fully lined in thick, luxurious cream silk satin it is impeccably done. I love how the waist is slightly gathered. Its as beautiful as the outside. Finely made it is a true beauty! Excellent condition - it appears to have never been worn.

Shoulders: 16" from seam to seam
Bust: 17" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from mid neck at the back to bottom hem
Sleeves: 22" from shoulder seam to longest point

The coat is fully lined in an immaculate cream silk satin and closes with knotted fabric buttons and frog knot loops made of the exterior fabric. It has a good weight to it but is not unwieldy to wear.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# C106

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

Stunning, never worn crisp cotton print dress hand made by the Siam Boutique in Thailand. The print is stunning with a blended design made of red and orange on a black background. The collar is quilted and top stitched and sits over a little round keyhole. It is a waistless shift but has its original belt that allows you to cinch it in if you wish. The entire hem is circled with a wide band of quilted fabric - the stitched the fabric to follow the design This serves to weigh the hem and really help to hold the shape. It also adds and interesting dimension to the piece. In excellent condition, it appears to have never been worn!

Fabulous and slightly crazy outfit is made of a bright pink poly chiffon that has screened flowers and patches of gold thread woven into it. It is meant to be worn loose and full and though I have out it into the SML-MED category it could be worn by a smaller frame (the model is a tiny 2-4) and sits loose and draped or work on a figure that more closely matches the listed measurements. It's a simple design - the pants slip on with elastic at the waist and cuffs and the jacket is cut box like wit the same elastic cuffs and a simple snap closure. But that is where the simplicity stops - the look is pure over the top! (it's paired on the model with an Anita Quansah piece but that piece is sold - sorry girls!) Excellent condition!

Jacket:
Shoulder: 15.5" flat across form seam to seam
Bust: 23" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from mid-neck at the back to bottom hem
Sleeves: 24" from shoulder to bottom of cuff

Pants:
Waist: will stretch 14-20+" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam with give
Length: 45" from waist to bottom hem of pant (meant to balloon up)
Inseam: 27"

Both pieces are unlined. The pants slip on with elastic at the waist and each cuff. The jacket/top snaps to close at the front. Note that pink is a true bright pink - it photoed a tad softer and less pink then what it is in person!

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (6-10)

Item# E357

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

This is one of those fantastic basic little black dresses that never go out of style and that you will pull out to wear over and over. It's a great size with a nice shape that is very flattering. I love that is still has it's original belt so you can cinch it in if needed or adjust for more room. The bodice is simple and sweet with a square neckline and nice seaming details. The skirt flares out reminiscent of a 40s swing piece and I absolutely love the slant pockets that are cut to sit out form the skirt a bit and further emphasized by top stitching. Wonderful condition.

The forties are so on trend this season (hurrah!) and I have some fantastic pieces to share. This one is really exceptional. Its a masterpiece of draping! Made of a fluid heavier black silk mixed with an ice blue liquid silk satin inset along the front. Its deceptive size wise as it is cut to drape - my mannie is actually a small and it is not pinned on her just draped so it will fit a variety of figures. It slips on and the front satin is actually cut almost to the waist. This is done so you can fold it over and drape it into place. Attached ties wrap around to cinch or be ultra brave and leave them at the back and allow it to plunge! There is miles of fabric in the inset and I adore the icy blue color. This has a definite madame Gres feel to the draping and is a fabulous example of function blened with bias cut draping. Excellent condition.

Insanely cool fringes deerskin original 1960s leather piece will make the most dramatic statement! Its hand made and whip-stitched and constructed form a ivory leather - smooth on the exterior and left raw on the interior. Its cut sheath style with the edging and neckline hand whip-stitched. From the hem and the shoulder the most dramatic and wonderful fringe hangs- a full 18" worth! A V neck on both front† and back pick up the V shape of the bottom fringe. It's tiny and has no openings - so the lucky girl that gets this as to be a 0 or a size 2 at most. This is a piece that the right girl will absolutely rock and be the centre of attention in! Excellent condition.

Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam with a built in cup area that will approx accommodate an A to B cup.
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: the underskirt measures 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8" from top of bodice at front to waist seam
Skirt: 31" from waist seam to bottom hem

Fully lined in a coral silky rayon. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The belt is original and is made of a matching fabric. It is backed with a stiffening fabric and attached.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# D339

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

Simple and chic this forties moss crepe gown is a superb example that even then simplicity could be striking. The gown is stretch crepe and cut on the bias so really work with your body once it is on. The top is simple with two straps and a neckline cut straight across. Dramatic jewel detail add a luxe detail! The bodice is cut almost flapper like with little definition through the waist and then it has two notched tiers around the upper hip. The skirt falls in one lean long swoosh and has a matching notch in the front that picks up the notch on the tiers! A wonderful, statement piece in excellent condition!

Bust: 17.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to bottom hem

The moss crepe has some stretch and is cut on the bias so you can add a bit to the measurements above Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper and three snaps hidden under the top hems edging. Amazing rhinestone set jeweled detail at the front. Some of the threading has started to lighten along some of the seams but they still seem strong and wearable!

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# E364

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 look of this suit is so shockingly modern it is easy to see why current designers consistently look to the past for inspiration. This lightweight, fine wool fabric suit is left unlined and is very easy to wear. Sometimes suit of this era can be very restrictive and heavy but not this one! The fabric is a deep deep navy with a red double line check. The jacket has the perfect strong shoulder and nips in at the waist with a little flared hip peplum. Each sleeve is cuffed. The skirt is fitted through the waist and hips and then glides into a soft feminine A-line. The button detail is of course what absolutely make this set though - the jacket curves over to one side and back towards the other. Decorative buttons on the skirt match up exactly to where the ones on the jacket end. It is very Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen in feel but is the original thing! Amazing condition and truly fabulous!