This fabulous Azzedine Alaia knit dress is one of his classics. The silhouette and fabric and the pleats he used to create the shape are all instantly recognizable as his work. This is the type of dress that is a mainstay in any Alaia collector's closet. The dress is made from one in his signature ribbed stretch knits. The fabric is has a decent thickness to it and once on acts like a slimming corset and shapes and molds the body into curves you did not even know you had. The dress has three distinct textures. The shoulders and upper bust are a solid knit and then through the waist you see raised rows. These are used to create that hug and shape you inwards. These then flare out and turn into sharp knife pleats that allow the skirt to flare out with amazing fullness. It is fabulous and a classic for a reason. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but these do fit a touch small. The fabric does have stretch so will accommodate a range of sizes

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2817

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

I have seen this dress listed at being from the 2007 season but after going through all the runway photos from that season and others, I was unable to verify that. Prada did and does make many styles each season that are not shown on the runway so it may very well be from the 2007 collection still but I only like to give a firm date when I am absolutely sure. The dress is a gorgeous little piece that has those fabulous Prada lines. It is made from a satin backed black crepe and drapes and falls wonderfully. The front and back dip into low V's and a glossed, grosgrain ribbon circles just under the bust for detailing. The same ribbon curves over each shoulder. A glossy bit of fox sits atop each shoulder to give it height and impact. Each cap sleeve is finished with a ribbed cotton and the skirt falls in a sleek column. The fabric has folds and soft pleats worked through it for a final touch of texture. Excellent condition.

Unlined with self backed satin finish fabric. It closes with a low back set zipper. Tagged a Prada 42

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust at Ribbon: 15"
Natural Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2816

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 little Azzedne Alaia black knit dress is from his Fall 1990 collection. It is made from one of his signature stretch knits that was made to mold to the body like a second skin and exaggerate every curve. It instantly sucks some parts in and emphasizes other and is quite genius in its cut and design. The neckline is scooped low and is set very wide on a curved line that shows off a girls cleavage to full advantage. You can see how it would sit on a body on the reference photo I found from a 1990 Vogue editorial. The dress in that photo was worn by Christy Turlington and is a version of the dress in white with the same neckline but a fuller skirt. On our version, the dress is fitted from shoulder to hem. The seaming on the dress further exaggerates the curves and give it an hourglass feel. At the back the seaming is curved to follow up and around the butt. Each sleeve is cut lean and long. It is sexy as hell. Excellent condition.

The dress is unlined and slips on to wear. Tagged a vintage Alaia medium. The fabric does have stretch

Sleeves: 23"
Dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1694

Reference photo credit: Vogue 1990, Hans Feurer

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 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.

This matches the coat listed today and is a beautiful 1950s silk dress. It is made from a very fine, high end silk. The silk has a beautiful red thread woven through and used in the black silk base to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is even richer and more true. (One thing to note - the color is a true red - in the label photo it has more of a orange hue and that is the camera lighting not the true color - the other photos are far closer) The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The sweetheart neckline and front pleating detail on the bust are finished with a little romantic bow. The way this is set into the front bodice is a little unusual and very pretty once on. The dress itself is wonderfully cut with that shaped bodice and simple capped sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out into a gentle A-line. It is a nice light weight and very well made.  The shop label it still has was a high end one and I would not be surprised if this was a designer piece that has lost its label. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a black silk organza. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made.

Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E639

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 matches the dress listed today and is a beautiful 1950s swing coat. It is made from a very fine, high end silk. The silk has a beautiful red thread woven through and used in the black silk base to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is even richer and more true. (One thing to note - the color is a true red - in the label photo it has more of a orange hue and that is the camera lighting not the true color - the other photos are far closer) The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The coat is cut with a looser, swing shape that is pure fifties. It has a large rounded collar and closes down the front with faceted raised jet black buttons. It has pocket flaps on each hip but they are decorative only. The sleeves end just past the elbows and the back has that wonderful swoop of fabric typical of the period. It is a nice light weight and very well made.  The shop label it still has was a high end one and I would not be surprised if this was a designer piece that has lost its label. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon satin that has a pretty print woven though it that reminds me of the linings used for men's suiting in this time period. It closes with buttons down the front. Hand finished and beautifully made. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C442

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 really wish I could convey the feeling of that beautiful fabric and how it presents in person as it is even better when you see it in real life. The red bits have an almost inner glow to then that doesn't quite convey in the photos.  The cut is a classic 1950s fitted silhouette that just skimmed over the body but still emphasized curves. The fabric is very beautiful - the base is a black silk matte satin and the velvet fused onto the fabric and over the red rose print that is worked through the silk in a way that gives it a slight 3 dimensional feel. The velvet used to do this is a rich deep red. I love the simplicity of the bodice and the seamed waistline. The skirt skims over  the hips and softens out to a a simple a-line cut. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with a back zipper. There is one tiny repair where the fabric has been tacked down where the seams meet at the arm on the right side. The dress has been priced accordingly and is strong and stable

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 21.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E638

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

Vivienne Westwood loves an asymmetrical cut and here she does it to perfection with this play on a man's waistcoat. It has that wonderful 18th century feel to it that she does so well and has an almost sculpted effect. It has an inner ties to close and then it wraps over itself and is secured in place by one of her logo embossed buttons at the side. I love the draped effect through the front and the way it sits low and wide around the neck. The effect if worn alone is very sexy. You can also use it as a layering piece. Excellent condition

Fully lined and boned. It closes with an inner tie and exterior button. Tagged a 40 but check measurements as these run small. Appears unworn

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem at back, to 25" at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S553

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 classic Vivienne Westwood piece that plays on the 18th century in its design execution. I doubt that many labels in the world can equal Vivienne's  amazing corsets and their iconic status. It is highly sculptural in feel with its wonderful draped panels layered and placed over and inner stiffened board. This is cut so that the bust is pushed up to suggest the style of corsets from the 1700s. It is fully boned through the back and has ties that you can wrap around your body and cinch to add even more shape if you wish. I love that is has her signature asymmetrical cut so it feels instantly recognizable. Excellent condition

Fully lined and boned. It closes with a back zipper. Tagged a UK 12/ US 8 but check measurements as these do tend to run small. Appears unworn.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S518

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 particular version of the Thea Porter label was only produced between October 1971-March 1972 and this gown was part of the 1971 collection. It is a beautiful example of her work and I am pleased to share that its twin was part of the 2015 Thea Porter exhibit at the London Museum of Textile and Fashion. Curator of that exhibit and Fashion Historian Laura McClaws Helms who is a contributor to my blog, also was kind enough to confirm that the print on this piece was by Janet Taylor. It would have been screen printed and then had some paint sprayed onto it by hand. Selfridges ran an ad campaign that same season and used another version of the dress as part of that giving it additional documentation. Note that the use of the "The Cream" was not the name of the dress, that appeared on all of the ads in the series that season regardless of the designer highlighted. I have also seen this dress refereed to as "The Cosmic" but according to Laura, who is perhaps the worlds foremost expert on Thea porter, the print did not have a particular name.

It is a beautiful example of her work with a printed cotton voile whose semi-sheerness is kept non-scandalous by white muslin lining underneath. The front dips down into a scoop and the bodice is fitted with a wide black panel that wraps around the chest area. The waistline sits high up under the bodice and the skirt flows down and out from there. Each sleeve is beautiful with a full, wide cut that flares out over the the wrists to make a wonderfully dramatic statement. The skirt also flares out to mid length in a wonderful swirl of fabric and pattern. The print is fabulous and this is instantly recognizable Thea. Museum quality condition with some small notes to review below

Fully lined in a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There is some color run and marks on the interior lining of the skirt and I do see some color run from the purple here and there. These were notorious for this because of how the dying process was done so I do not consider this a true flaw. The pattern is so extensive that you only notice upon close inspection anyway. I photoed the worst area on one sleeve. There is a touch of "wrinkling" to the fabric under the arms that stayed out even after its initial cleaning. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2812

Reference Photos: My own photo of the twin of the dress at the exhibit at the London Museum of Textile and Fashion; 1971 Selfridges ad campaign.

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 inspiration she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This set is amazing and really a museum worthy set. Pieces by her 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. It is two separate pieces and the base of both is a black chiffon. Both pieces simply slip on and are very easy to wear. The top "tabard" cut top is fabulous. It is cut into a wide T shaped on both the front and back. This allows the sleeves to be wide and have a kimono feel to them and the front drop over the skirt like an apron. It has elastic that runs through the waist and it ties at each side.  Her signature embroidery is done in sharp geometric angles that follow the cut of the tabard on both sides. The pink and green pop wonderfully against the black. Under this sits a skirt that is completely finished with Fortuny felling pleat finish. It is full length and the solid black of it serves as the perfect base for that spectacular top. Excellent condition

The top is fully lined with the same chiffon fabric as the exterior and slips over the head with elastic all through the wide waist band and ties at each side. The skirt is also lined and closes with a zipper and hook at the waistband.

Top
Length: 54.5" top to bottom
Width: 32.5" side to side

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2811

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 stunning dress that dates to the late forties, early 1950s combines a beautiful print and color combination with sequins and a pretty feminine feel. The entire dress is stunning and made of a beautiful black cotton voile with a pretty floral print scattered over its surface. The fabric choice helps it to keep its shape and volume and really show off those ruffled tiers perfectly while still keeping it light and summer feeling. Three full tiers make up the skirt and are layered over each other with each getting wider as they near the hem. This creates incredible volume and movement. The top is fitted around the bodice and has a pretty pleated and draped detailing that highlights the bust.Two tiny straps curve over the shoulders. The best part is the finish of green sequins that are hand set everywhere you see the flower print. These early dresses are harder and harder to come by and this one is exceptional. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. Hand finishes and hand applied sequins. Note that there is no tag present but the owner passed onto me that it did have a Fred Perlberg label originally.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D578

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 beautiful dress by Arnold Scassi has the most wonderful and romantic fabric choice. The color is equally as great and those two elements combined with the strapless silhouette make for a beautiful gown. I love the brilliant green and how the silk is covered from bodice to hem with a scattering of little hearts that are finished in a slightly different shade of green. The technique used to create the hearts is very interesting and becomes a design element in itself. A layer of bias cut silk that has the hearts cut out of it, is fused over a second inner layer of silk chiffon. This gives the hearts that slightly 3D, layered window effect you see. The dress itself is cut to create a seamless column at the front. It falls to the floor in one unbroken swoop of fabric from the bodice to the hem. This creates an almost sculptural feel. The back is gathered in pleat work under the small of the back and giving it more fullness and volume. Above this, four flat bows have been added to give a little extra detailing. The interior of the dress has an inner corset so once on it feels fitted and secure. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching green tissue silk and closes with a back zipper. It has in inner waist stay and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an inner skirt made of two layers of silk and the outer skirt is lined in an organza. Both the inner and outer layer of the skirt have a wide banding of stiffened netting at the hem to help hold the shape.

Bust: to 18" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1453

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 also have listed a second, similar pant suit set that has a Micheal Novarese label and I was told by my client that that this one was also by him although it no longer has a label. (see the other one here). The fabric is signed on the inner hem salvage "Summer Day" by Boll Poole for Onondaga Silk - who were a US based silk mill that provided custom fabric for couture and high end design houses as far back as 1933.

This particular set is wonderful. The cut of both pieces is based entirely on the design that covers the fabric. The fabric itself is amazing. It is a rich, heavy silk with green base. Onto this is screened an intricate and detailed print that depicts a full meadow scene. Dragonflies and flowers adorn the surface of the silk. Both the dragonflies and flowers are completely made of sequins. The cuffs, hems and bottom of the pants are circled in green sequins that make the grass over which they fly. It is magical. The pants are flat fronted and have a slightly flared leg. The tunic sits over the pants, skimming the torso and flaring out at the hip. It has a high neck and long sleeves and how they pick up that same sequin pattern as the pants. I love that it is two pieces that you can break up and wear them separateif you want. Michael Novarese designed gowns for many of the stars during the 1960s through to the 1980s including Jane Russell, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore and Elizabeth Taylor.  I love his work and this is one of the best pieces I have seen of his. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in an off-white silk. The tunic closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and the pants close with a hand set zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Hand finished throughout. Made to demi-couture standards.

Tunic
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2210

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.