james galanos
Gorgeous 1960s James Galanos Meticulously Pleated Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Elaborate Belt
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This is a spectacular example of Galanos and the evening dresses that he did so very well. James Galanos launched Galanos Originals in 1951. He was only 27 years old. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. When you covert to modern dollars the top end figure would be about $31,000 today. His ready-to-wear was made to couture standards and on par with the French couturiers of the time. Grace Kelly was a huge fan and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites and this dress is fantastic.
The belt alone on this dress is what vintage dreams are made of. It is tacked all the way around the waist and it is this thick braided black cord that has rose of rhinestones attached to it. The belt has then been tied into big knots that are perfectly spaced from each other and then it ends in this elaborate silk fabric tassel that is unlike any tassel I have seen. It snaps into place at the front or you could wrap and tie it if you wished. It has such impact and it elevates the entire dress even more. The label on this dress is the one that dates from 1963-1977 and this is my personal favourite time period of his work. The fabric is a beautiful light weight black silk chiffon for the bodice and sleeves and then the skirt is a black silk jersey. The cut of the dress is incredible. The neckline is a slight scoop and then the dress skims over you to the waist. The waist is slightly dropped and seamed but a little more on the generous side and then the belt adds a touch of shape. The bodice is incredible. The entire thing has been done in tiny little knife pleats that are meticulously spaced and lined up. These run vertically down the front and the back. The very edge of the neckline has been piped with a tiny bit of silk for a finished look. It is just incredible to see and it is all done to the level of work that you are only going to find in vintage. The work is all done by hand. The sleeves are equally as fabulous. Each is made out of a single layer of the silk chiffon and are cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their cuffs. The sleeves are also pleated but in a wider pleat than the ones on the bodice. This gives some contrast to the pleating on the bodice and also allows the sleeves to fully open up and have the billowing fullness that you see. Even the cuffs are pleated and the pleating on each cuff perfectly matches the size of the pleats on the bodice. The skirt falls from the waist and is gathered in tiny delicate pleats all the way around the waist. This allows the skirt to flare and open out as it nears the floor. There is an incredible amount of fabric in it. The workmanship in this dress is fabulous It really showcases just what a genius he was. Excellent condition with a note below
Fully lined in a black silk through the bodice and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff button to close with little embroidered dome buttons. I see a repair near the hem of the skirt and I feel like the zipper sticks slightly. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes throughout and beautifully made
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 56" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4609
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Fabulous 1970s Valentino Black Silk Cropped Pants & Black Silk Top Set w Gold Detailed Ruffled Collar
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This is a fabulous fall 1970 cropped pant and top set from the Valentino boutique label. Valentino launched his ready-to-wear label in 1962, two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques locations after that. The New York boutique launched in the fall of 1970 and it caused a sensation. Traffic was backed up 3 blocks with everyone who was anyone trying to get in on opening night. He wanted everyone to have the Valentino experience and he often brought in the designs that he created for his main couture label into the boutique work. In these early days especially they were remarkably close in quality and the line between the two labels was often blurred. On this set you can see that in the hand finishing that is has.
The set is gorgeous and in the hands of the right person will be a fantastic statement piece. The silk of the pants is slightly heavier than the silk of the top and it has a slight sheen finish to it. They button and zipper to close at the waist and there are loops if you want to add a belt. Slanted pockets sit on each hip. They skim over the hips and are a bit fuller through the leg. They are cropped and what I think is especially interesting about them is that they have an inner piece built into each leg that is a slightly slimmer and made out of a black velvet. Each is adorned with three buttons down the side to give the impression that you are wearing a pant over a pant. The top is made out of an opaque black silk that is very fine and light. It is cut very generously so that it is very easy to wear. It buttons down the front and hooks at the waist. The waist is elastic and we've added a ribbon to define it a little bit more. The sleeves come out from the waist and the shoulder so they are very wide and full right to the cuff where they button in. This lets the sleeves billow out fantastically above the cuffs. Inside there are rounded shoulder pads. These are very interesting because they have an attached loop to them that you actually loop your arm through so that the top stays in place despite it's full and generous cut. The collar goes all the way around the neck and has six layers of black netting that is trimmed with a black lace. Each layer has little metallic gold flowers embroidered onto the netting. This add the perfect little dash of glitz to the outfit. You can wear the ruffles more flat and down or you can really fluff them out so that they wrap around your neck and frame your face. I love the versatility of having the two pieces because you can wear it together as a set or mix and match it with existing pieces in your wardrobe to get many outfits out of it. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The pants are fully lined in a black silk and zipper to close at the front. The top is unlined and closes with buttons and hook and eye. Elastic though the waist of the top. The ribbon around the waist of the top is not original but will be included. Each cuff buttons to close with two buttons and the inner waist stay on the top hooks to close. Pockets on the hip of the pants. Hand finishes throughout. The top is tagged a vintage Valentino size 8 and the pants a 6. Padding in each shoulder. I see a tiny mark on the inside of the padding on one shoulder and some light press marks / very light scuffing around the seams of the pants and on the fabric of the legs of the pants. Comes with its original necktie and the waist ribbon we added.
Top
Sleeves: no defined seam
Shoulders: approx 26"
Bust: no true side seams
Waist: The inner waist stay is 25" end to end and the outer top stretched form 27-38" end to end
Length: 28" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 35" from waist to hem with 4" turned under the hem
Inseam: 22"
Gusset: 15.5" from back of waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4610
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
james galanos
Superb Late 1970s James Galanos Multi Layer Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Removeble Ruffled Collar
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James Galanos launched Galanos Originals in 1951. He was only 27 years old. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear was made to couture standards and on par with the French couturiers of the time. Grace Kelly was a huge fan and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites and this dress is a stunning example of his work. It is one of those dresses that really needs to be on an actual body to come to life but once it is on a body it is even better than what you see here. These black chiffon dresses that are all bias cut are almost impossible to photo properly on a dress form and only come to life once on.
This dress is spectacular and it is in its original uncut length. The dress is made out of four full layers of silk chiffon through the skirt that are perfectly stacked on top of each. The sleeves are made of two layers of the same silk chiffon and then the bodice is backed in a black silk to make it opaque. This dress is also interesting, because the way that the skirt is set into the back uses the same technique as this 1957 dress I that I have had in the shop before and whose version resides in the Met's collection. You can click through the link in the previous sentence to see that for reference and it gives you a bit of an idea of how this dress will look on the body but backwards. In the Vogue's description at the time the skirt was described as being; 'narrow in outline, but with beautiful easy folds from the waist, falling in self contained spirals' which is a lovely way to describe the way that it is set into the dress. I love that he referenced his own work in this way. The fabric is a beautiful light weight black silk chiffon that floats over the body. The skirt is cut so that it gathers up and into the middle of the dress at the back. This gives it that lovely draping down the back and it extends out a little longer at the hem. A high slit is also hidden in the draping so when you walk you get a flash of your legs. At the front the skirt has a very minimal feel that I love. The bodice above that is cut to skim and blouse over the body to the waist and the waist is cut with a more generous feel. You could add a belt if you wanted to cinch that in more and give it more shape. Adding a belt would also bring the waist line up a bit and give you even more of a blousing feel unless you put the belt a little lower at the top of the hip. The neck is high and then at the back it buttons down to close across the top of the back shoulders. I think that you could actually wear the dress either way and just have the hem fall a little longer at the front if you wished because it is that well-made. It has a more oversized feel through the top that is intentional and then the skirt is more narrow. The sleeves are spectacular and each one is cut wide and extremely full above the ruffled wrist. They are set deep into the bodice with a little bit of pleating around the top. so you get a touch of a capped feeling sleeve. The dress came with its original matching neck ruffle that hooks into place around the neck. I love how this in essence gives you two different dresses. If you choose not to wear the ruffle, it feels minimalist and stark from the front and when you add the ruffle it adds that extra bit of glamour and movement around the neck. It is a fabulous addition to the dress and it really showcases just what a genius he was. Excellent condition
Both pieces are fully lined in a black silk chiffon as described above. It closes with a low painted metal zipper at the waist and then has a row of buttons above that. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 27"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 20" from neck to waist
Total length: 69" from neck to front hem, 73" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4611
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Prettiest 1960s Yves Saint Laurent Stoffler Fabrics Yellow Brocade Dress w Clear Beads
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This dress is a fascinating little bit of the YSL history. In the late 1960s / early 1970s you could buy YSL Vogue patterns and YSL approved fabrics in fabric stores and at fabric counters in the US and make a dress from an approved pattern book. This pattern book was a guide that recommended which sewing patterns went with the approved fabrics. Stoffler was one of the fabric distributors for this project and this dress has the label showing that collaboration. So basically someone could buy a YSL Vogue Paris Original pattern and make the dress out of a YSL approved fabric and then add in YSL label that came with your purchase of the pattern and fabric. I love it.
The dress has that fabulous hostess feel of this era and it was obviously made with great care and love. The Stoffler fabric is a happy lemon yellow colour that has a secondary floral applique applied onto the base fabric. I love how this gives the fabric a bit of a 3D feel and adds texture and interest to the dress. The dress completely covers you and has a beautifully classic, feminine and elegant feel to it. The bodice skims over you to a slightly higher set waist. The sleeves are long with a braided detailing at the cuff that is covered with clear beads The neckline is high and detailed with more of those same beads and then more circle the seam at the waist. On all of the areas that the beads have been set they are tightly spaced directly next to each other. They lay slightly off the fabric so they have just a touch of movement to them. This adds a pretty sparkle to the upper part of the dress as the beads catch the light from every angle. From there the skirt falls to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. Excellent condition with a small note below.
Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper. I see some missing beads here and there.
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4608
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
pauline trigere
Fantastic 1970s Pauline Trigere Two Piece Green Silk Chiffon Plunge Top & Wide Leg Pant Set
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Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She was from Paris and moved to the US in 1937. That early French influence showed throughout her career. In 1949 she was awarded her first Coty award. She won it again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening and her work with silks is wonderful. In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use an African American model. This is a stunning example of her work from the seventies and it is gorgeous.
This a two piece set which I love for the versatility that it gives you. You can wear them together or mix and match with things you have already. This one has the added versatility in the top. It is so well made that we think you can wear it with the plunge at the front or the back and we shot it both ways for you to see. You can choose to wear it on its own and daring, or layer it over other things. Both pieces have this amazing soft and flowing feel to them that I love. It is made of a feather light silk chiffon with a tiny ribbon effect that is fused directly into the silk. This gives the fabric an added texture and it really plays on it transparent feel. The print is the prettiest little green flowers and they cover the entire surface of both pieces. The top is unlined through both the bodice and sleeves so that you get a glimpse of the skin under the silk. The sleeves are very wide and come out from the waist. A pretty green ruffle runs along the bottom hem. The pants have their own hand set silk chiffon nude lining that gives just a suggestion of the body underneath and from a distance you are not sure there is something under it or not. The top is cut to blouse softly over the waist and it closes with a hook & eye at the waist. There are snaps set along the inner hem of the top and along the edge of the pants so you attach the two pieces if you wished. The waist of the pants has an elastic through it and it is cut to sit loose and easy in the body. From the waist the pants flow to the floor. They skim over the hips and then fall in a very full and open wide cut pant. Depending on how tall you are they will sit to be slightly cropped or to the ankle. Both pieces are very well made and finished by hand. The set is even better in person and on an actual body where the fabric can really move and flow as it was meant to. Excellent condition
Unlined and the top hooks to close at the waist and the pants close with hook and eye at the waist and a zipper. There is elastic in the waist of the pants and the in part of the waist on the top. I see a tiny mark near the hem on one pant leg.
Top
It measures 57" across from sleeve end to sleeve end with an open bust
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 18" from shoulder to hem
Pants
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem with 3.5" turned under the hem
Inseam: 27.5"
Rise of inner bottoms: 14.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4607
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Gorgeous Spring 2020 Christian Dior Sunset Striped Cotton Dress w Silk Chiffon Under Slip
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A dress in a silk taffeta and a jumpsuit in this same fabric walked the runway for .the Spring 2020 show. This dress was made for the shops in that same stripe and when we looked for documentation on this one we also found a street style shot of Sharon Elongue wearing its twin. I love that we have that reference photo so that you can see how great it is on the body. Vogue's review said that said the collection was "Lovely, utterly lovely . . . gentle and shrewd and worthy of investment.... there were endless dresses—printed, appliquéd, embroidered, crystal-ed, filigreed—in which lace, raffia, jacquard, silk, and tulle were layered and interwoven to create thoroughly wonderful, artisanal items. The sustainability piece that Chiuri offers at Dior is precious handwork married to real design in ready-to-wear. These are buy-now-wear-forever dresses; they should take root in one’s closet and grow in emotional value over time." I absolutely love this dress. It is gorgeous.
I think this dress is the best version of the three pieces I have shown here and it is wonderfully easy to wear. When you add in that spectacular soft striped print that covers the entire dress it is just a joy. The dress is made from a fine and very light weight cotton that has a touch of transparency to it. This is then layered over an inner silk slip in a neutral nude colour. The lightness of the cotton is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk the fabric of the skirt catches the air and floats out around you. The entire dress has been finished to look like it was hand painted. The body of the dress is done in soft muted stripes that fade into each other where the edges meet. The colours are like a sunset and vary in warm beautiful tones to cover the entire dress. The neckline is notched at the front for a touch of skin to show and you can leave it open or tie it with the ties that extend out from the neckline. It skims over the bust to the waist. The seam at the waist is cut wide and generous so that the dress has an easy feel. The skirt falls from under there to the floor in a sweeping expanse of fabric to the floor. The skirt is cut beautifully and gradually widens out as it nears the hem. The sleeves are wonderful. Each is a different colour that picks up on the graduation of the colours in the dress and fall down the arm to a buttoned cuff. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition
The separate nude silk chiffon slip acts as the lining as the outer dress is not lined. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper at the side. The inner slip is tagged a 40.
Outer dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-25"" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Total length: " from waist to hem
Inner slip
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4606
Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 2020 Christian Dior, Looks 35 & 37. / (3-6) Sharon Elongue in Dior at Paris Fashion Week, Fall 2020.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
celine
Spring 2017 Celine by Phoebe Philo Runway Look 4 Basket Weave Print Jersey Dress w Open Cut Outs
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This dress was so well documented and photoed when it came out for the Spring 2017 collection it is almost mind boggling. It is instantly recognizable as Phoebe's work and it is amazing. This is the second time we have had it in the shop and I remember that when we started to hunt for references for it we found all the ones that are here, plus there are probably more out there that I just have not yet seen. It is an insanely good dress. All of Phoebe Philo's pieces for Celine have reached cult status and the prices are just continuing to rise. Her work is a must have for the vintage collector and this is a particularly hard to find dress that is rare and collectible.
The dress is made from a stretch jersey and this one is finished in a mic of browns - one of the three colours and patterns that were released in this style of dress. The bodice is set over the bust with a wide flat cut at the top and then it angles down to the keyhole at the waist. There are elastic straps that you slip your arms through and the front just skims over you. The back is left completely bare and dips quite low so your entire back is bare and open. The key hole at the front is set so that it is twisted over itself and just this little detail alone give you a glimpse into the magic of Pheobe's vision and quirky aesthetic. The skirt is suspended from that knotted keyhole at the waist. Elastic runs through the top of it so it is very forgiving and accommodating. The skirt widens out into a loose and easy draping of jersey to the hem. Once you have slipped on the dress it simply hangs and drapes down and around your body. It is incredibly comfortable and easy to wear while still being devastatingly sexy. The jersey has a lot of stretch so the size on the tag is almost meaningless. This is true fashion history and one of the most documented pieces I have ever seen. A testament to the genius of Phoebe and the impact of her work on fashion. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition
Unlined but the fabric is opaque. It slips on to wear with elastic at all the edges. It is tagged a 40 and should fit a range of sizes from probably about a 4 to a 8 or 10 with ease depending on your frame. The area through the waist will drape and curve down more on a smaller frame. Original uncut length and it appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The fabric has incredible stretch so it should fit a large range of sizes.
Bust: covers to 24"+ flat across the front
Waist: 16-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to elastic waist
Total length: approx 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4603
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 2017 Celine Runway Collection. Look 4. Model: Mali Koopman. / (6) Edie Campbell photographed by Mikael Jansson, Vogue Paris, March 2017. / (7) Daphne Groeneveld phtographed by Zoltan Tombor for The Sunday Times Style, March 2017. / (8) Photo by Choi Yongbin, Harpers Bazaar Korea, 2017. / (9) Jip Boxstart photographed by Van Mossevelde for D La Republica, February 2017. / (10) credit unknown. / (11) Shin Min Ah photographed by Kim Yeong Jun for Elle Korea. April 2017. / (12-13) Vogue Australia's fashion director Christine Centenera in Celine at Vogue Australia’s 60th Anniversary Supper, December 2019. Photos by Hugh Stewart.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The twin of this dress in a darker colour walked the runway for the Fall 1975 show and I have included that runway photo here for you for reference. It also gives you a fabulous idea of how good the dress is one the body. This is an absolutely beautiful and classic Halston from his main label couture line. It is not 100% perfect so is priced at a steal for a Halston at this level but it is completely wearable as it is and its flaw is forgivable. It is an incredible example of his work from this time period and that soft pale pinky neutral beige colour is amazing
This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its yards and yards of bias cut silk chiffon that have been used to create the silhouette that you see. The colour is a pale beige that has a touch a pink to its undertone. It is so flattering on almost every skin tone and is even prettier in real life. The construction on it rivals any of the best Halston pieces I have seen to date. The dress is made of three feather light layers of bias cut silk chiffon stacked on top of each other through the main body of the dress and the added ruffled is made of two. Layering the chiffon like this gives it so much more movement than it would have otherwise. Your slightest movement while this is on causes the silk to float and move around you. The layers have just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still and then when you move they will move with you and the result is gorgeous. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The majority of work is all done by hand and it would have taken many hours of work to create this dress in this way. The front dress sits high across the neck and the ruffle that curves around the back lays to about just above the waist. I love the movement that this gives it. Your arms sit underneath that ruffle as it curves around to the back and then the dress falls in a loose and easy cut that skims over you to the floor. The bias cut lets it both cling and skim over you at the same time and it's incredibly easy to wear. It simply falls from the neck, skims over the bust, waist and hips , all in an easy to wear way due to that bias cut silk. The back is fantastic. That double layer of social fun that curves around from the front follows the deep V at the back, and this creates a ruffle that starts at the shoulders, and it goes all the way to the hem. You can see the edges of that ruffle from the front and from the side it creates this beautiful silhouette all the way to the floor. And of course, that they expand skin on the upper back is the perfect amount of sexiness. It is incredible. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. And even as beautiful as it is, it is also a technical masterpiece with all those layers of silk and the way he constructed it. It is very beautiful. Great condition with notes below to review.
The dress is made from attached layers of the silk chiffon as described above. It has no closures and slips on to wear. Hand finishes. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes upwards and will just drape more on a smaller size. There is an area of marking to the silk on the front near the knee area, near the hem along with some watermarks on the front panel that were too light to photo and some near that mark at the front. Please see the photos after the label shot. It present well when on since the marks are lower.
Bust: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4604
Reference Photos: Fall 1975 Halston Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Gorgeous Early 2000s Valentino Roma Bias Cut Floral Print Dress w Bright Pops of Coral Red
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The Valentino Roma label launched in 2000 to take the place of the Miss V line. It was sold at a price point that was a bit more accessible then their main line and was meant to be available in more shops then the main line would be. The pieces were still very well made. This one caught my eye simply because of how gorgeous and sexy it is. It is a stunning dress with a beautiful amount of detailing on it.
I love this dress with its amazing use of bias cut silk chiffon. These bias cut silks are always an incredibly difficult fabric to work with and Mr Valentino and his team were masters at it. The silk is so light that you get this fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from the one single shoulder that curves up and over the shoulder with a little gather of the silk at the top. The strap glides into the fabric of the bodice and then the dress drapes over the body to the hem. On the other side the dress dips low and to hold everything in place there is a second tiny star there as well. The silk is all bias cut and the shape that you see is from the incredible way the fabric has been laid out and gathered up and into the one side. The top of the bust is angled down and over you and it does the same at the back. The shape though the waist is created by a seam there and I love that it is cut more generously so it feels easy to wear. If you wanted a really cinched in look you could belt it as well. the silk gathered into that sequin leaf and this makes it very easy and comfortable to wear. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. Two layers of the silk chiffon flow over each other and it is all cut on the bias. The layers flow out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground on one side and on the other the hem curves up with a slit that shows some leg when you walk or sit. The fabric ruffles out around that opening and it is very pretty. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically dramatic effect as the silk floats around you with the slightest bit of movement. This is a stunning dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellentcondition
Made of two layers of the same printed silk chiffon and closes with hook and eye down the side of the bocce and a hidden set side zipper under the waist at the side. Tagged a vintage Valentino 44/8
Bust: 17-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 75" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem. On the shorter side it is 32" from the top of shoulder to the top of the slit on the skirt on that side
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4605
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Romantic Spring 1974 Valentino Documented Pink Silk Chiffon Dress w the Iconic Shell Print
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This is the second piece from this collection I have had in the shop and both have been spectacular. For the lead up to the Spring 1974 collection the Daily Express said "It's Valentino's Day.... Tonight the Roman fashion designer, whom Jackie Onassis calls from New York to say -make me a dress for dinner a week on Thursday anything you like- will put on a gala show of 200 of his creations in London." That show was to celebrate the opening of his first British RTW shop there which was a huge step forward for his business. Women's Wear Daily reported that Mr. Valentino said that the theme of the show was 'feminine, relaxed, simple and sexy.' I was also happy that we found a reference photo of a dress in the same print that was shot for Italian Vogue that year. I love having this reference photo for you because it gives you an idea of just how elegant and gorgeous this is on the body. Though personally I think this one is even better then the one we have the shot of.
There are Valentino prints and then there are the really iconic Valentino prints. This is one of those iconic house prints and it is instantly recognizable as being his. It is so iconic that Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli touched upon it once again for their 2015 collection for the label. This is of course one of the original versions and to have such a well documented print from this time period is just heaven for the vintage collector. The dress is absolutely amazing. The fabric is a soft pink silk chiffon with a crepe finish. This has then been screened with that perfect little shell print. I love how the size of the shells vary as it goes across the dress. This cleverly helps to draw the eye over the dress and emphasize the cut. The ones on the bodice are a touch smaller and then as they travel down the skirt they get bigger and more prominent. The silk is feather light in weight and just floats beautifully over the body once on. The neckline is scooped across the collar bone and finished with a padded piping in the same silk. At the top of each shoulder is a little tie for a pretty a romantic touch. Each side scoops down almost to the waist. The bodice has been tightly pleated into perfect little knife pleats to add texture and a softness to the bodice. There is a hook at the back of the neck and then the back is an open slit to the zipper at the waist. The softness of the pleats keep it from being very apparent that it is bare but when you move, you do get that glimpse of bare skin. The waist nips in and is banded in the same silk and then the skirt falls to the floor under that. The skirt is made of two layers. There is an inner solid pink silk layer and then the top printed silk chiffon floats beautifully over that. As it nears the hem is widens out beautifully to create a soft floating feel around you when you walk or move. It a just gorgeous and even better in person. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a pink silk crepe through the bodice and a pink silk through the skirt. It closes with a hook and eye at the back of the neck and a zipper that starts at the waist tag a vintage Valentino 8. I see one tiny mark on the side of a pleat on the front bodice. Please see the photo after the label shot.
Bust: the sides are open & the bust covers 13-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to top pf the band at the waist
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4600
Reference Photo: Model in Valentino, Vogue Italia, July 1974.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Beautiful Resort 2020 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Floral Printed Cotton Dress w Belt
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The twin of this dress was shown for Look 23 for the Resort 2020 presentation. The entire collection was an explosion of flowers and Vogue explained that "Many of the floral illustrations in print or embroidered in stitch and pin on satin evening dresses and tailoring were drawn from life in the enormous 19th-century glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London. The subjects of these drawings were specifically flowers in danger of extinction. Others were based on flowers that are already extinct but which the McQueen team was able to observe dead, pressed, and desiccated in the Kew herbarium." It's a terrifically beautiful dress and besides the runway pic we also found a reference photo of Brie Larson wearing one that year as well.
This dress is just gorgeous and one of the prettiest dresses I have seen by the label. They have a knack for making these pieces with pretty prints and then adding a twist on the design to still give it that McQueen edge. The cut is simple and flattering. Wide straps curve over each shoulder and extend into the bodice. The neckline is squared off and the top is cut the skim over you. The waist is seamed and my client relentlessly hunted until she was able to source the perfect matching McQueen belt from the 2008 collection which is included with the dress. I love that you can wear it with or with the belt or use another to get a completely different feel. The skirt falls from under that and it is spectacular. There is a ton of fabric in the skirt and the weight of that crisp cotton id the perfect wright to help hold the volume that you see. The hem is finished with two wide rows of ruffles and I love how they are gathered into the body of the skirt for extra detailing. This gives the skirt an extra added pretty fullness to it and when you walk it catches the air and billows out around you. The fabric is gorgeous. It is a light cotton that has a touch of crispness to it. The entire surface of the dress is screened with that spectacular floral design in a riot of pinks and red. It is fabulous. Excellent condition
Lined in a white cotton through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It looks like it was worn very little if at all. The belt is included and it snaps to close and is stamped a McQueen 40
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to top of band at the waist
Total length: 54" from the top of the shoulder to hem
Belt: Adjustable from 27" - 31"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4601
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2020 Alexander McQueen, Look 23. / (2-3) Brie Larson in Alexander McQueen at the Just Mercy Party, December 2020.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Dreamiest Spring 2007 Valentino Pleated & Bias Cut Pink Silk Chiffon Dress w Open Tie Back
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When hunting for the provenance of this dress we found its twin attributed as being from Spring 2007 but I feel like it could be from somewhere between that the 2004 collection where he used ties like this one has to hold the dresses onto the body. I know I have seen this one somewhere at some point so one day on the future I am sure I will send its new owner a reference photo. It is one of the pieces that would have been made in limited quantities and it is utterly spectacular. It also has the significance of being from the final few years that Mr. Valentino was still designing before he retired. It is incredibly beautiful and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
This soft romantic pink silk chiffon dress is stunning on the body. The layers of chiffon float over each other to allow it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight your every curve in a very flattering way. The bodice has a soft and romantic feel to it and it is finished with his signature tiny pleat work that follows the way the silk has been laid out. A panel wraps around the top of the bodice and then under that more panels are set on angles that cross each other. At the side it splits and extends into two long ties that open out into silk chiffon panels that you then wrap and tie across the back. Panels of chiffon extend out from the top of the bodice to tie behind the neck and then there is a final little tie at the small of your back. This leaves bits of your back exposed and bare. Despite the romantic feel the dress has this gives it a very sexy feel at the same time. It is just tremendously beautiful. The way that all of the panels and ties are set are done to perfectly emphasize your curves and add that signature Valentino femininity. The workmanship is exquisite. Under the bodice there is a little panel of chiffon that floats around the hips. The skirt skims over the hips under that and then falls to the floor in a beautiful drape of chiffon. The front centre of the skirt is split. This lets you see a mile of leg as you walk or sit and it also gives you a sense of the three layers of silk chiffon that make up the skirt. The split allows the air to catch the layers and float around you as you walk. The skirt extends down slightly longer at the back so that you get a pretty sweeping feel as you walk. The fabric is feather light. It is incredible and I love it. No matter how good it looks in the photos when this is on and moving it is even better. Excellent condition.
Fully lined with pink silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set zipper at the low back waist and ties in place above that. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Valentino 8. The ties make it adjustable, so this should fit a range of sizes
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable an inch or two from there with the back ties
Waist: adjustable with tie
Seam at the top of the hip/ low waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19 flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from neck to front hem, 75" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4602
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Gorgeous 2000s Valentino Roma Mauve Purple Silk Chiffon Dress w Sequin & Lace Detailing
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The Valentino Roma label launched in 2000 to take the place of the Miss V line. It was sold at a price point that was a bit more accessible then their main line and was meant to be available in more shops then the main line would be. The pieces were still very well made. This one caught my eye simply because of how gorgeous and sexy it is. It is a stunning dress with a beautiful amount of detailing on it.
The dress is made out of a combination of a feather light deep mauve purple silk chiffon and a matching lace that is detailed with sequins. It is a combination that is instantly striking and sexy. The top is cut in a halter with lightly padded triangles over each breast. Silk straps in a matching colour curve up and over each shoulder and then cross over each other at the back. The back dips low for a bare expanse of skin to show. At the front the bodice is detailed with a panel of lace that runs down the centre and then a wider panel circles the waist all the way around. The lace down the front has no backing so you get a glimpse of skin underneath. I love that. All of the lace is detailed with glossy purple sequins and beads. Under that the skirt falls to the floor and there are many yards of fabric in it. At just about the knee it opens and flares out so you have tons of movement around you when you move. It is gorgeous and very sexy. Great condition with notes below
Fully lined in a matching silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a size 40/4. There is very minor marks along the edge of the seam near the arms and a couple light marks on the dress and one strap. Please see the photos after the label shot. All minor.
Bust: 16" flat across the front from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 15" from top of bodice to top seam at the waist
Skirt: 62" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4597
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Stunning Spring 2016 Maison Margiela by John Galliano Runway Look 32 Strapless Painted Dress
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This is from the Spring 2016 collection and its twin walked the runway for Look 32. This is Maison Margiela designed by John Galliano and I love having the photo references and runway video so that you can see how amazing the dress is once on the body. Vogue called this collection the "most rounded and product fulled collection so far" They went on to note that "He made a delightful merge of vintage-y eccentricity, Japanese geisha styling, and color—themes that have constantly been part of Galliano’s design territory from the beginning, of course....for evening and events, numerous dresses in extraordinarily subtle combinations of kimono-inspired prints and tints" This is dress was a part of that grouping and you see the elements of a traditional kimono in its padding detailing and painted silks. On the runway they showed it with a bag wrapped and tied around the bodice and I loved that clever staying that added that bright pop of unexpected green.
The first thing you will notice when you take this out of the box is how tiny it seems. It seems almost impossible to fit on an actual body but when you actually put it on you realize the amount of stretch that is cleverly hidden in it that allows it to form and fit you perfectly around the bodice. The colour is a muted plum and it is a fascinating and complicated combination of fabrications. The bodice has a built-in boned and cupped inner corset and then there is a layer of padding between that and the outer stretch silk jersey. It is strapless and meant to hug and fit the body. The skirt under that is fascinating. There is a layer of a thick stiffened mesh netting that sits over a white layer of the same netting and then that all sits over an inner printed layer of silk. Then that is backed in a black almost neoprene feeling fabric. This creates the slightly padded feel you see. If that wasn't enough the entire back of the dress has been painted with swaths of a bright turquoise paint that actually sits on top of the fabrics. It feels like he took a roller and just rolled over the fabric. John always pushes the edge in the way that he uses fabrics and this dress is no exception of that. It is a fascinating piece to see and an amazing future collectible. It has that brilliant tailoring and innovation that the label is know for combined with Galliano's genius. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined as described above and closes with a back zipper. Fully separate boned and cupped corset inside. Tagged a 40. The fabric has some stretch.
Bust: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8" from top of bodice to top seam at the waist
Total length: 48" from the top of the bodice to the hem with approx 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD4598
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2016 Maison Margiela, Look 32. Model Martina Lew.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Spectacular Fall 2003 John Galliano Bias Cut Mauve Purple Silk Dress w Draped Arm Panels
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This dress is from John Galliano's own label and is an incredible example of his work from this time period. This is a production piece that was not shown on the runway but would have been made in limited quantities for the shops. For this season he had emphasized a glamorous hourglass shape mixed with nods to pinup girl lingerie style dressing. These bias cut dresses always harken back to his love of the 1930s and 1940s and you can see that influence in them. This dress with its cut out detailing and that fantastic draping of fabric across the shoulders is absolutely beautiful. This is classic Galliano and is extremely flattering once on the body.
The dress is made out of a deep mauve purple silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias in that signature cut he does so well and that we all love. The dress falls from a delicate strap that curves up and behind the neck and then it drapes down and over the body to the floor. It is very beautiful. The bias cut of it allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that it shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric has been pieced together with dropped and angled panels throughout to create the beautiful shape that you see here. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and around the neck. The strap meets and then drops down the centre of the back and panels are suspended from it. These curving panels are fascinating. They can hang down and under the arms at the side or you can drape your arms through them to create that beautiful curving panel at the back that you see in some of the photos. We tried to style and show it in the various ways it can be worn and I love the versatility of it. I think that on a real body you might even be able to get clever and do some other styling tricks with them as well. The dress glides over the body past the bust, waist and hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem. On one side of the dress it buttons to close with a row of his signature tightly spaced buttons covered in the same silk and then on the other side the fabric is gathered in and up into a wired circle. The circle is open in the centre and the panels that gather into the circle have been cut out and opened so that it forms the shape of a flower trailing over one hip. The dress is lined in a crepe silk but you could choose to remove that lining and have that side be completely bare so that your skin showed through if you wished. I have seen this dress in another colour where someone did that and it made it that much more sexy. It is an incredible feat of patterning. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a slightly deeper purple silk crepe and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. I see perhaps a tiny pull in the fabric here and there which happens with this fabric and a bit of shininess here and there from pressing near seams. All minor and mentioned for accuracy. Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes with it just draping more in a smaller frame
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4599
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Fabulous Fall 2008 Christian Dior Black Meticulously Tailored Bar Jacket w Beaded Hip Detailing
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With the Galliano collections for Dior you will often see the development of ideas through the collections. Some pieces in his ready-to-wear collection will follow and build on ideas first established in the previous Couture season. When looking for references for this jacket, we found them not in the RTW 2008 runway collection, but on the couture catwalk just proceeding this collection. The jacket has resemblances and similarities to both Look 4 and Look 7 and we have included those here for you to see. Its roots as far as its shape lie in the famous bar jacket that the house of Dior is so well-known for. Galliano included a variation of that silhouette in almost every one of his collections each season, tweaking and refining it in his own genius way. This is one of the best I have seen and is an exceptionally beautiful jacket.
This jacket is where we see the level of tailoring that you get from a long established heritage brand. It is spectacular. The jacket is made from a fine black wool that has a slight nubby texture to it. Every seam on it is deliberate. The shoulders are shaped with light padding but cut in a slight slope so that it is extremely flattering int he body and follows the natural shape of the shoulder. The sleeve are long with just a simple hem at the cuff. The body of the jacket is constructed with vertical seaming and darts so that it curves around the body perfectly. It buttons down the front with matching fabric covered buttons. The bodice skims over the bust and the waist nips in. The hips flare out under that and there is light inner padding to help achieve the shape that you see, I love the pockets and detailing at the hips. Each swoops in a curve to create the pockets and then that curving panel of fabric is finished with black sequins applied to follow the line it makes. The workmanship is stunning and it's a gorgeous jacket. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk through the upper bodice and the hip[ peplum is the same fabric as the exterior. It closes with the fabric covered buttons at the front Tagged a US4, GB8, FR36, IT40
Sleeves: 22.5" and 11" around
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4594
Reference Photos: Fall 2008 Christian Dior Haute Couture, Look 4 & 7.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Runway Pre-Fall 2015 Valentino by Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Blue Mirror Jacket
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The Pre-fall collection was extensive as far as the number of looks that walked the runway. The twin of this jacket was Look 64 in the presentation and there were still looks that followed it. This is from the era that both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were designing for the label and for this particular collection they brought in Celia birtwell, the British textile designer and ex-wife of the late Ossie Clark, as well as the Italian Pop Artist Giosetta Fioroni as collaborators. This gave the collection a magical quirky feel with all of those creatives minds adding their own spin into the mix.
This is a great jacket that adds an instant pop to any outfit and makes it special. The base of the jacket is a deep blue silk fabric that has an almost light canvas finish to it. Then onto that are hundred of little mirrors in various sizes that are either round square or oblong. These are all set within a sewn embroidered edging or against a little blue fabric backdrop and they cover the entire jacket. I love how the different size of mirrors are set in a way to follow and highlight the lines of the jacket. When you have this on they catch the light and reflect everything around you and it is amazing. The jacket itself is easy to wear. The sleeves are slightly cropped and the jacket is more of a skimming shape through the body. It does have shape and comes in slightly at the waist but it is meant to feel more easy than structured and fitted. The collar is rounded and notched and adorned with mirrors as well. Two big top-stitched pockets sit on the front of each hip for the perfect finishing detail. It is the perfect jacket to just slip on over just about anything. Excellent condition.
Fully lined with a handset blue silk and closes at the front with hidden set buttons. The pockets on the front are functional. Tagged a modern Valentino 8. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.
Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4596
Reference Photo: Pre-Fall 2015 Valentino, Look 74.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Stunning Fall 2005 Christian Dior By John Galliano Runway Black Velvet Jacket e Belt Detail
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On the runway this jacket was shown in a gold colour for Look 33. I love this black version but I also love having that runway photo and video so that you can see how fantastic this is on the body. In the review of the show Vogue noted that Galliano was focussed on wearability and the commercial aspect of this show. Many of the looks were based on the last Couture show and then he focused on making it into ready-to-wear. Jackets were the centre point of the collection and Vogue said that; "he started with black and white striped laddered Edie Sedgwick mohair knits worn with baker-boy caps flat pointy crocodile knee boots and fishnets. Those quickly became a device for showing off the staple jackets Galliano has brought to the party: cutaway tail coats, biker jackets with Napoleonic collars, and his reinterpretation of Dior's seminal New Look Bar jacket. From there, he segued into shearling aviators, and brown crocodile and leather, sending out a high-belted maxi coat that knowingly checked another box on the season's trend sheet. Next up: gorgeous russet, dusty-pink and burnt-orange velvets followed by dresses in silver/gray, delicate pink, and grape, distilling the rococo delicacy of his couture into believable party wear." The velvet jacket noted in their review is of course the runway version of this one.
I love the softness and romance that this jacket has, but don't let it softness fool you because to achieve that look there is master level construction behind it. The shoulders are lightly padded and the sleeves are inset with small gathers so that they have a slight capped effect. The sleeves are long and each one ends with a button cuff. Once on, they puff up slight above that cuff. The softness of the velvet allows it to drape over you and at first glance it feels unstructured but when you look at the seaming inside you see the high level of tailoring that has gone into achieving this effect. There are panels on either side of the front that actually sit up and off the jacket and are connected to the collar and then at the waist. The waist is gathered in at the front and there is a separate belt that comes with the jacket that you can add more shape with or leave looser and easy. Under that the hips flare out and I love how the fabric is gathered in and under the hem so there is slight bit of volume there. Inside the edge of the hem there is even a touch of inner padding to emphasize that shape. The jacket has the slouchy feel of a 1920s piece and the choice of fabric adds to that feel of it being an older piece. It is quintessentially John Galliano and it is stunning. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk and buttons to close at the front with hidden set buttons. Each cuff buttons to close and the belt also buttons to close. Tagged. a US8, speechGB12, FR40, IT44.
Sleeves: 25" and 12" around
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched with the belt
Bottom seam: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MeD
Item# DD4595
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2005 Christian Dior, Look 33. Model Kamilla Wawrzyniak.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
donald brooks
Sophisticated 1960s Donald Brooks Fine Black Wool Crepe Dress w Elaborate Rhinestone Detailing
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Donald Brooks launched his label in late 1963 with a collection for the Spring 1964 season after an already successful start as a costumier for Hollywood. He quickly became one of the most sought after of the American designers and his clients included Jaqueline Kennedy, Claudette Colbert and Faye Dunaway. The New York Times said that he was one of 'the three B's of fashion' alongside Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene. He helped to launch the American Council of Fashion Designers and won three Cody Awards over the course of his career. He launched a secondary boutique line in 1971 all while also designing costumes for Movie and Television. He eventually closed his label to concentrate on costume work and only designed for the occasional private client. This is a gorgeous example of his work from his main made to order label.
I love this dress. The dress is made from a black wool crepe that is cut loose and easy through the body. It has an inner built in bodice that holds it perfectly in place and then the crepe just falls over that. This gives you that fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from straps that curve up and over the shoulder. Everything about the dress is done as simply as possible and this is all deliberate so that the bodice can shine. The bodice has a heavy embellishment of little steel beads mixed with a variety of prong set crystal rhinestones in different shapes and sizes. These catch the light beautifully. The rhinestones form flowers within the designs and I love how he used bigger stones so it has this fantastic 3D effect. The embellishments go across the entire back to create a wide panel and then wrap to the front where they curve up to leave a space between them at the centre. The top of the bust is cut straight across all the way around and then under that the dress cascades to the floor. It widens out as it nears the hem and has an easy-to-wear feel to it. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically dramatic effect as the dress floats around you. It is amazing and it has pockets on each hip. This is a truly stunning dress. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. There is an inner boned structure that hooks to close with a series of lingerie hooks up the back. Pockets along the seam of each hip. Tagged a vintage 8. I see a couple of tiny areas of thinning near the hem but am being pretty picky. Please see the photo after the label shot. You could add to the inner waist to get more room if needed
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4591
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spring 1977 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Black Cotton Jersey Striped Off Shoulder Ruffled Dress
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This is a very pretty and easy to wear Christian Dior dress from the Marc Bohan years. I recently had one of the other versions of this dress in the shop and it was exciting to have the second of the three designs he created for these come in so soon. It is a wonderful example of the work being done for day wear during this time period. It is also a dress that is fabulously documented. It was photoed for L'Officiel that season and was part of the press package prior to the collection release. We even found some colour photos of it for this one. You can see in those photos that there were three versions of this dress made of this look and this is the twin of the off shoulder one you see on the reference photos here. I love it.
This dress also stands out from the previous ones I have had because it feels brand new. The fabric is still crisp and I don't think it was ever worn. The dress is made from a black cotton that has a horizontal stripe running through it in various bright primary colours. This one also has a more full and swingy skirt that I love. To wear it you just slip it on and tighten the tie at the neckline to hold it in place either around your shoulders or up on them and then there is a tie at the waist to shape it as well. The ties are made of the same fabric and I loved that this gives them that little bit of color. The dress has that fantastic wide ruffle at the shoulders and you can see in the photos how much movement this creates. Underneath that the bodice is cut to skim over you to the ties at the waist. I prefer it tied more loosely so you get that sense of swing that the dress has but you could also bring the length of the skirt up by tying the waist tie tighter and having the top blouse over it more. We did that for the last two full length shots here. The skirt widens out to be quite full by the time it reaches its hem. It is made of three tiers of fabric and each widens out more as it goes down to the hem. This gives you lovely movement when you move. It is fantastic. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. You can adjust the tie around the shoulders at the front of the bodice and also the tie through the waist. The easy cut and adjustable fit should allow it to fit on a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all and the colours are still crisp and true
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in by several inches
Hips: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS - MED
Item# DD4592
Reference Photos: (1) Model in Dior, L'Officiel US, 1977. / (2-12) Christian Dior Spring 1977 Ready to Wear Advance. / (13) Spring 1977 Christian Dior.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
andre courreges
Incredible Fall 1971 Andre Courreges Black Dress w Open Back Detailed w Straps & Bows
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This is a remarkable example of Courreges and the work that Andre was doing during that time period. I know we often associate his work with very mod and short pieces but he also did many dramatic and long pieces like this. We have had a dress from the collection before this in the shop before and we were happy to find a version of this one that was photoed for Vogue that spring and a runway shot with close versions as well. It is a fantastically chic and beautiful dress with just the right amount of sexiness to it with that open back.
Many of his pieces are a play on volume and proportion and this dress is an amazing example of that. It is a dramatic piece that has a more bare and fitted feel through the upper bodice and back and then flares and widens out very dramatically to the hem. The fabric is light in weight but has enough weight to it to hold the shape. It has enough structure to it that it holds the intended shape and volume while feeling like you are barely wearing anything. The seaming is superb and the simplicity of it is part of what makes the design so good. All of the seams are vertically set on the dress to help add to the feeling of length and the bust is cleverly draped to add shape. I love the little faux pocket tops that sit just above the hip on each side. The neckline is sits straight across and high on the chest and the sides curve down for the arms. Straps hook into place at the front and curve down to meet the back. The back is scooped open and then there are 4 straps that extend out from each side and tie in little bows down the centre. A final little bow sits at the very base of the curve of the back. Crazy good. Extremely collectible and rare. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a deep burgundy silky rayon and it closes with a hidden set side zipper. One strap hooks into place at the front with a hidden hook and eye. Tagged a Courreges A.
Bust: 17.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from seam to seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from seam to seam
Total length: 56" from shoulder to hem w approx 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4593
Reference Photos: (1) Models in Courreges, photographed by Bugat, Vogue Paris, September 1971. / (2) Courreges Fashion Show, 1971.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
luisa beccaria
Most Romantic Resort 2020 Luisa Beccaria Runway Look 24 Blue & Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress
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The twin of this dress was Look 24 for the Resort 2020 presentation and I love having that reference photo for you to show how amazing it is on the body. The Luisa Beccaria label is out of Italy and is run by the mother-daughter team of Luisa and Lucilla Beccaria. They are known for their incredibly feminine pieces that have an almost story book feel to them. The cost of their pieces run into the thousands and their clothing is very well made. This season was a coup for the label as they were fresh from designing the wedding dress Lady Gabriella Windsor. And well deserved. The label's pieces always have a sense of romance to them. Vogue said of the collection that; 'Beccaria’s style is at its most resplendent when she’s designing for elegant soirées and receptions with a sense of occasion. Resort offered plenty of choices in embroidered lace, layered tulle, macramé, and wispy organza.'
This is everything you look for in a piece by the Beccaria label. It has a stunning floral design print screened onto a feather light silk chiffon. Think the finest silk scarf you could have in terms of weight and feel. The entire dress has been printed with that gorgeous and romantic flower design in pale shades of blue and I love it. The neckline is set in a higher collar around the neck with a long tie that you can let trail down the back as they did in the collection photos or wrap and tie it into a beautiful soft bow at the front like I did for most of these shots. The silk has been gathered into the collar for pretty detail on the bodice and this adds a pretty softness there. From the neckline it skims to the waist and it comes with a matching tie belt in the same fabric that has a cut out flower that matches the print on the belt. I love this extra little thought into the design and how this gives you the option of wearing it more cinched in through the waist. The skirt falls to the floor under that, and the silk is all biased cut and there is a ton of fabric in the skirt. It is so light and there is so much fabric that your slightest movement causes the skirt to float around you as you move. It is beautiful to see. It is also in its original uncut length so it is very long. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is an incredibly full balloon sleeve made out of a single layer of the silk chiffon. They pouf out dramatically above the cuff and each cuff ends in a split ruffle that is angled down longer on one side. The movement and drama the entire dress has is extraordinary. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. It is a stunning and very romantic example of her work and beautifully made. I love it. It comes with its original hang tags and was never worn. Excellent condition
The outer dress is unlined and it comes with a matching ivory bias cut silk chiffon slip to wear underneath. It closes with hook and eye at the back of the neck and a hidden set side zipper. Elastic through the waist and at the end of each cuff. The original tie belt is included. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger frame. In its original uncut length, and appears to have never been worn. Tagged a modern 46 and has its original hangtags.
Outer Dress
Sleeves: approx 29" but meant to come up once on and 18" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem
Inner Separate Slip
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 67" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4590
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Luisa Beccaria, Look 24.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
c.1977 Oscar de la Renta for Swirl One Shoulder Printed Bright Floral Cotton Dress w Ruffled Hem
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Oscar de La Renta was bought onto the Swirl label in 1977 to do a line of robes, nightgowns and pretty little hostess type dresses like this one. The label had hired Bill Tice in 1975 as the designer but then in 1977 made a deal with first Geoffrey Beene and then de la Renta to do a line for them as well. Tice sued the company shortly after bringing in Oscar, citing that Swirl was favouring Oscar over him. He left the company saying his contract has been violated and Oscar withdrew shortly after that as well. Which makes this dress a very interesting little piece of fashion history from a very specific and short period of time. Besides its fascinating history, it is also a gorgeous little dress in its own right.
The dress is made out of an easy to wear, and easy to travel with, printed cotton mix and it is so pretty. This fabric choice makes the dress so comfortable once on and easy to work with. You can literally pull it out of a suitcase and pop it on and go. This type of fabric also hold colours extremely well and they feel as crisp and true as they would have been when it was produced. I love the brightness of the print that covers the entire dress. It is a pretty pop of bright tropical flowers set on that pretty blue backdrop. I don't think you could wear this dress and not feel happy. The dress is cut into a chic and simple one shoulder at the front. The bodice extends into the strap that curves over one shoulder and I love how it's kept a bit wider. All of the edges have a red ribbon detailing, and this also goes around the waist. The back has that same angle to it. The waist is seamed but it has a more generous feeling cut so it's easy to wear. If you wanted it to feel more cinched in you could add a belt. The skirt falls to the floor from there and widens out as it nears the floor. I love how the hem is finished with a wide 10 inch ruffle in the same fabric. This gives a bit of a kick and movement when you move and is just the prettiest way to finish the dress. The skirt has a pretty amount of fullness in it to give it a bright and happy feel. It is a gorgeous dress. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with two buttons at the side. A couple of tiny marks here and there but minor
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the top of the ribbon at the waist
Total length: 56" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4589
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Luisa Beccaria, Look 24.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Pre-Fall 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 3 Blue & White Silk Organza Dress
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This dress is the twin of Look 3 for the Pre-Fall 2020 collection. For this collection Pierpaolo paid homage to the Fall 1968 Haute Couture collection and I have included the reference photos of those original pieces here. This famous print was originally done by Mr Valentino and were inspired by the blue and white in Chinese Delft print vases. It is also very close in style to the 2013 Valentino dress that was a part of the in the Met Museums 2015 "China: Through the Looking Glass" exhibit. When speaking of this collection to Vogue Piccioli said; “I want to maintain couture’s values even in the pre-fall collection. I like the idea of breaking its rules and translating them into a modern, spontaneous wardrobe, making something historical become contemporary.” and they went on to mention this print in particular saying that 'he picked from the archives... a beautiful print of Delft blue vases from a sophisticated 1968 couture collection. “I want Valentino to be lively and joyous,” enthused Piccioli. “For me, beauty means life, emotion, something that vibrates and is full of energy—not something removed that you look at from afar, as if on a pedestal.” Mary Holland wore its twin to a premier that season as well. It is beautiful and very special.
The dress is pristine and utterly beautiful. It is made of a feather light silk organza that has been printed with that beautiful blue and white design that gives a nod do the 1968 couture collection as described above. It is magical. The colour combines the soft ivory backdrop with that dreamy blue floral print. The print is beautiful and intricate. I love how he has placed the print over the bodice and skirt to accentuate the design and flow of the dress. The silk is feather light in weight and just floats beautifully over the body once on. It will softly move with the slightest breeze or movement on your part. The dress has a second layer of organza through the bodice and skirt which gives it just a touch less transparency and also helps to add to the airy and light feel that it has. The sleeves are a single layer of silk so you see your arm through the pattern. The neckline has a small neat collar and it buttons to close done the bodice with hidden set buttons. Note how careful the patterns has been lined up across the panel there. The bodice lightly skims over you to the nipped in waist. Each sleeve ends in a beautiful ruffles cuff. The skirt is spectacular. It is lazy gathered through the waist scene and then opens up to be very full to the floor. Because of the layering of the organza with the outer layer in the inner layer, it just floats and moves around you spectacularly when you move. It a just gorgeous and even better in person as you get more of a sense of the lightness of that stunning printed silk. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Lined in silk organza as described above. I buttons down the front with hidden set buttons under that front panel and zines to close with a hidden set zipper down the back. Tagged a modern Valentino 40
Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12,5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total Length: 65" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4588
Reference Photos: (1) Pre-Fall 2020 Valentino, Look 3. / (2) Models in Valentino, British Vogue, September 1968. / (3) Valentino dresses at the MET Exhibition "China: Through the Looking Glass", 2015. / (4) Model in Valentino Autumn 1968 Gown, photographed by Steven Meisel, 2015. / (5) Mary Holland in Valentino at the premiere of "Happiest Season", November 2020.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
halston
Incredible Spring 1978 Halston IV Plunged & Pleated Black Wrap Runway Dress w Balloon Sleeves
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This is a stunning Halston. I recently had a white version in the shop and was excited to find a black one so soon. We also found some extra provenance on this dress. The original of it was a runway piece and worn by Pat Cleveland. A version was then issued for the Halston IV line resulting in this beautiful piece. It is interesting that this dress was produced for both the main line and this line with each version done in a different fabric and constructions techniques. But visually they are so similar they could be twins. We've included the runway shots of the both black and white versions here so that you can see how gorgeous this is on the body. You can see that a belt was added to the dress to style it for the show and I love when you can see how the designer intended it to be styled. It is a killer dress. I own the twin of this dress and it's one of my favourites.
The dress has tiny pleat work throughout. Like most of his best work its design is simple yet impactful. His genius lies in the ability to use the least possible amount of seams yet he still managed to create the most stunning lines. The dress wraps around and is secured at the waist with snaps and flat hooks to keep it in place. The waist has elastic running through it that gives it this incredible ease once it is on the body. The front plunges into a low V and there are two snaps along the front to hold it more securely in place. I did not use them for these photos but if you wanted a plunge that was a little less extreme you could close one or both of the snaps. The bodice is loose and easy and then comes in at the waist. You could add a belt if you wanted more shape. The skirt wraps below that and falls to the floor. The pleating gives it movement so that it moves wonderfully when you walk and the wrap allows a touch of leg to show when you move or sit. The sleeves are the star of the show on this dress. They are cut on a curve and come in at the elastic wrist. Once on they pouf and balloon fantastically above that. On my dress form they hang low but you can see in the runways shots how they billow around the arm and wrist once they are actually on. It is an incredible dress and like many of his pieces it truly will only come to life once there is a body in it. It is remarkable and a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition
Unlined and wraps around you to close. It hooks and snaps in places around the waist. The waist is elastic so there is give there. You could also get less or more room by moving some of the hooks inside if needed. The range given below is the comfortable range where they are now. Each cuff has elastic. I have put XS-MED and with some moving of the inner hooks / snaps it would probably work on a larger frame as well
Sleeves: approx 26"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open on the sides and will accommodate at least 15-19" flat " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4585
Reference Photos: (1-3) Pat Cleveland on the Spring 1978 Halston Runway. / (4-5) Halston Spring 1978 Ready to Wear Advance.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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Zuhair Murad is a Lebanese fashion designer who is based in Beirut. He studied in Paris and in 1997 he opened his first atelier in Beirut. He made his international debut at the Alta Roma Fashion Week in 1999 and three years later he presented his first couture collection. The twin of this dress was Look 44 for the Fall 2014 collection. Its twin was worn beautifully by Shakira at the Echo Awards that year and it was shot for Tatler Hong Kong that year as well. It is a stunning and well documented example of his work.
The base of the dress is a nude silk netting that has that extensive sequin pattern done directly onto the net. Through the body it has an extra layer of the nude netting in parts so that it is a bit less transparent so that you can wear it. All of the work on the dress is a combination of machine work with tons of hand finishes. The sequins are done in little curving and abstract rows to create the design that you see. Many of those are then edged with tiny black tube beads to help define the pattern that runs over the entire body of the dress. I love that the pattern itself has been laid out over the dress in the most deliberate manner to help to create and give you curves and shape. I love how when it hits the hips there is a bit of a seam there and then the skirt flares out below that to be quite full. The back of the skirt falls longer than the front so that you get a bit of a trained effect behind you. The neckline is set high across the front but wide. The sleeves are long and the pattern runs down them as well so the continuity is not broken. At the back there is a bit of a V so you have a bare expanse of skin there. The V sits above a chunky zipper that is meant to be seen and becomes a design element of the dress itself. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition with a minor note below
The main body of the dress is backed in a double layer of the nude netting and it closes with the zipper at the back. Each sleeve closes with a hidden set zipper. Hand finishes inside. I see the occasional row of sequins missing on the sleeve and some here and there around the edge of the hem. Very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
Sleeves: 23" and 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and 72" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS- XS
Item# DD4586
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2014 Zuhair Murad, Look 44. / (2-3) Shakira at the Echo Awards, 2014. / (4) Zhanna Brass for Tatler Hong Kong, August 2014.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Beautiful Spring 2004 Alexander McQueen Cut Device Silk Velvet Dress w Silk Chiffon Balloon Sleeves
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This dress is a piece from the Spring 2004 season at McQueen and it is stunning. In the show that year you can see some of the dress with bead work used a similar pattern to the one you see on this piece. This would have been a dress produced for the shops.The FIDM Museum said of the show; "Deliverance, Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2004 fashion show was the hit of the season. Based on the 1969 film, "They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?" Deliverance subverted the typical fashion show narrative by reversing the order of presentation; evening gowns kicked off the extravaganza while faux-homespun daywear and a tarnished evening gown concluded the show. This narrative mirrored the film, which documents a Depression-era dance marathon. In order to earn a cash prize the hopeful participants must dance for days with only brief breaks for food and short naps. Lack of sleep and food, paired with non-stop dancing, drives the dancers to the point of emotional and physical collapse and ends in tragedy... 20 trained dancers paired with 20 models, all of whom rehearsed for two weeks. Deliverance began with models and dancers moving about the dance floor with a sense of eagerness and purpose, dressed in delicate gowns. By the end of the show, the dancer/models struggle to stay upright while dressed in patchwork garments representative of their overall decline.The emotional and physical deterioration in Deliverance is typical of McQueen’s work, which frequently explores themes related to violence and decay. Garments, particularly in his early collections, are often intentionally cut and torn and his fashion shows have been called a “theatrical staging of cruelty.”Though it almost seems counterintuitive, McQueen has expressed a strong interest in creating a feminine persona that is intimidating in its visual power."
I love the strong nod to the bias cut pieces of the 1920s and 1930s that the dress has. Once on the body it just glides into place spectacularly. The fabric is sublime and light and easy against the skin. It is a cut silk devore velvet on a black silk chiffon base with a wonderful pattern carved into the velvet that has an Art Deco feel. The chiffon backing has a touch of transparency and then there is a layer of silk under that so the fabrics floats over each other. The upper shoulders and sleeves are a black silk chiffon that have a beautiful texture to it that contrasts against the pattern. The neckline falls into a V at the front and the chiffon is gathered into a little ruffle along the edge anchored by a tiny strip of velvet ribbon. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are spectacular. They have an inner slim sleeve and then there is a very full balloon sleeve that sits over that inner sleeve. It is so unusual and illustrates his genius. You can see how good they are in the photos and they are even better in person. The dress is cut to simply skim over the bust, waist and hips so is very easy to wear. The lower skirts swoop out with a ton of fabric in them and this falls in soft folds all the way around you. It allows for beautiful movement when you move. It is a stunning McQueen and showcases just what a master cutter he was. Excellent condition.
The body of the dress is lined in a black silk chiffon and it closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has elastic at their ends and there is an inner sleeve as described above. Tagged a vintage MCQueen
Sleeves: 26" and 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5-15"
Bust: to 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4587
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Dreamiest 2005 Blumarine Sposa Ivory Sulk & Tulle Ruffled Wedding Dress w Lace & Beading
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Anna Molinari and husband Gianpaolo Tarabini launched the Blumarine label in 1977 out of Capri and had their first catwalk show in 1980. By the 1990s they had opened their first stand alone shop. This is from the 2005 Sposa wedding collection and its just a beautiful dress
This dress is so pretty and romantic feeling. It is slightly more ivory than how it photoed and it is an even prettier colour in person. It has little netted cap sleeves that you can wear expanded out so they go over the edge of your shoulder or you can wear them up on top of your shoulders or sitting off of the shoulders altogether. I love that you have that versatility with them. The bodice is more fitted and then the dress skims over the waist and hips. It widens out as it hears the hem. The entire dress is made out of a silk organza and then it has bands of a pretty lace that is detailed with the tiniest little sequins and iridescent seed beads. These bands start at the top of the bodice and then run down the dress, carefully spaced out all the way to the hem. Tulle is set between the top two bands and the tulle there is gathered and sewn into place into those top two bands. Starting at the band just under the bust the tulle is only sewn into the band above it. The bottom edge of the tulle is left free and easy so that it forms these pretty little ruffles all the way down the dress. The dress gets wider and filler as each band progresses down the dress so that by the time you are at the hem the dress is quite full. The back is cut longer than the front so that it trails out behind you a bit and gives you that beautiful sweeping skirt. This is an amazing dress and I love how the tiny little beads and sequins catch the light so it has just a tiny glimmer as you move. It is absolutely gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam with up to a B cup at the front
Seam under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to the bottom of the band at the waist
Total Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, approx 68" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4584
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This striking and beautiful thirties dress is made from a crisp white machine lace that is pieced together in the most beautiful way. It is meant to skim over the body and highlight your shape without being overly tight. The bodice dipped into a V at the front and there's a pretty little gathering at the base of that V that meets an angled seam coming up from the waist. Straps covered in the same lace curve over the shoulder and down the back. The back is scoop slightly lower for a little bit of bear skin. The way seemed but it is cut a little bit more generously, and then the dress skimmed over the hips and widen out as it hears the ham. The skirts are magnificent. They are cut, so they are very full with a lot of fabric in them. If you lay out the skirt it's a full circle of lace. This means that when you walk you get a tremendous sense of movement around you that is beautiful. The dress is a single layer of lace with no lining underneath. So you do get transparency between the design of the floral flowers in the lace. You would either wear this over something nude or add a coloured slip depending on how daring you want to be. The work inside appears mainly to be by hand. It is truly a special piece and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition
Unlined and hooks to close down one side. Hand finishes throughout and in remarkable condition for its age. The lace does have some slight stretch and I put the range below. Perhaps the slightest tiniest bit of patina around the straps but for address of this age it is in excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4583
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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Huishan Zhang was launched in 2012 and his label has garnered a loyal following. He studied at Central Saint Martins College and worked at the Dior's Haute Couture Atelier during his 3rd year. In 2014 and again in 2015, Huishan was named the BOF 500 as one of the people shaping the Global Fashion Industry. He was also awarded the International Chinese Designer of the Year at the Elle China Style Awards in 2014. In 2015, he was a finalist for the LVMH Prize and in 2017 he was a nominee for the Vogue Fashion Fund. He is a bright and talented designer sure to do even more great things. Its twin walked the runway for Look 33 and it was the finale look of the show. It is phenomenal.
The film Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn, was the central inspiration for the show mixed with couture ideas of the past. This was the strongest looks of the show and deserved its spot as the closing look of the show The dress is easy to wear yet packs a ton of impact. It is cut to be a more fitted through the bodice and then cascades outward to the hem in a flurry of silver sequins and feathers. It simply skims over the body from head to toe so feels incredibly easy to wear. The neckline is scooped and the bodice is covered in little diamonds of silver sequins. These add so much drama to the dress and I love them. The top of the bodice is netting, and then a chiffon sits behind the sequins so that you have some coverage and it also helps to define the border of each diamond. The first row of feathers wraps around the waist and then from there to the floor the dress does alternating rows of the silver sequins on chiffon and netting with three more wide rows of fluffy white feathers. I love it. The dress has all its original tags and has never been worn. It is truly a beautiful piece and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a white silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper below hook & eye at the neck and a small keyhole. Tagged a modern UK6 US2 FR34 IT38
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 60" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4582
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Huishan Zhang Runway, Look 33 (Final Look).
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Dreamiest 1990s Yves Saint Laurent Oversized Floral Print Pink & Red Silk Chiffon Caftan Dress
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This dress is everything and it is a beautiful example of the work YSL was doing from this time period. It has a custom designed huge pink floral print screened onto a feather light red silk chiffon that is layered over an inner red silk chiffon lining. Think the finest silk scarf you could have in terms of weight and feel. The entire dress has been printed with that oversized and gorgeous flower design that I love to get that gorgeous pink on red tonal pattern. The neckline is set wide across the top of the shoulders and then it is gathered at the top of each arm for pretty detail. The silk extends out for just suggestion of a sleeve over the upper arm and you simply slip your arm through to wear it. The inner dress is attached to the outer and both layers fall from there to skim loosely over the body to the floor. As it nears the hem it widens out quite a bit near the hem and this lets it pick up the air as you move and floats around. It spectacular. The loose and easy cut give it a bit of a caftan feel that I love. The movement and drama that it has is extraordinary considering the simplicity of the design. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. It is a stunning example of his work and beautifully made. I love it. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a light red silk chiffon as described above. It slips over the head to wear with no closures. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger frame. I see a tiny repair at the back hem and the tiniest smudge of a mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a vintage YSL 36
Inner bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of bodice to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4581
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Romantic Spring 2019 Monique Lhuillier Runway Strapless Pink Tulle Dress w Dramatic Skirting
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The twin of this gorgeous Monique Lhuillier was Look 15 in the presentation and we also found a photo of one on the beautiful Dee Hilfiger. This was one of the strongest looks from the presentation and the dress is beautiful. The Lookbook was shot at a picturesque French château and Lhuillier said of the show that she "wanted the clothes to be seen in the place where they might be worn”. How magical would it be to have that happen? Although in reality this is a dress that would instantly make anywhere it ended up being worn feel magical.
This was part of her ready-to-wear collection and it might even make for a magical dress for a bride who wants to go the non-traditional route and wear something that was not white. It would also make for an amazing wedding guest option or for any gala or fabulous event. The bodice is strapless and fitted and meant to hug you and shape your curves. The peaks at the front are high and I love how she has wrapped the netted tulle over the bodice and used variations in colour on the bodice to add a bit of interest and depth. Inside it boned and shaped and I love how it scoops down and around the back. The waist is nipped in and then the skirt explodes out from under that. The skirt is spectacular. It is layers and layers of tulle set on top of each other and cut in different sections to get that elaborate shape that you see. Underneath each layer is netting cut to follow the shape above and then that has a wide panel of stiffened netting that goes all the way around you and follows every single cut and pattern in the skirt. This helps to hold the shape that you see. As good as it looks on the dress form, I think seeing it on the two women shown here really gives you an idea of how it sits and floats around you once on the body. The layers also give it a sophistication and keep it from being just another big puffed tulle skirt. The back is cut a little longer so that you get a bit of a trailing effect behind you. This is the ultimate dream dress for the girl that wants to make an entrance. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
The bodice has a built-in netted and lightly boned corset, and the skirt is lined in a pink silk. Layers of netting underneath the tulle as described above. This gown was over $10,000 and was done in very limited quantities. Tag a modern 4.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with some room at the front cups to fit at least a B cup maybe a small C
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of the peaks at the front of the bodice to waist
Total length: approx 60" from top of the peaks at the front of the bodice to the front hem and aprox 75" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4580
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2019 Monique Lhuillier, Look 15. / (2) Dee Hilfiger in Monique Lhuillier.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Sublime Resort 2018 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Brilliant Pink Velvet Dress w Side Cut Outs
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The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 65 for the 2018 Resort Valentino season. This was Pierpaolo's second pre-season show for the label and for it 'He said (to Vogue) that he fell for Baz Luhrmann’s Netflix show The Get Down. Connected to the street and erupting with color, it pushed the Valentino vocabulary forward, out of the realm of the inviolably precious and into the world of the everyday.' Even with that more street style feel in mind he still closed the show with a series of stunning long dresses that felt very grown up and elegant. The twin on this dress was the second last look of the collection and it is stunning. I am glad I have the runway photos and a reference video for you because they show how beautiful it is once on the body and moving.
I love this dress. It feels thoroughly Valentino but it also feels so timeless that it feels like a piece that you can own forever. Then when you add in that spectacular brilliant pink colour that it is done in, it is just a pure joy to see. The dress is made from a fine light weight velvet that is cut on the bias. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk the fabric of the skirt catches the air and billows out around you. The colour is a beautiful vivid pink and the velvet is the perfect fabric choice to hold that spectacular colour. The neckline is a shallow scoop and the bodice is cut to skim over you with deep cut arm holes at either side. The waist has a seam but is cut with a more generous feel. I love the little cut outs that sits above the seam on either side of the waist. This is very typical of how he adds a little sexiness into his pieces but still keeps them very elegant in feel. The skirt falls from there, skimming over the hips and then falling outwards to be quite full as it nears the hem. The skirt is cut beautifully with an inverted pleat down on each side at the front so it falls almost like a set panel at the front and back. That and the bias cut of it is what gives it that beautiful effect it has when you move. The precision in cut to have this all fall and move so beautifully should not be underestimated. This was never worn and still has its original hang tags. Excellent condition with a small note below
Fully lined in a pink silk, and closes with a hidden set side zipper below the waist. There is a combination of hook and eye and silk covered snaps on just above the cut out to close the bodice. It buttons at the back of the neck over a keyhole. There is a bit of grubbiness that looks like marks from being hung on the top of the shoulders and a faint pen mark near the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot. Ribbon finished interior seams. Tagged a modern Valentino 6 and is in its original uncut length. The original price of this dress was $9600 USD
Bust: the sides are open & the bust covers 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Underbust where the armholes end: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist at bottom of the bodice: 14.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist at the top of the skirt: 15.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4579
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Resort 2018 Valentino, Look 65. Model: Tami Williams. / (4) Charlotte Groeneveld at the Harper's Bazaar Icons Party, 2018. / (5) Tiler Peck at the American Ballet Theatre 2019 Spring Gala, 2019.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john anthony
Impeccable Fall 1984 John Anthony Couture Black & Gold Hand Sequin & Beaded Runway Jacket
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John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This jacket is from his Fall 1984 collection and is the original sample from his archives. We also were able to find the runway photo of the jacket and you can see just how amazing this one is on the body.
The first thing you notice about this jacket is the weight. Thousands of glass tube beads and sequins cover the jacket and this gives it weight yet once on the body it does not feel uncomfortable to wear. It is stunning. It has a beautiful easy cut and it sits wonderfully on the body. This one has no closures and is meant to be layered over other pieces and just be that easy but super luxe piece you just throw on. The shoulders have some padding for a bit of shape and the sleeves fall from there in a straight sleek line so that they have a touch of width. The cut through the body is more towards a box shape and then it comes in a touch at the waist for some shaping. It is meticulously tailored. John told me that creating jackets was one of his favourites things to do. They are infinitely challenging to have them sit perfectly on the body and his are tailored to a master level. The neckline is a sleek and simple with now collar. The upper part of the body of the jacket has a touch of volume and you can see this on the runway photo. The entire jacket is covered in glossy black glass tube beads that have a bit of a pewter finish to them, mixed with tiny matte gold sequins. The beads and sequins are all applied by hand and are set into a dense pattern that covers every inch of the entire jacket. They completely cover the silk that the jacket is made from. Each sequin is laid out so that it slightly overlaps its neighbour. To think of the man hours put into this jacket is incredible. The personal attention to each piece is clearly seen in the workmanship of his designs. His work is very expensive and beaded jackets like this retailed for up to $6,500 in the 80s and 90s which would be around $25k in modern dollars to recreate at this level. This is the actual sample jacket and it is the one that appears in the runway photo we have included here. It is meant to have that slightly oversized feel. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a gold toned silk with no closures. Padding in each shoulder. Made by hand, one of a kind and pristine. Its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It will just be more oversized on a smaller frame
Sleeves: 23" long and 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4576
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 John Anthony Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gianfranco ferre
Fall 1982 Gianfranco Ferre Runway Black Blue Wrap Leather Jacket w Wide Sleeves & Huge Collar
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Gianfranco Ferre is best known for his years at the helm of Dior where he headed the Atelier and House from 1989 until 1996 however, just prior to that he was designing his own line that launched in 1978 as a ready-to-wear line and then eventually added a couture line in 1986. This is an amazing jacket from that period in the early 1980s when he was designing under his own name and we found the reference runway photos from the 1982 show. I love that you can see how great it is on the body and having that documentation on it makes it that much more special.
This is a gorgeous little jacket that has all the hallmarks of the 1980s yet still manages to feel as chic and fresh now as it would have then. The jacket is made out of a light weight leather that has a touch of texture running through it from being worn and loved through the years. It isn a very light patina that gives it that perfect vintage feel but without feeling too worn. The colour is a blue black that looks one or the other colour depending on the light. It has a fabulous cut with a more voluminous feel through the top and then the waist is nipped in with a matching belt. There is a narrow peplum under where it belts that flares out for a pretty shape. The belt is top stitched and it has a heavy silver metal buckle to close. The sleeves come out from the side and marrow down to the wrist. I love the exaggerated collar that is top stitched all around the neck and then has two big flare in panels at the front. There's a padded top stitch detailing that runs down the edge and a bit of a cord detailing at the top. Each sleeve is cut straight and wide, and I love this detail. The end of each cuff and the bottom peplum has the same top stitching as the collar to tie it all together. Pockets along each side of the perfect finishing touch. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined in a black silky rayon and wraps and belts to closes. Pockets on each side. The silver on the buckle shows patina, and scratching as you can see in the photos and the jacket shows light patina to the edges here and there. The adjustable waist and wrap style should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It will just feel more oversized on a smaller frame.
Shoulder: no true seam
Sleeves: approx 23"
Bust: approx 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in with the belt
Length: 20" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4577
Reference Photos: Fall 1982 Gianfranco Ferre.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john anthony
Exceptional 2004 John Anthony Couture Brown Velvet Heavily Hand Embroidered & Beaded Jacket
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John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This jacket is from his Fall 2004 collection and is the original sample from his archives.
The first thing you notice about this jacket is the extensive embroidery. It is incredible to see. The base is a deep brown velvet and then onto that is an extensive pattern that is made from hand applied black silk cording little metal mash pieces formed into leaves, and then there are thousands of different size gold beads and sequins that are hand applied over that. Please create this fantastic 3-D pattern that pops off the base and is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This gives it weight yet once on the body it does not feel uncomfortable to wear. It is stunning. It has a beautiful tailored cut and it sits wonderfully on the body. This one has a single closure at the base of the silk collar and because of the way it is cut you could potentially wear it on its own or layered over something. It is that easy but super luxe piece you just throw on and go. The shoulders have light padding and the sleeves fall from there in a straight sleek line to the cuff. The waist is brought in with meticulous shaping and seaming so it has a beautiful curve. There is a hidden hook and eye to keep it closed. The hips flare out from there for beautiful shape. It is meticulously tailored. John told me that creating jackets was one of his favourites things to do. They are infinitely challenging to have them sit perfectly on the body and his are tailored to a master level. The collar is a gorgeous rich chocolate coloured silk and it is a neat rounded shape that plunges down the front in a sleek V. ThIs one is more fitted through the entire body of the jacket. The beads, silk cording, sequins and other appliqués are all applied by hand and are set into a dense pattern that covers the entire jacket. To think of the man hours put into this jacket is incredible. The personal attention to each piece is clearly seen in the workmanship of his designs. His work is very expensive and beaded jackets like this retailed for up to $10,000 and more during this time period which would be around $25k in modern dollars to recreate at this level. This is the actual sample jacket and it is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk with a hook and eye closure at the front. Padding in each shoulder. Made by hand, one of a kind and pristine.
Sleeves: 25" long and 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Lower seam: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4578
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.