James Galanos was just 27 years old when he launched his first label called Galanos Originals in 1951. 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 convert that to modern dollars and realize that it would be just under 30k for his upper range pieces. Part of the reason for those high price tags was that his ready-to-wear was made to couture standards. The workmanship and craft put into them were made to a level that was on par with the official French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper. Grace Kelly was an early fan and other couturiers looked to his work as inspiration. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. I have had this dress in a version that had a sleeved overlay and I loved finding this one that has a more bare feeling bodice. It really allows the emphasis to be on that beautifully draped skirt 

The dress is made from a beautiful silk chiffon that is completely covered with an oversized flower print. The colour combination of the deep rich purple with the pop of deep green for the leaves in the print is just gorgeous. The skirt is cut to suggest that it is simply wrapped around you and could be unwrapped at any moment. It is attached most of the way around and then it simply hooks into place at the side of the waist. This clever little way to set it into the seam is what gives it that lovely curved line at the front. All of the excess fabric has been gathered along that side so that the silk cascades down in a lovely draped manner. The skirt is made up of thee full layers of silk chiffon. This is an important point in itself. Silk chiffon is notoriously difficult to wrk with and he was a master at this layering technique. The draped front lets you see all three layers and the edges of the three lates become their own design element. There is the top floral printed layer, a middle layer that is a solid purple in the same tone, and then the innermost layer that gives you that unexpected bright shot of green. When you move you get flashes of that green and the effect is fantastic. The bodice is simple and perfect. It has a slightly scooped neck and it cut into an say to wear tank that dips low at both the front and back. The dress comes with its long matching silk sash that you can wrap around the waist as I have done for these shots, or you could tie it at the neck or use as a head scarf. A stunning example of his work and beautifully finished. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a bright green silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set painted metal zipper. Bias cut so there is a little  with the measurements which I have given below. Ribbon edge finshes and hand done throughout. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The bias cut and easy fit combined with the sash to bring in the waist mean it should fit a range of sizes 

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seamed can be cinched in with the sash
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem
Scarf: 15" x approx 140"

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3576

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

I am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and in 2016 a red version of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. And we have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result. These were made in a variety of colours and this one is a gorgeous purple lavender colour. It is made from a very easy to care for jersey and this fabric choice makes it very easy to wear. These were made in both a Petite sized version and a regular, longer cut version which are a little harder to find. This one is one of the longer ones.

Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one hook at the shoulder. It gives the sense that undoing that hook would cause the entire dress to drop in a puddle around you (which it would). It is constructed from two attached layers. The inner dress is cut from the same synthetic jersey and skims over the body in a long sheath. This inner part of the dress has a high slit cut into the side that travels up the side of the leg opposite to the draped side. Attached to that inner sheath lies a draped panel of jersey that is suspended from the shoulder. It falls from that shoulder down and over the front and the back of the dress. The dress hooks into place at the shoulder and the jersey cascades loosely down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and will travel exceedingly well with little to no wrinkling. It is very easy to style too - a quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. This one looks to have been worn very little is at all. Excellent condition.

Slips on to wear and hooks to close at the top of the shoulder. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. Note the colour has a slightly more pastel  feel to it then how it photoed. It is better in person I think.

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Slit: 29" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3575

Reference Photo: (1-2) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.  /  (3) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (4) Martha Hunt wearing this dress in Cannes, 2019.  /  (5) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. /  (6-8) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

The Bessi company was launched in 1950 but it was not until 1968 that it started producing the printed pieces that the label is now associated with. Like Pucci he signed all his prints and created them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality, Bessi dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies. This one is just lovely and I love it

This dress is made from a fine silk jersey and the colour combination is a little unusual as it is not the typical super bright prints that you more often see with Bessi. The main colour of the jersey is finished in a softer light purple colour. Worked into the print are little pops of different shade of pink. The floral and swirling design covers the entire surface of the dress. A contrasting border defines the cut of the dress and runs around the waist, up the front of the skirt and then defines the collar, cuffs and hem. The sleeves are cut long and I love that little pop of pink at their cuffs. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust with a V neckline. The waist is cut on the more loose and easy side and the skirt flows to the floor and widens softly as it reaches the hem. At the front there is a slit that runs up and in between the print there so that when you walk or sit you get a flash of leg. It also allows the skirt to have a bit more movement when you move. The silk jersey is very light and this allows the dress to drape beautifully on the body. It is a stunning dress. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout. The fabric is also signed throughout. The fabric has some stretch which makes it very comfortable to wear. Very well made and it looks to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: 23"
Slight drop shoulders: 17"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to top of waist
Skirt: 42" from top of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2143

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

This striking dress is from the 1970s Valentino Boutique label. The cut and drape of it is so unusual and feels very modern and edgy even by todays standards. The wool is fabulous and it feels like a mix of cashmere and wool that has been dyed to that famous Valentino red. It has this great oversized feel to it and yet it cinches in at the waist so you still have some shape. The fabric itself is lighter then you would at first think so it is super easy to wear. It is just heavy enough to be able to hold the shape and drape perfectly but feels very comfortable on. To wear it you slip it over your head and button it at the neck with the buttons you see there. Your arms slip into the straight cut sleeves and then each side is open from under the arm to the hem. Ties extend out from the back part of the dress and you wrap these around you and tie it into place. You can wear it is a dress with something underneath or with it tied tighter if you are small, or use it as a top layering piece. I feel like this is one that you could come up with a zillion way to style it. It is well made and a versatile piece that can be worn endlessly. It's amazing. Excellent condition

Unlined with buttons at the neck. It slips on to wear and then you can use the attached ties to add shape. The easy cit should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Sleeves: 20"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust-hem: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3754

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

This gorgeous little Oscar de la Renta dress is most likely from around 1968. Variations of these highly detailed dresses were made in both long and short lengths and in a several different colour ways. The label in the dress identifies it as being a part of his earliest main line. When Oscar De la Renta first started his career he began a partnership with the fashion house of Jane Derby in 1965. Jane Derby died shortly after and in 1966 the first labels that bore only the Oscar de la Renta name appeared. That makes this a very early example of his higher end work. The dress is gorgeous and a definite favourite from all the pieces of his that I have had over the years. 

The dress is very beautiful and is an absolute knock out once on. It is also very representative of his work during this time period. The fabric is quite exceptional and the silk threads that are woven through the deep red silk form a stunning design that runs from shoulder to hem. The fabric is lighter in weight then you would think at first glance. It is heavy enough to hold and retain the shape that he desired the dress to have but is still light enough so that it feels easy and comfortable to wear. It has a very refined feel to it but it feels youthful and fresh at the same time. It perfectly sums up Oscar's love of opulence mixed with the exuberance of the decade. The cut is kept simple to allow that stunning fabric to take centre stage. The skirt falls from the waist and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. I love the way the skirt has those deep pleats at either side. It adds a little extra volume and also some visual interest when you turn to the side. The waist is seamed but left more on the open and easy feeling side rather than being severely cinched in. The bodice has simple cut with no sleeves and is cut to skim over the body. The fabric is a rich silk in a deep red that has a touch of coral colour to it. Woven through that are little floral feeling medallions in a mix of silver and gold metallic thread. These have an slight 3D feel to them and add a soft metallic shimmer over the entire dress. The detailing on the bodice is spectacular. It is all edged with an elaborate gold braiding. Large crystal rhinestones are set into the coils of the braiding and little gold studs are spaced evenly along its length. The braiding runs around the neck, each arm and then details the top and bottom edge of the attached belt that gives you shape at the waist. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a red silk chiffon with additional strips of silk the inner edges. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The belt is attached. Hand finished throughout 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam, with extra room created by the folds on each side
Length: 35" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3753

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

This dress is from the time period when Karl Lagerfeld was the designer for the Chloe label. I love that this one even has its original hand written label that outlines the fabric and style. Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. Their place in fashion history is even more entrenched with his recent passing.

This dress is wonderful. In person it is even better then how it photoed. It is always a struggle to show you how perfect a simple back dress is and it is really when it is on an actual body that it will transform and really be showcased. The lower part of the dress that falls from the empire bodice really has tremendous movement that is not conveyed in a still photograph. The actual cut of the dress is kept simple and perfect. It is made out of a fine black silk chiffon that is as light as air. The bodice is a cut in a simple scoop across both the front and the back. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist is seamed and set a little higher up to give the dress an empire feel. The skirt falls to the floor from there. The pleats that it is made out of allow it to skim over the hips and then it gently widens out as it reached the hem. The entire skirt is made out of a series of precise, perfectly exact knife pleats. They are what gives it some volume and a ton of movement when you move. The pleats are the only embellishment and it is the starkness and simplicity of this dress that make the statement. The inner skirt is finished in a nude chiffon and all of the work is done by hand and to couture standards. I love it so much and it is pure magic once on an actual body. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below

The bodice is a double layer of the silk chiffon and the skirt is lined in a nude silk chiffon. It closes at the back with a snap and hooks. Hand finished interior to couture standards. Some of the pleats have softened towards the bottom of the skirt. Please see the two photos after the label shot. I think you could move the hooks and snaps at the back to get another inch or so if needed

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
High set waist seam: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to high set waist
Skirt: 45" from high set waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:  XS-SML

Item# DD3749

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

This dress is from the Resort 2015 collection from the house of Valentino. During this time period both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. Several variations of it were shown for the presentation and I an happy to have these as reference photos because it shows you how the lace looks on an actual body. Vogue's Nicole Phelps reviewed the collection and said in part: "Monastic, artistocratic, modest, and even prim have been terms applied to Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino almost since they took over in 2009" and indeed that feel is what gives this set its beauty. There is a starkness to it offset but the romance of the lace and the sexiness of it being transparent though the black parts. I love it. 

The set is made up of two pieces. A longer top that could potentially double as a mini dress and then a matching full length skirt. Whether you choose to wear them together or as separates they are gorgeous. Both pieces are made from the very distinctive cotton lace that Valentino used during this time period and still do use now. The lace parts are all set onto a black silk netting so that in between the lace you get a see-through effect. You can see how fine the netting is in my close ups and I love the nude effect that it gives. If you are brave you can wear it with just undergarments underneath for a really nude effect or layer it over opaque pieces. The top is cut in a simple T with wide straight sleeves cropped to above the elbows. It skims over the body and then flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The skirt is maxi length and widens out as it nears the floor. I laid it out flat so that you can see its beautiful lines. The mix of the lace on the netting helps it to hold its shape wonderfully. I love how all of the edges are done to follow the beautiful curving pattern of the lace. Both pieces are in like new condition and look to have never been worn. Excellent condition

Unlined. The top slips on the wear with a zipper at the back and the skirt zips to close with a hidden set zipper at the side. Tagged a Valentino 42

Top
Sleeves: 10"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3750

Reference Photos: Resort 2015 Valentino Collection, Looks 33-35. (Models: Harleth Kuusik & Maartje Verhoef).

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

This fabulous little jumpsuit was produced by the Clobber label, a boutique in London that was run by Jeff Banks from 1964-1974. Banks is one of my personal favorites of the British designers of that time

This is a sexy and easy to wear halter front black jersey jumpsuit. This is the kind of design that would have ruled the night clubs of the seventies and it has a sexy, easy way about it. It is made from an easy to wear and care for black nylon jersey that moves well and drapes well once on the body. The legs under the skirt are cut with a skinny straight feel that tapers down as it nears the ankle. The waist is elastic so it sits well once on and is very comfortable to wear. A panel of the same jersey fabric is set around the waist to give it a skirt over pants feel. This is then slit open on both sides right up to the waist. So when you move you see the legs underneath more. It is really hard to convey how great this is on the body from the static photos but it is. This  clever overlay really hides any flaws and makes you feel tall and skinny. The halter is a simple triangle front that ties up and around the neck. This leaves the back completely bare. It even has its original matching fabric tie belt to cinch in and shape the waist.  It's the perfect, go with everything black and the jersey travels perfectly. Throw it on for day with flats or wear sky high heels at night. It is a fabulous versatile piece. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Unlined and slips on to wear It ties the back of the neck. The fabric has some stretch. There is one tiny pull on the fabric near the seam of the waist at one side. It is mainly hidden under the tie belt once on. Please see the photo after the label shot. The easy cut and stretch of the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Bust: open side seam so variable
Elastic waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15-16" from top of shoulder to waist
Pant: 41" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3751

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

Halston used this sequin technique predominantly between about 1973 to 1978. Instead of layering and overlapping the sequins, they were laid out flat, side by side, to cover every inch of the fabric. This is a stunning and rare version that is full sequinned and could not have more of an impact once it is on. 

The dress is made from a red silk chiffon for the inner layer, which also acts as the lining, and then the outer layer is made out of the same fabric but in a lighter, thinner weight than the inner layer. That outer layer is what the sequins are attached to. The sequins have all been placed and attached by hand and completely cover the dress from shoulder to hem. The sequins are a glossy true red and they reflect the light beautifully. This makes the dress absolutely incredible to see in person. The technique used of placing the sequins flat and side by side allow the sequins to catch as much light as possible so it gives the fabric a molten, liquid metal feel. The bust is cut to skim over your curves. It has a pointed collar and the front wraps and snaps to close with silk covered snaps at the waist. This creates a deep front plunge but with that chic little collar that you can flip up if you want. There is elastic all around the waist so it is super comfortable when on. It skims over the hips and then flares out slightly as it reaches the hem. Because it wraps and is held in place only by the snaps at the waist you get a long overlapping opening down the front so you see lots of leg when you move or sit. It is amazingly comfortable to wear because of the stretch at the waist. Which was what he was all about - high glamour cobbled with ease. Excellent condition with a note below.

It closes with a hooks at the waist. Elastic through the waist. Fully lined in a red silk chiffon. Hand set sequins. There is the occasional sequin missing but there are sequins in the inner seams that could be used if this bothered you. Some missing sequins on the inside seams mostly on the inside panel near the waist. Obviously not seen once it is on. Minor shattering to the lining near the arm opening and a repair near the seam on the other side. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3747

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

Youseef Rizkallah joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favourites. While at Malcom Starr the piece that he designed pieces had  both his name and the Malcolm Starr International name on the label. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture drama and cut that he learned while in Paris with the color and vividness of his homeland. This is the second time I have had this dress in the shop. The first time was an all gold and blue version and I am very happy to have this red and gold version this time.

This stunning dress is one of my favourite Malcolm Starr designs. In general I love the Rizkallah years. They have lots of drama and impact and this dress is a gorgeous example of his work. The fabric is gorgeous. A heavy dose of gold metallic thread covers an underlying pattern in corals and red, all on an light silk brocade feeling fabric. The effect is amazing. It is almost like wearing a piece covered in gold leaf. The dress at first glance looks substantial but in reality it is actually shockingly light in weight. It is just heavy enough to hold the shape and volume you see but it is so easy to wear. The bodice skims over the torso and is cut to be a little more fitted. The sleeves are capped and the waist line is set higher up to sit just under the bust. The front neckline is notched and plunges down to meet the band under the bust. Around the neck, the waist and at the end of each sleeve is a detailing of gold braid that has rhinestones set all along its length. I love the flat bow that sits just under the bust made from that same gold and rhinestone cording. The skirt cascades to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem, and I love the fullness of it. Pockets sit on each hip. The silk used is very lightweight and the fabric really holds the shape of the skirt beautifully. I love that it is lined in a soft coral silk. That unexpected flash of colour is spectacular against the gold. It is just a beautiful dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a coral silk and closes with a painted back metal zipper. The inner skirt lining is finished with a wide band of dressmakers horse hair at the hem to help support and keep the shape of the skirt over it. Hand finished. The zipper will open easily if the sides are pulled apart but it stays up once zipped.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3746

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

This is a gorgeous dress by Pierre Cardin and I absolutely love it. There is a certain silhouette that is closely associated with Pierre Cardin but he was actually a designer that had a huge range. At times some of his other silhouettes get overlooked and they should not be. This wonderful Haute Couture example that I believe dates to the late seventies or early eighties. It is a beautiful and elegant piece that may not be as 'mod' in feel as some of Cardin's other pieces during this time period but shows the breadth of his talent and the high level of glamour that he was capable of.

The dress is made from a silk that has a dense application of hand placed sequins running over its entire surface. The colour of the sequins is a red that has a touch of an orange undertone to them. They are laid out flat side by side to catch maximum light. This gives the dress an almost molten feel that is stunning from every angle. The shape is kept very simple so that those spectacular sequins take centre stage. The front is cut onto a peak and then from that peak straps extend out, cross over themselves and then curve over each shoulder to meet the fabric at the back. The back is cut low and deep to leave a wide expanse of bare skin. It falls in a sleek column over the body and is brought in with seaming to shape it through the waist. It curves over the hips and stays fairly snug to the legs and then the bottom skirting flares out. That bottom skirt is a full 14" high and if you lay it out flat it is a true circle. The way it is set into the skirt lets it fall in soft curving ruffles all around you. When you walk it kicks out and has beautiful movement to it. The dress is very chic and very femme fatale. It is a dress that may seem unremarkable on a hanger but transforms into an insanely good piece once on the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. Hand set lining. It is cut on the bias so has some play in the measurements. The comfortable range is noted below. A tiny bit of patina on the back of sequins near the neck and at the very edges here and there. Very minor  

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 7" from top of shoulder to hem with 1.5" turned under the hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3748

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

The pair behind the La Mendola label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them one by one, piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop. They soon had a Hollywood following and mega stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth become regular clients who were buying and even wait-listing for pieces as they were produced. They made all of the pieces in their ateliers and designed their own prints. Clients would be sent swatches of the season's available prints and then they would place their orders. They were beloved and sought after by the jet set travel crowd as their pieces travelled extremely well and the colours used were beautiful. Their atelier closed in 1974 and I am always happy to have their pieces in the shop.

In the past I had one of their dresses come into the shop and the original owner of that dress had kept the fabric swatch options for the 1972 season along with her correspondence with the atelier. They named all of their prints and using that information that I kept a digital copy of, I know that this dress is a version of their Paridiso print. The fabric that they used for their pieces were very high end chiffons and jerseys. This dress uses both to great advantage. The actual dress is made from a beautiful light and fine silk jersey. This exceptional fabric takes colour and print very well and it is as bright and vibrant as when it was first made. Layered over this is a panelled wrap skirt  made from a silk chiffon. This top skirt layer is made of a two panels. Each is a single layer of silk chiffon and they are attached along a waist band with a bit of spacing between the two panels. This leaves a long slit on each side for the dress underneath to show through. You can tie it with the splits towards the side or the front and I have shown both ways here. You can even get clever with the styling and use it as a cape that sits lower across the shoulder. The wrap skirt layer has the same peacock feather print that the dress underneath has. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset giving the print an extra dimension of depth. The pinks used in the print are gorgeous and it is even better in person then how it photoed. The dress has a high neck and a simple cut through the bodice and sleeves. It skims over the waist and then widens out just a touch as it nears the hem. At the back it closes with a row of tightly spaced silk jersey covered buttons, a finish that was a signature of the house. The jersey has some stretch and is very light in weight so wearing this is a dream. You can wear it on its own or layer the skirt over it for added movement and completely change the look and feel of the dress. It is stunning. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with that row of tightly spaced silk jersey covered buttons. The over-skirt ties into place. The fabric the dress has stretch and this combined with the easy design of the dress should allow it to work on a variety of sizes. Hand finished throughout. The measurements given are the comfortable stretch when laid out flat. The over-skirt waist is adjustable with the ties. The photo of the swatches is from that previous dress. The actual swatch card is not included. I see one small hole in the chiffon of the skirt that gets lost in the folds once on. Please see the last shot here

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dress length: 60" from neck to hem with just under 2" turned up 
Over-skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3389

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

Norman Norell was one of the great American designers. His clothes were wildly expensive and he was credited for the unique ability to translate Paris couture into American ready-to-wear.  He started in the film industry and then was hired by Hattie Carnegie. In 1941 he left and and joined Anthony Traina where the Traina-Norell label soon appeared. Upon Traina's retirement in 1960 he launched his own self-named label. He won the very first Coty American Fashion Critics' award ever given in 1943 and then won it again in 1951 and by 1956 was the first designer to earn a place in the Coty Hall of Fame. His signature styles for day ran the gamut from shirtwaists, suits, beautifully tailored coats, and clothes that featured polka dots, checks, gingham and of course, the huge oversize bow. Norma himself once said 'To qualify as a designer one should not be afraid to repeat a good design, and certainly must have his own signature'. He did that and more and I think every serious vintage collector should have a piece of his work in their archives. 

I absolutely love this dress. The lines and cut are somewhat similar to a dress I have had in the shop previously that was dated to 1963. This one, with its bright and cheerful pink gingham print, is just spectacular to see. The silk is a very high end and I love the colour. It is cut with a masters hand and the workmanship that is put into it is beautiful to see. The bodice is cut to be more fitted and follow the lines of your body. It cinches in at the waist and to add even more shape there is a wide matching belt that acts like a corset to really bring the waist in and make the skirt under it seem even fuller. I took the first set of the photos here with a crinoline under it and then the last three full length shots are of the dress without the added underskirts. You can see how this really changes the lines and the volume of fabric in the skirt. Even without the underskirt the skirt is full and this volume has been achieved by the way it is set into the bodice. Inside at the waist there is a full ruffle of silk that sits above the interior seam. I took a photo of the inside so you can see how it is gathered up and through the waist. It is just incredible. To wear the dress you slip it on and button it down the front. It has the most incredible buttons. Hand carved, thick mother-of-pearl buttons run down the front. The same buttons in a smaller size have been used on the cuffs of each amazing sleeve. Each of the sleeves are cut on a curve to follow the natural shape of the arm. This is a couture technique that you rarely see anymore and it is just executed to perfection here. They pouf up at the shoulders and are set into the bodice with a series of high gathers. The sleeves are full at the tops and then narrow down to the wide cuffs at each wrist. Each cuff is a full 4" long and closes with four of the mother-of-pearl buttons. The interior of each sleeve is finished in a silk organza so that the sleeves keep that volume that you see. The finishing touch is one of his wide over-sized bows that you tie at the neck with the long attached ties that extend out from the collar. One side is even cut a little longer then the other so that it ties to a perfect length every time. The workmanship on this dress is incredible. This is an amazing example of the work that he was doing during this time period and one of the prettiest Norells' I have seen. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a hand set white silk through the bodice and ivory silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand carved mother-of-pearl buttons. Each sleeve has four more of the buttons in a smaller size. The only thing I see is that part of the silk on the belt has darkened a touch and there is a bit of grubbiness under the arms on the inside lining. The back of the belt is stamped Norman Norell. Hand finished throughout. The crinoline used on some photos is not included

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem with a 5" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3318

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

Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. This set is an amazing example of how she could design for a younger audience and still keep to her aesthetic. 

I am a huge Hanae Mori fan. Like the jersey pant suit I just sold a few days ago, a skirt set is perhaps not what you first think of when you think of her work but once you see it you realize that it shows how broad her range was. This set is made up of a fabulous little button down top and a matching wrap and tie at the waist full length skirt. Each is made from a different fabric and both of her choices hold that gorgeous bright print perfectly. That amazing print covers the entire surface of both pieces and I love the little butterflies in blue that flit here and there over the surface to add a pop of colour. She was just a master at colour and print. The skirt is made out of an opaque fabric that is a mix of a linen with a touch of cotton to keep it from wrinkling. To wear it you simply loop its ties through a hole at the side of the waist and then wrap it around you and tie into place. Where it overlaps at the front you get a bit of an opening so that when you walk or sit you see a flash of leg. The top is the definition of the seventies button down. It has a sharply pointed collar and long straight sleeves with button cuffs. It buttons down the front and is cut to fit the body. All of the buttons are pink and embossed with an HM raised font. The top is made out of a light weight cotton that has just a touch of transparency to it. I love how both pieces have the same print but because the fabrics have a different opaqueness quality to them you get this wonderful contrast between the two. It is incredibly easy to wear and travel with. You can wear both pieces together for a strong statement look or break up the set and wear them as separates with other pieces in your closet for lots of styling options. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with a minor note below 

Both pieces are unlined. The skirt wraps to close and ties. The top buttons down the front and at each cuff. The waist measurement is adjustable. Tagged a vintage size 8. There is grubbiness to the inside collar and a couple small spots on one cuff. Please see the label shot and the shot after that 

Top
Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: adjustable with the tie
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 3.5" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML based on the top, the skirt can probably go to a MED

Item# DD3745

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

Michael Novarese was an American designer based out of California who designed dresses for many of the Hollywood stars during the sixties and seventies including Jane Russell, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore and Elizabeth Taylor to name just a few. He launched his label in 1957 with just 8 dresses and landed a deal with Saks. He focused on creating high end pieces that always started from the fabric. He was a master at picking beautiful fabrics and then made his garments using proper couture sewing techniques. He especially loved a good sleeve so this dress is a great representation of his work with the dramatic sleeves that is has. By the 1970s he was selling dresses upwards of $1000-$2500 which is about $7000- $18000 in modern dollars. He never did a less expensive line like most of his contemporaries did so all of the pieces found by him are from his main line and are beautiful made.

The best of his pieces have a slight renaissance style to them which is a nod to his Italian heritage. This is a wonderful example of how fabulous his work could be. The dress has a soft and flowing feel to it yet it is fitted through the waist and constructed to be flattering on the body and give you shape. It is made of a silk chiffon that has a ribbon weave fused directly into the silk. This gives it a thatched woven effect. In between the ribbon weave the silk is semi-transparent and the play between the two opacities is stunning in person. The entire dress is backed with a black silk chiffon lining and that gives the more transparent parts a backdrop so that the colours in the silk really pop. To highlight the design even more, the fabric has both wide and thin stripes of gold thread worked through the silk. These catch the light and give the dress a shot of high glamour. The bodice is cut straight across the neck and then it skims over you to the waist. The sleeves are spectacular. They are cut with a slightly puffed feel at the top of each shoulder. They are very full and then are cuffed in at the elbow. The waist nips in and the skirt flows out from there to the floor. Yards of silk are used in the skirt and it is very full when you move. There is a simple grosgrain ribbon that ties at the  waist to add some shape. The dress is very well made and even better in person. On an actual body where the fabric can really move and flow it is fantastic. Excellent condition.

The bodice and skirt are lined in a black silk with an additional interlining of black silk organza through the skirt. That same silk organza lines the sleeves. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: approx 19"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1612

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

Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. This set is an amazing example of how she could design for a younger audience and still keep tp her aesthetic. 

I am a huge Hanae Mori fan. A jersey pant suit is perhaps not what you first think of when you think of her work but once you see it you realize that it shows how broad her range was. The set is made up of pants, the tunic, and a matching belt. The fabric is a wash and wear jersey that holds that gorgeous bright print perfectly and it is a dream to travel with. These jerseys would have been used to make garments to appeal to her younger jet set clients. That amazing print covers the entire surface of the jersey fabric. I love the bold pops of colour worked throughout. She was just a master at colour and print. The pants have a flat waist, skim over the hips and then the legs are cut wide and full. By the time they reach the bottom hem they are a full 34" around. The top is cut with with the perfect seventies line and has a high collar and long straight sleeves. The belt is done in a solid red jersey and has her name printed on both ends so when you tie it you see it. It cinches around the tunic and adds shape at the waist and finishes the look. If you choose not to wear the belt then the tunic has a more loose and easy feel. The jersey is a wash and wear and virtually wrinkle free so it is incredibly easy to wear and travel with. You can wear all the pieces together for a strong statement or break up the set and wear them as separates with other pieces in your closet for lots of styling options. It looks to have been worn very little itf at all. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined. The pants have a flat waist and a zipper and the top zips to close at the back. The original fabric tie is present and runs through attached fabric loops at the side of the top. The fabric has stretch but the waist measurement is fixed with no give

Top
Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with no give
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3744

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

Mollie Parnis is one of my favorite American designers. She was known for having dressed numerous first ladies and her dresses regularly appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. She started a label with her husband in 1933 called Parnis Livingston Inc and she quickly became know for her quality, fit, and use of very good fabrics. She had a particular talent in dressing woman of every age and designed pieces that suited her older clients in a time when this was not a focus. Her husband died in 1962 forcing the label to shutter but she re-grouped and re-opened three months later under her own Mollie Parnis label. The boutique label launched in 1970 and the fabrics used for that line were targeted to a younger audience and utilized brighter colours and and bolder cuts. 

I absolutely love the bright and happy feel of this dress. I also love that it mixes two different types of silk but keeps the same pattern running over both. The top is made out of a silk chiffon and then the skirt is a silk twill. Even though the same print runs over both of the two silks the result has a different feel because of the change in transparency. On the bodice the silk chiffon give the print a soft washed feel. The silk twill of the skirt holds the true bright colours and gives them more vibrance. The print combines a range of colours and I love how they pop off of the white base. The colours run over the dress in a series of horizontal rows and as you get closer you start to see the confetti inspired design and all of the amazing hues that were used. The bodice is cut to skim over you and each sleeve balloons out with lots of volume above their cuffs. The sleeves are unlined so that you see your arms through them. The neckline is high and is finished with a elaborate collar. The collar is made of several layers of the printed silk chiffon and this creates that amazing 'ruffle' effect that you see circling the neck. The skirt falls to the floor and widens out gently as it nears the hem. The pretty tie belt circles the waist to add shape and it is made out of three pieces of velvet ribbon in colours that pick up on the print the dress. You simply wrap it and tie. The dress has the fantastic whimsical and romantic feel to it that I love. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a white silk and the sleeves are unlined. The skirt is lined in a muslin with ribbon edge finishes at the hem. It closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. Each cuff snaps to close and the snaps could easily be moved if more or less room is needed. The belt is original to the dress.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3419

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

This is a great set that is made from an easy to wear and care for nylon jersey. It may have originally been intended as an at home lounge set but it is opaque and completely wearable out. It has a Neiman Marcus label on it so if it was a designer piece it is now a bit of a mystery sign that is the only label present anymore The set is made up of two pieces. A pair of loose and easy pants and a top that you just slip on over your head to wear. The pants have an elastic waist that makes them incredible easy to wear. They are cut to just skim over the hips and from there they flare out and are quite wide by the time they reach the hem. The fabric is very light in weight so when you walk you get a ton of movement when you move. The top is cut to be a loose cut tunic that just slips over the head to wear. It has a front notched neckline and wide angled collar. It is very full and easy through the body and each sleeve is cut full and widens out as it nears the seam at the cuff. The ends of each sleeve and the bottom has a very wide set, loose elastic running through them. It is set to cinch in just a tiny bit to round out the shape that you see. The pattern is fabulous and runs completely over both pieces. It really transforms on an actual body and the movement it has is fabulous. Being two pieces means you will be able to endlessly mix and match it with other pieces too. Excellent condition

Unlined and the pants slip on with elastic at the waist and the top slips over the head. Both pieces are tagged a small but the pant waist is cut generously.

Top
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 29" from top of shoulder to shortest point, 24" to longest

Pants
Waist: 13.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21"  flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40.5" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 29"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3741

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

Patrick Kelly is a celebrated African American designer and his work will be seen in the planned exhibit 'Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love' this October at San Francisco’s de Young Museum. It is an expanded version of the original 2014 exhibit that showed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Kelly opened his atelier in 1988 in Paris and quickly became an sensation. Laura Camerlengo, the associate curator of costume and textile arts at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, said of his work in an interview; 'He was a trailblazer. He was born during the time of the segregated south, grew out of that most racist violent environment, and worked his way to Atlanta, to New York and to become the toast of Paris who had a successful multimillion-dollar company when he died. And remarkably, he was lauded with accolades while being and remaining one of the few designers of any colour to directly address race in his work. Kelly was a pioneer of the “black camp” aesthetic.' His runway shows triggered a wide range of emotions and often made people justifiably uncomfortable. Which was exactly what he intended. Kelly was the first black American designer to be voted into the governing body of the French fashion industry, Fédération Française de la Couture. This is a dress that is instantly recognizable as being one of his pieces. He did series of leopard dresses for the 1989 season and this off shoulder version is one of my absolute favourites. Its twin waked the runway so you can see just how amazing it is in the reference photos. Versions were all over the editorials that year as well. It is a very rare piece and with the attention on American fashion because of the Met exhibit theme this year, it is an even more exciting find. 

This super sexy leopard print stretch velour velvet Patrick Kelly dress is wonderful. The fabric is fantastic and will stretch to hug your curves and show off every bit of the body. That said the velvet keeps it flattering and easy to wear as it gives support at the same time it mold to the body. Kelly cut this one so that is can be worn on or off the shoulder while keeping the sleeves long and lean. On the runway it was shown off the shoulder and that is how I prefer it too. That bare expanse of skin is the perfect contrast to the coverage of the dress. The cut through the body hugs your every curve and the dress is molded to your frame all the way down to the hem. The stretch the fabric has is what allows you to walk as there are no slits or vents in the skirt. The cut is super fitted through the body and that leopard print just makes it completely fantastic. It is a showstopper and an amazing example of this time period and of his work. I love everything about this dress and that it is a true piece of fashion history that is extremely well documented. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. The printed velour finish velvet has stretch. Elastic through the neckline. The dress appears to have never been worn. The measurements provided are the comfortable range of stretch when laying flat. The stretch fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Sleeves: 21" but sit off the shoulder so sit longer on the arm 
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of the neckline to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3742

Reference Photos: (1-2) F/W 1989 Patrick Kelly Runway Collection.  /  (3) Iman in Patrick Kelly, 1989.  /  (4) Model in Patrick Kelly. Photographed by Rico Puhlmann for Harper’s Bazaar, August 1989.

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

This Roberto Cavalli caftan dress is from a more recent collection and is very chic. It is from their beachwear line and still has its original tags. It is an easy to wear piece and very flattering once on the body. The bias cut silk and classic leopard print pack a lot of punch into the design. The lines are simple and it has that perfect caftan feel through the long and loose body of the dress. It is open down the sides except for where the belt loops through. This gives it a cape-like feel down the sides so that it floats down and over you. There is a black fabric tie belt that loops through the slits on either side of the waist and you can use the matching belt to cinch in to add shape. Or leave this off completely and wear it full and easy. The caftan is unlined and the fabric is feather light with a touch of transparency to it. It's the perfect cover up at the beach but you could also throw on a nude body dress under it and wear it out at night or during the day. The neckline is notched and the sides are edged in a back that matches the tie belt. It is a very chic and easy to wear piece. It is brand new and never been worn. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Tagged a Med. New with original tags and never been worn. Original belt included. The loose and open cut should allow it to fit just about any size. 

Open through the body with two slits at the waist that are spaced to 23" apart and then can be adjusted tight with the fabric belt 
Length: approx 50" from top of shoulder to centre hem and once on the sides hang longer to approx 58"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3743

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

Anne Fogarty designed pieces for young women at affordable pricing. Her work always has a touch of femininity to it. She started her career as a fit model for Harvey Berin while in her twenties and it was while there that she decided to try her hand at design. She designed dresses for Youth Guild up to 1950 before joining Margot Dresses and then by the 1950s, she designed for Saks Fifth Avenue. In 1962 she launched her label under her own name, Anne Fogarty, Inc, followed by a boutique line. This dress is from that secondary line. Her business closed in 1970 which gives us a window that this dress would have been from. Through the 1960s and 1970s the Empire cut was a favourite of hers and this is a lovely example of that time period. 

The dress is so cute and it will be even better on an actual body. It is always hard to fully capture pieces with this off the shoulder cut as they really need to be on to come to life. The dress is made out of a light cotton voile in a soft lavender colour. There is a design of little white dots and flowers that runs over the entire dress. The edges of the flowers are finished with a slightly more opaque white line that gives the fabric a hand painted effect. The top is cut with a higher set empire waist and it is meant to skim over the bust. The neckline is ruffle and it is cut wide enough that depending on your shoulders it can sit fully on the shoulder, to the edge of the shoulder, or fully off the shoulder to leave the most skin bare. The sleeves are capped and puffed. It is gathers just under the bust for a touch of shaping and then the dress falls loose and easy around the body on all sides. Two ribbons are attached at the waist, one purple and one white, and you can use these to tie it at the back. This lets you ties them loose and easy or you can really cinch it in. The skirt falls from there and gently widens out as it nears the hem. The hem is finished with a wide ruffle in the same fabric to create the perfect finishing touch. It is darling. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a white silky rayon. It slips over the head to wear and you can tie the ribbons to add shape. 

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Empire waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 10" from top of shoulder to ribbons waist
Skirt: 43" from ribbons at empire waist to hem
Neckline opening is 40" around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3740

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

The Resort and Spring 1977 collections were some of the few that Halston worked prints into the collections. He normally focused on a solid color palette and I love seeing this side of his work. I found a runway reference of a piece from the Resort collection that season that has a similar print and a page from the Halston book that shows some of the variations of this print that he used for this collection. It is such an easy to wear set and feels very modern. There is a quote that I love by Grace Mirabella where she talks about his cuts. She said; 'Halston's proportions were perfect. His clothes followed the shape of a woman's body without being tight; they held the body while still retaining a certain langour' and this really sums up how they sit on the body once worn. 

This is an amazing set from this time period. It is made up of three pieces. There is a soft cut pant, a sleeveless top and then a jacket that you can wear over those. All three pieces are made from a lightweight silk that has that stunning print over its surface. The silk is almost weightless and feels effortless to wear. The ease of the pieces and the way they are cut make this a great way to be full on glamorous while still being entirely comfortable. This is the kind of outfit that will easily take you from an evening out with heels to entertaining at home with flats. You can wear the pieces together as shown or as separates. The pants are cut with a slightly tapered leg but are easy and soft. They slip on to wear with elastic at the waist and pockets on each hip. The sleeveless top that goes over the pants has a angled cut for the shoulder/arm opening and then it simply wraps over itself and hooks into place at the waist with snaps above that. The collar is neat and small and extends down the front on both side. Last is the jacket/top that has a very loose and soft cut. It buttons down the front and has that same neat rounded collar. There is elastic in each cuff and running through the bottom hem but it is set to be very full, loose and wide rather then cinched. This final piece is cut very wide and full through the body so if worn over the other pieces and open it will billow out a bit when you move. Very chic. There are endless styling possibilities with a set like this and it will really come to life once on an actual body. A wonderful and rare piece of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.

All three pieces are unlined. The pants slip on to wear with elastic on the waist and pockets on each hip. The top closes with hook and a snap at the waist and snaps above that. Elastic through the waist as well. The jacket/outer top buttons to close as described above. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. There is the tiniest touch of a grubby feel to the inner collars, along the bottom edge of the jacket and near the arm opening of the inner top. 

Top
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Jacket/top
Sleeves: 22" approx.
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Pant
Elastic waist: 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Inseam: 29"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3741

Reference Photos: Karen Bjornson for Halston Resort 1977, August 1977. Photo by Stan Papich. From the book "Halston" by Phaidon.

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

How absolutely gorgeous is this jumpsuit? It was made by Gino Charles for Malcolm Starr, which was their line targeted towards a more younger clientele. I love the colour combination with its two shades of pink mixed with that wonderful deep purple and white. The fabric is a cotton mix and it has a raised texture worked through the fabric that makes it quite interesting and makes the print pop off of it. The sleeves are short and the front is meant to skim over you. The waist is loose and easy and you could easily add a belt if you wanted more shape. I love the neckline and how it is slit down the front. The cut of it is highlighted further by a wide band of purple cotton velvet. To give it a little more detailing a band of grosgrain is set down the centre of the velvet and then a silver cord in the centre of that. This is all pieced to curve around the collar and then runs down the full front right past the waist seam. The pants are very full and flare out in a gentle swoop of fabric as they fall to the floor. Each is a full 36" around. At first glance it looks like full length dress but as soon as you move you realize it is a jumpsuit. Pockets along each hip. It is a beautiful and dramatic piece. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a white silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each leg is a full 36" around the bottom hem. Hand finished throughout with ribbon edge finishes to parts of the interior seams. There is a good 3" turned up under the hem of each leg if you meed more length. It looks unworn on the exterior but there are some minor marks to the lining. Please see the last photo after the label shot. 

Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from the neck to the waist seam
Pant length: 41" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3739

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

James Galanos was just 27 years old when he launched his first label called Galanos Originals in 1951. 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 convert that to modern dollars and realize that it would be just under 30k for his upper range pieces. Part of the reason for those high price tags was that his ready-to-wear was made to couture standards. The workmanship and craft put into them were made to a level that was on par with the official French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper. Grace Kelly was an early fan and other couturiers looked to his work as inspiration. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. 

This particular dress reminds me of the pink colour blocked one that was worn so famously by Gloria Vanderbilt. It has that same feel created by his use of different panels of colour through the skirt. This is a technique that he used on several occasions and in several fabrics. The Vanderbilt dress for example was a silk chiffon and I have seen a darker, more column cut version in a silk jersey. This one is made from a silk taffeta and that choice of fabric keeps the dress extremely light while allowing it to have that wonderful volume that you see. The dress is extraordinary and is a testament to the couture construction techniques that he utilized in his work. The bodice is fitted with a slight sweetheart feel to the neckline. It is suspended by two tiny silk straps. The top port of the dress is lined in a silk but has no inner boning. It is meant to skim and hug the body underneath rather then to force a shape. The waist nips in and the skirt is set to feel very full with multiple soft gathers around the waist to create the fullness that you see. The skirt is made of four panels of silk taffeta, at the front here is a green on one side and a chocolate colour panel on the other. At the back both panels are the same blue as the bodice. All of the edges are finished with a gold cord that has been hand applied stitch by stitch. At the front the skirt is split quite high so that when you walk or sit you get an very unexpected flash of bare leg. The silk taffeta is so light that when you walk the skirt has a billowing effect behind you that it just magical. There are no extra underskirts added for these shots. All the volume of the skirt that you see has been created by the cut and the fabric alone. Around the waist the fabric from the silk has been gathered and held in place by more of that gold cording and then the edges of the fabric is set in an elaborate series of ruffles above that. This creates the prettiest ruffled finish that wraps all the way around you, cinches you in, and adds a pretty touch of romance. The work is all hand finished and all the inner seams have a beautiful ribbon finish. This is truly a stunning dress. Excellent condition  

Unlined and closes with a back zipper. Ribbon edge interior seams. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Front slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3736

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

True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. This one, like several other of the Haute Couture pieces in the shop at the moment, are from one of my clients whose mother purchased the majority of her Couture pieces between 1973 to the mid and late seventies. This dress is absolutely stunningly beautiful and very special. Versions of it were photoed on actresses Sylvia Kristel and Claudine Auger. It is an incredibly beautiful example and historically important example of the work that the Chanel ateliers were doing during this time period. 

This dress is heaven. The lines of it are beautiful and as good as it looks on the dress form it will be even better once on an actual body. It is one of the most romantic dresses I have ever had in the shop and I feel that this would make an extraordinary wedding piece for a bride looking for something not as traditional. It would work for any event really where you want to feel like a goddess. The bodice of the dress is stunning. It is cut in a modified halter and at the front there are two triangles of silk chiffon that gather and drape over each breast. These softly curve up and around the neck to hook into place at the nape of your neck. At the back there is a panel attached at the top of the neck that drape down your back and wrap part way around the waist on either side. A long slim slit is left open down the centre of the back. I love how the sides wrap over the front of the dress. It is such an unusual way to have set the fabric and so very couture feeling in the way that it has been executed. At the front the middle part of the bodice is detailed in an extremely intricate manner. The silk chiffon has been gathered and stitched by hand to form those little repeating diamond patterns that you see. This is all done by hand and the work to do this and have it all lie flat and perfect like it does is mind boggling. This pin tick finish runs to meet the base of the halter and also curves down the waist seam and wraps all the way around to the back. This beautifully highlights and cinches in the waits but in the softest possible way. I love that this detailing is bordered by a little piping of the silk that has been meticulously placed by hand. This painstaking pin-tucking and gathering technique would have taken hours and hours to accomplish. From under the waist the skirt flares out to the floor and is made up of many yards of that beautiful pale turquoise bias cut silk chiffon. The fabric is feather light so that your slightest movement will cause the silk to flow around you. Under the top layer of the skirt is a second layer of the same turquoise silk and then there is a nude silk chiffon inner skirt that is fully lined underneath. The interior of the dress is made to couture standards and it is an absolutely work of art to see. It is one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. Excellent condition with one note below

The bodice is lined in various layers of silk chiffon as pictured. There is light metal boning but it is meant to be more soft then structured. A wide interior grosgrain ribbon hooks to close and then the dress zippers to close over that. The skirt is made up of three layers as described above. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Proper Haute Couture label present. There is one faint mark on the skirt on one side. It gets lost on the folds once the dress is on but you do see it if the dress is laid out flat and you look for it. Please see the photo after the label shots. 

Bust: approx 17" flat across from side to side but the actual sides are open so you have some leeway
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3737

Reference Photos: (1) French Actress Claudine Auger. Photo by Christian Simonpietri.   /  (2-3) Sylvia Kristel in Chanel Couture, 1976. Photos by Jean-Claude Deutsch.

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

James Galanos was just 27 years old when he launched his first label called Galanos Originals in 1951. 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 convert that to modern dollars and realize that it would be just under 30k for his upper range pieces. Part of the reason for those high price tags was that his ready-to-wear was made to couture standards. The workmanship and craft put into them were made to a level that was on par with the official French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper. Grace Kelly was an early fan and other couturiers looked to his work as inspiration. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. 

This dress is a showstopper. When it is off the body and laying flat it looks almost awkward but once on it completely transforms. It is strapless and the bodice is absolutely amazing to see in person. A brilliant blue silk has been covered with a gold metallic netting. Attached onto that is a dense application of gold sequins that are set to follow the pattern in the lace underneath. If that was not enough he then worked blue and iridescent beads in and among the sequins. These create a 3D feel as the pattern is raised off the netting. It is very elaborate and glamorous. Inside there is hidden boning and support built in so that once it is on the bodice hugs you like a glove. I love how the bodice extends down and past the hip and angles down on one side. This gives it a slightly longer line and more interest than it would have had if the waist was just cut straight across. It makes the break between the bodice and skirt softer. The skirt is incredible. It is attached under the bottom edge of the bodice and the fabric of the skirt has been completely cut on the bias. It is made of an incredible light silk that has been covered in a wash of gold thread. Parts of it has a denser application of the gold and the pattern this creates picks up on the pattern made by the sequins on the bodice. It drapes over your curves and moves with you as you move. It is so insanely sexy and so obviously couture that you will literally have your breathe taken away. If you have been looking for the ultimate dramatic statement dress this could just be it. Exquisite in every way. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined in a blue silk satin and has hidden boning and structure inside. The skirt has an inner silk chiffon skirt. It closes with a side set zipper. Ribbon seamed inner seams. Hand finishes throughout 

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice true waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3738

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many more. His label gained international recognition and was known for his bright, clear colour choices and daring cuts. He once said in an interview; 'When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite.' He is one of my favourite designers to find and with all of the emphasis on recreating these looks from the eighties by many modern designers you can't beat these original vintage version on terms of cut, style and quality. 

I love how this dress combines the sexiness of the fitted strapless dress with the drama of that flared skirt. The dress is made out of a printed silk taffeta that combines a bold pink with a deep purple in a soft washed print that covers the entire dress. The silk keeps it light in weight but at the same time is the perfect choice to help to hold the shape and give the dress structure. The top portion of the dress has been gathered in soft folds from the bust to just past the top of the hips. The folds are set to help to highlight the hourglass shape of the dress. They have the illusion of being wrapped around you and they are set on dramatic curves to really emphasize the shape of the body underneath. The neckline is strapless and the top of it curves over the bust to make a sweetheart neckline. The centre plunges down and is set to perfectly meet where the draping crosses over on each side. Inside the dress there is one of his signature built in strapless bras for extra support. The waist nips in beneath this and the shape you see is created by the cut rather then having a horizontal waist seam to break the line of the dress. The gathers continue down and over the top of the hips for shape. Below that the skirt flares out in soft folds and volume. There are two layers of the skirt and this lets the skirt move with your slightest move. It is even better on an actual body. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and there is a strapless bra set into the inner bodice. Hand finishes throughout that are to the demi-couture standards his main line pieces were made to.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3307

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

This is another amazing piece from my client whose aunt had most of her clothes made. This one, like several others already in the shop, was made by Ady Couture and the story behind this label is fascinating. Ady Couture was based out of Lausanne Switzerland. She would buy couture fabrics from the couture houses along with the patterns and with permission make copies of the piece presented in the Haute Couture collections. When she was younger, and lived in Amsterdam, Ady would attend the private viewing and purchase directly from the couture houses. My client believes that her arrangement with the ateliers was a way to work around customs that prompted Ady to negotiate this arrangement with the ateliers. In my hunt for more information I have been able to verify that they made this permissible copies of the work of Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Lacroix and Ungaro. There may have been others but this are the houses I am confident on. This dress would have been made during the time period my clients aunt lived in Switzerland, from the late 70s to 1993. The dress is completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards and it is gorgeous. It is not perfect but the flaws it has are minor and it is still perfectly wearable.

This is a dress that as good as it looks on the dress form, the second it hits the body it really comes to life. It is made out of a rich and heavy sueded silk that drapes and falls over the body beautifully. The dress is cut to give the illusion that it wraps and closes around you but that is all just clever design. The bodice has a low V and it skims over the bust. The dress form it is on has a little less bust then what the dress really needs and I think on the proper size girl it will fill out and the dress will have even more of a hour glass curve to it. I love the way the drape comes from the low hip and works up to the nipped in bit at the waist. This is the exact opposite of how most dresses lie and is a little mini feat of engineering to accomplish. The skirt below that curves over the hips and is scooped up at the front. It is this crossed over stopping and draping that give it its wrapped illusion. At the back the dress falls into a low V with the silk crossed over itself. You have a mirroring of the drope at the waist and on this side it is more gathered and gives the dress even more shape. All of the gathers close in to the hand set zipper on that side. I think you might even be able to wear this dress backwards. It is so well made that I would not be surprised if it worked either way once on the body. If the cut and drape of it were not enough the skirt was then trimmed with a band of tightly spaced feathers that were hand dyed to match the silk. They almost act like a weight to keep the skirt perfectly in place and definitely add a shot of high glamour. The dress is gorgeous and that pop of bright colour is just spectacular. Inside it is completely finished to couture standards with every seam hand finished. I have taken some detail shots for you to see the fine workmanship. This is a very difficult fabric to work with and it is finished to perfection. It is an incredible piece and beautifully made. The pink is slightly different then how it photoed and even better in person. Presents as excellent condition but does have some flaws as described below 

Unlined with couture finished inner seaming. The dress zips to close at the side with a hand set zipper. Hand finished throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all but does have some subtle discolourations from improper storage here and there and a faint mark on the back of one hip. The changes in colour are subtle. Slight foxing at the neckline. Again very subtle. Please see the photos after the label shot. The feathers are in wonderful condition and I see no signs of any shedding. Made to Haute Couture standards with a tremendous amount of detail put into its construction. It is bias cut so the measurements below are the comfortable range. 

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 38" long but may come up a bit with the bias cut once on

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3735

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many more. His label gained international recognition and was known for his bright, clear colour choices and daring cuts. He once said in an interview; 'When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite.' He is one of my favourite designers to find and with all of the emphasis on recreating these looks from the eighties by many modern designers you can't beat these original vintage version on terms of cut, style and quality. 

This is a fabulously bold and sexy dress. Azzaro chose a vivid pink silk taffeta for the fabric. It is the perfect fabric to help to hold the shape and give the dress structure while keeping it light in weight. The silk is draped over the body and set in a series of tightly spaced horizontal gathers that run from the top of the bodice to bottom of the hem. You can see the hidden set stitching where the gathers have been lightly caught in a line down the front. This is mirrored by an actual seam that runs down the back. The dress is strapless and the bodice is shaped into an exaggerated sweetheart neckline that plunges down in the middle to meet the centre stitching detail. The waist nips in beneath this by the way it is cut rather then having a waist seam that would break the line of the dress. Below that the skirt skims over the hips. It is cut to be short so that you get a mile of leg showing. You can even hike it up more around the hips of you want to wear it shorter and by doing that it makes the bows at the back have even more volume. The bows at the back create a modified bustle. Three panels of silk have been set stacked in folded loops one over top the next below it. They start just under the low back and end at the hem. Each loop is finished with a touch of an inner netting to help hold their shape. This adds a very dramatic and quirky detail to the dress that I love. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and the back bustle panels have in inner lining of netting for shape and snap into place over the zipper. Hand finished.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3305

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

This is a beautiful bright pink chiffon dress by Jack Bryant. The pink has a bit of a coral undertone to it and is an even better color in person. It photoed a touch deeper pink than it is and I think its new owner will be very pleased. The top later of the dress is a gorgeous overlay done in the chiffon. This gives it lots of movement. Onto the bodice there is a dramatic feather trim that covers the entire front from shoulder to waist. It is plunged almost to the waist and the feathers keep it from feeling to scandalous. The dress is made from two attached layers. The inner dress acts like a lining and is more opaque. Having this interior lining also gives it a slight bit of structure. The outer layer is just a single layer of the chiffon and there re many yards of it through the skirt. The top overlay layer floats to the floor over the inner dress and it moves with the slightest bit of air. The front bodice is then trimmed with elaborate and dramatically dyed-to-match pink feathers and there is a chiffon blow that sits partially hidden at the base of the feathers. It's just fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a silky rayon dyed to match. The chiffon is a synthetic so easy to care for. The dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. I see no signs of excessive shedding of the feathers at all. Some slight grubbiness and water marks to the interior lining.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3733

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

Of all of Thea's pieces, her caftans have come to represent Thea's work like no other piece of her clothing that she designed. They are one of the most coveted things that you can find by here. Elizabeth Taylor for example was a huge fan and a collector of her work. By the end of Taylor's life she had amassed a large collection that was auctioned off through Christie's in 2011. Most of the caftans in that auction fetched well over $20,000USD and that was ten years ago. Barbara Bach was photoed in a one of her caftans for the cover of the Sunday Telegraph in 1977 and that photo has become an iconic representation of the era. Each of Thea’s caftans were made by hand and no two are alike. This one appears to have never been worn and looks and feels like it is straight off of her shop rack. It is really an outstanding example of her work

The caftan is very beautiful and it is even better in person. You really get the sense of the work in it and the texture that the gold thread covering the caftan brings to it. The fabric is it made out of is a printed silk chiffon. This was then carefully pieced together so that the different prints on the fabric fall exactly where to she wanted them to in order to highlight the design and cut of the caftan perfectly , Metallic thread was the used to outline all of the print in the chiffon. So the entire caftan has a covering of the gold thread. The tiniest gold sequins are worked into the design throughout. Around the border of the front and back big colored crystals accent the border. On the edge of each sleeve and at the bottom front and back hem there is a strip of a deep merlot colored raw silk. Thea was known to hunt antique stores and markets during her extensive travels and use what she found in her designs. I think that the burgundy strips are some of her found antique fabrics. They just have a slightly older feel to them. The caftan is unlined and it has just the slightest bit of a semi-transparent feel to it. This see-through quality makes is very sexy despite the full coverage it has. The main front and back panel of brocade is backed in a gold feeling raw silk so that they are fully opaque. The backing there also acts as a touch of structure so it sits properly once on. A chiffon tie made of the same silk without the metal thread added loops though slits hidden on either side of the front panel to add some shape. If you decide not to tie it the slits are done along the seam and are not apparent. A very special piece and extraordinarily beautiful piece. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. Has a matching chiffon fabric sash that you can slip through slits at the front to add shape. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little 

WIdth: 60" side to side
Length: 55" neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD3734

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

This is such a beautiful dress and the combination of that huge print and and the bright pink is just gorgeous. It dates to 1969 and a version of a caftan with this same print is held in the Iwami Art Museum's permanent collection. It was also shot for Vogue that year and as a result is one of her most recognizable prints. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York Runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional and a personal favorite of mine

Flower prints are closely associated with the work of Hanae Mori and her designs and this one with its oversized chrysanthemum print is in particularly wonderful. It is a stunning example of the work she was doing during this time period. This is everything you look for in a Hanae piece. She custom designed all of the prints that she used on her work and the flowers on this one have been screened onto the top silk chiffon overlay and onto the inner silk twill part of dress. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset and gives the print an extra dimension of depth. The cut of the top layer has a draped and flowing feel to it. When you move even slightly it catches the air and floats around you. The inner dress is made of a scarf weight silk twill that is lined in silk. The dress falls from the shoulders in a simple line, skimming over the body and gently widening out as it nears the hem. It is very easy to wear. At the front the silk chiffon is open up all the way to the neck and this really lets it float and flow around you when you move or walk. I love it. Excellent condition with a note to review below

The inner dress is lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and the outer chiffon layer closes at the back with her signature tiny silk covered snaps. Hand finishes throughout There are a couple of tiny storage marks on the exterior silk and a couple of marks on the inner bust that the exterior layer covers when it is one. A slight yellowing to the upper part of the back and the faintest smudge under one arm. A tiny repair near the neck. None are outstanding or detract once it is one. Please see the photos after the label shot.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem with just over 3.5" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3471

Reference Photos: (1) Benedetta Barzini in Hanae Mori chrysanthemums printed evening pajamas photographed by Richard Avedon, Vogue, November 1966.  /  (2) 1966 Hanae Mori Chrysanthemum Pajamas from the Iwami Art Museum.

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

This is a spectacular little embroidered silk Chinese export shawl from the twenties or even a little earlier. The floral design on it is particularly bright and vivid. It has the most brilliant pops of color that are perfectly offset by the black silk backdrop. The design that runs over it is a spectacular explosion of flowers and trailing vines that follow the curve of the shawl. The colors are as vibrant as the day it was done. Very dramatic and so wearable. Its curved shape allows you to drape it over the shoulders and wear it as an evening cape or use it in your home as a show-stopping accessory. I love the fringed edges and the way the back is flipped over and held in place by that huge tassel made of black cording. The stitching appears to be primarily machine stitch with some finishes done by hand. Excellent condition

It is edged all the way around with a 6" inch hand knotted silk fringe border. The fringe is in great condition with minor wear/tangles to the ends which is normal for these. It measures 72" from end to end including the fringes and is 26" high at the center point.

This was lovingly stored properly and is in excellent condition despite being almost 100 years old now. Any wear is natural patina and only adds to the beauty of this fabric.

Item# C575

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

This exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress is a stunning and very rare example of what the house was producing during this time period. It is true Haute Couture and has been entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. It is from the Spring 1956 collection and a long full length version of the dress was photoed on Renée Breton. I love having the reference photo of it as it gives you a very good idea of how wonderful it will be on. Besides being a very wearable cocktail dress and an extraordinary piece of fashion history, this would make a stunning wedding choice for the bride looking for something not as traditional or as an option for an event over a wedding weekend.

The dress is made from the most exquisite French Alencon lace. Alencon lace is characterized by a delicate mesh work motifs surrounded by a raised rim of fine silk cording. Though it can now be made by machine  the lace used on this dress would be the authentic hand made version and would have been made and brought in specifically for this dress. The silk cord has been meticulously hand applied to the lace to follow and define each delicate motif within the pattern. The lace runs from just under the high set waist to the hem and it is breathtaking to see. At the hem the lace has been hand stitched onto a silk organza edging for a very refined finish. For the bodice he chose a simple silk jersey. It is strapless and cut to hug the body. The silk has been hand draped over the bodice in soft folds. The folds are set on a slight angle and in the center a section has an an opening on either side. Through that winds a wide black silk taffeta sash that follows under the bust and then ties at the back. The use of the contrasting black ribbon adds a stark contrast to the ivory and also visually cinches in the waist area. The skirt billows out to a beautiful fullness beneath the nipped in waist. The shape and fullness that you see is all built in. Under the top layer of lace there are layers of silk netting and tulle. The inner construction of the dress is absolutely exquisite. The bodice has a boned lingerie net corset that is made entirely made by hand and to Haute Couture standards. It has several straps that wrap around you to help hold the dress in place and built in cups. Under the skirt there are a three full layers of silk tulle and netted underskirts. I did not add any additional crinolines for these shots but you could create an even fuller shape by adding another underskirt. It is a beautiful example of the very early work that the House of Balmain was doing and a wonderful example of the golden years of Haute Couture. It is a work of art. Excellent condition with some minor notes to review below.

Fully lined in a ivory silk with extensive boning, inner construction and skirting. It closes with an intricate combination of chest and waist stays that hook to close and there are two zippers. One closes the inner corset and the other closes the exterior dress. The inner layers of the skirt are attached with some having addition half layers at their hems for additional volume. The innermost skirt is interlined with netting and the built in corset is made of lingerie netting, metal boning and padding that has been made by hand. Proper Haute Couture label and tape underneath, though the writing on the couture tape under the label has faded to almost nothing. I see a couple of small areas of darkening to the inner bodice. On the exterior bodice there are very light changes in color at the across the sides near the arms. There is a mark near the top of the zipper and the lace at the bottom of the zipper is a little fuzzy looking. Please see the photos after the label shots.

A small note for brides. The Black sash is just lightly tacked onto place and could easily be removed, set aside to keep, and yo could then switch it out to an ivory (or to any other color) if the black was too stark. You could then have it fall as long as you wish as well.

Bust: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam with cups built in that would fit an A or smaller
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under front cups
Skirt: 36" from seam under the cups to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3344

Reference Photos: Renée Breton in Pierre Balmain, 1956. Photographed by Georges Saad

This garment is sen