dolce & gabbana
Extraordinary Rare Fall 2016 Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Couture Gold Tweed & Lace Covered Jacket & Skirt Suit Set
I Have a Question
- This is a private custom order suit from the Fall 2016 Alta Moda "Naples" collection and was acquired directly from the Couture client. Alta Moda runway footage and Look Books are only available for those invited to the spectacular 3-day events held in different locations each season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
- This suit was a special order custom piece by my client and the original price was just over 45,000 euros.
- This collection was inspired by Sophia Loren who was also the guest of honour at the show.
- Both pieces are made out of a hand woven tweed that has gold metallic thread woven through it in a thatched weave. The goal is more apparent when you see this in person. As you get closer, you realize that over top of the tweed there is a layer of a floral lace that floats over and creates a beautiful pattern on pattern effect.
- The lace pieces were all hand made individually to fit the part of the pattern that they were to be applied over top of. Inside the inner edges of the jacket there is a another panel of handmade lace that is done with a more dense weave so that it has a darker feel to it. It is all just extraordinary.
- The jacket has soft shoulders that have a slight peak at their tops. The sleeves are long and the lace covering them is their only detail. The body of the jacket is shaped around you with the waist nipped in for shape. A double row of handmade buttons runs down the front with hidden hand covered silk snaps set underneath to close the jacket. Each hip has a double flap to suggest pockets but these are decorative only and their purpose is to help shape the hip and add detail. The collar is soft with an extra band of the handmade lace applied around it to give it a touch of definition.
- The skirt has a wide grosgrain ribbon to cinch it in and it skims over the top of the hips. The lower skirt is added with and exposed top set seam attaching it to the upper part of the skirt. This lower piece is pleated so it opens up into a beautiful shape and a bit of a swing feel while still maintaining its structure.
- It is truly a work of art and showcases the very best of Dolce's craftsmanship.
- Both pieces are unlined and are entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. The jacket closes at the front as described above and the skirt has a back zipper. They have their appropriate Couture tags in place with a hand written tag behind. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present since it is a couture piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 25.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 24.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5510
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
dolce & gabbana
Rare Spring 2015 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Look 4 Mini Dress w Lace & Intricate Embellishment Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress was Look 4 on the Spring 2015 Dolce and Gabbana runway
- It was made under the creative direction of Domenico Solce and Stefano Gabbana
- This dress was only available as a special order piece in the original price was just over $15,000 euros. I highly doubt more than one or two exist.
- The embellishment on this piece was done to a Haute Couture level. It combines hand carved metal and has different kinds of embellishments that all been placed by hand in the pattern that you see over the dress on the front and waist. There are small 3D silver flowers with pearls topping them, hand-made red patent leather flowers in various sizes, 3D three layered golden metal carved flowers with red crystal rhinestones, and big hand carved metal plates, with some of rhinestones directly embedded onto the metal plates. It is truly a work of art and showcases the very best of Dolce's craftsmanship.
- The embellishment covers the front of the dress and then the detailing around the waist runs all the way around the waist to the back. I have taken multiple photos so that you can see just how elaborate and wonderful all of the embellishments are.
- The piece that wraps around the way seems to just be tacked on and then it ties at the back with a deep burgundy red velvet ribbon. I think if you wanted you could untack it and wear it as a separate belt.
- Under the embellishments is a very pretty and wearable dress. It is made out of a white silk brocade that has a pattern on pattern to the silk for the top and then the skirt is made out of a black silk and lace.
- The bodice has no sleeves and the neck line is scooped. It skims over your bust to the embellished attached belt that circles the waist. The skirt flares out in a little A-line from there and it is mini length. I love that this was a runway piece because you can see how fantastically it sits on the body.
- The skirt is made of two layers. The top layer is a black silk and then there is a second silk layer under that. Each layer is edged in a handmade black lace. The skirt has yards of fabric in it so it is very swinging around the body as you walk and move. If you lay the skirt out flat it is actually greater than a full circle.
- The dress is fully lined in a hand set white silk through the body and the second layer under the skirt acts as the lining. It closes with a back zipper and then snaps under the waist partway down the skirt the inner layer of the skirt has its own zipper to the waist. The attached belt ties with the velvet ribbon at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Total length: 33" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5511
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2015 Dolce & Gabbana, Look 4. Model Diana Moldovan.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Fabulous Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Black Stripe Jacket & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This is original Haute Couture who's twin walk the runway for Spring 1985.
- The suit was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a stunning two piece set done in a black on black stripe woven directly into on a fine wool / silk mix feeling fabric.
- The jacket is a classic cut of his from this time period. It features wider set strong shoulders and is meant to feel more oversized through the upper bodies.
- The entire lower portion of the jacket wraps around and over to one size creating this phenomenal dropped waist detailing that adds incredible detail all around the lower portion of the jacket.
- The front wraps over itself and hooks and snaps into place on one side at the top of the hip. There is no collar so you have a very clean feel to the upper bodice. The draping that happens around the hips is what adds all of the drama to the jacket.
- The shape at the lower front portion of the jacket is achieved by the gathering of the fabric along the side of the sea, and then into a ruffle at the front that hides where it snaps into place. This is what gives you that brilliant shape and that fantastic flare at the side. It is the kind of detail you look for in a couture piece.
- The sleeves are full through the upper arm and they come down to a more narrow cuff. The entire lower portion of the sleeve is detailed with six round gold toned, filigree buttons that have black rhinestone set into them for a little added glitz. Hidden under the buttons are a row of silk covered snapped that you can use to bring the wrist in further.
- The skirt has a band at the waist and then it is cut in a slim pencil shape to just past the knee depending on your height. A panel wraps over the front of the skirt to give the illusion of a wrapped finish that picks up on the wrap of the jacket.
- Both pieces are fully lined in a handset black silk. The jacket hooks and snaps. to close. There is an inner attached waist stay that hooks to close. The button on the sleeves are decorative with head and snaps underneath of them as photoed. The skirt closes at the side with a zipper and hooks at the waist. The shoulders have padding. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and are full and open through the upper arm.
Exaggerated shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from the waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5512
Reference Photos: Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Dreamiest Resort 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 23 Silk Chiffon Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of the dress was Look 23 in the Resort 2020 Valentino presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Vogue said that 'Pierpaolo Piccioli had his Resort collection photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the center of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees.' This is one of my favourite Valentino dresses of the collection and it is even dreamier in real life.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight ivory silk chiffon that has the teeniest palest touch of green to its undertone.
- Onto the entire dress is a beautiful floral pattern that gets larger as it near the hem. The flowers are done in pale greens and soft pinks with more vibrant pinks around the hem mixed with bands of colour.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves flutter over the very top of the arm. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a high scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to the waist. Ruffles made out of the same silk sit behind vertical panels of the chiffon with lace ribbon insets. These run vertically down the centre of the top and there is a row of little functional buttons that runs down the middle.
- The dress comes with a long matching tie in the same fabric that you used to cinch around the waist for added shape.
- I love that parts of the print in the chiffon are signed Valentino.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt give it a ton of movement when you walk and move.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air. It really is even more stunning in person.
- The dress is lined through the bodice with an ivory silk chiffon and the skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The buttons at the front are functional. Comes with its original matching tie belt in the same chiffon. In its original uncut length and it appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Shoulders: 14.75"
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5507
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Valentino, Look 23.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
ossie clark
Late 1970s Ossie Clark White Jersey w Silver & Bronze Sequin Halter Dress w Matching Jacket
I Have a Question
- The label on this dress tells us that it is from the late 1970s. At this point Ossie's career he was just doing the occasional dress for a private client.
- Dresses with this particular label are not as easily found since they were mostly one of a kind pieces made for clients. It is from a fascinating little bit of his history.
- It is a set of a halter dress combined with a full and open jacket.
- Both pieces are made out of a white bias cut jersey that has some movement and stretch.
- Two tiny straps made out of a matching white jersey curve over each shoulder. The front has two triangle halter fronts and the upper back is left bare and exposed.
- Each of the triangles at the front are covered in stacked overlapping rows of silver sequins with a bronze sequins edging the inner neckline edge. The sequins wrap all the way around you.
- From underneath the bust it falls loose and easy over the body. The skirt widens out as it reaches the hem. The easy cut through the body makes it very easy to wear and fit. The jersey keeps it light in weight.
- Over that is a matching jacket made out of the same white jersey. The sleeves are long and narrow in at the wrists. The shoulders have light padding and the jacket underneath has an amazing amount of fabric. It is cut to be very full and open so when you move you get fantastic movement.
- I love how each shoulder is detailed in the same stacked rows of sequins as on the halter. For these he reversed the colours with the bronze sequins taking centre stage and then those are edged with silver sequins.
- Little slash pockets sit on each side of the jacket at the hips for the perfect slouchy feel.
- The back of the halter triangles at the front are fully lined in the same white jersey and then the rest of the dress and the jacket are unlined. The dress closes with three hook and eye at the side above a keyhole. The jacket has light padding in each shoulder and slips on to wear with a tie at the neck. I see a couple of marks on the jacket here and there. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent overall condition with marks on the jacket.
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and the upper arms are full and open
Shoulders: approximately 15"
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 33" from top of shoulder to hem
Dress
Bust: approximately 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 58.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5508
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Outstanding Fall 2001 John Galliano Runway Look 41 Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress w Romantic Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2001 runway for a Look 41 and was worn by supermodel Stella Tenant in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This is the actual dress worn by Caitlin Thompson to the 2024 Emmys
- Madison Headrick privately acquired the first example of this dress that we had in our archives and wore it as part of her wedding celebrations.
- Besides the runway photos, we have included photos of both Madison and Caitlin so you can see how spectacular this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a floral printed ivory silk chiffon that is feather light in weight.
- Soft pastel flowers done in shades of pale, pink and soft greens run over the entire dress and add to the ultra romantic feel that it has.
- Ruffled cap sleeves curve over the shoulders and they are set wide so that they sit at the very edge of your shoulder. This allows the chiffon to cascade over the top of each arm.
- The bodice is extensively gathered around the bust to the sides and into a seam that curves down just above the waist. All of the seam work on the dress is a heavy nod to the Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. John Galliano often use those dresses as inspiration and you can clearly see that in this piece.
- Gathered ties extend out from the sides of the bodice to wrap and tie around you. They are very long so you can get creative in how they are tied. They add a touch of whimsy to the dress and are also a clever way to add shape through the waist.
- The dress curves back out and over the hips and then narrow down slightly to about the knee.
- The lower skirt is set into a curved seam and the volume below that is amazing. There is a tremendous amount of silk in the lower skirting so that it moves and floats fabulously around you when you move.
- Little added tiered ruffles of silk have been added along parts of the patterned seams for yet another extra romantic touch.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so moves beautifully over the body. It makes it easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- This is a spectacular example of his work and one of the most romantic prints from him that I have ever seen. This is an important early piece that is highly collectible.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and slips on with no closures. The easy cut and movement in the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 65" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5509
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2001 Galliano Runway, Look 41. Model: Stella Tennant. / (3-6) Caitlin Thompson wearing this dress at the Emmys, 2024. / (7-11) Madison Headrick in in its twin from us on two different occasions.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Amazing Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Wrap Dress w Olive Silk Taffeta Ruffles
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We were so pleased to find shots of it on because it really shows you just how much it comes to life when worn. It is extraordinary and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period.
- The wrap design of the dress is easy to fit and is also very flattering for so many body types.I love the soft and romantic lines that this dress has.
- It is made of a black velvet that has enough weight to hold the shape that you see but still feel light on the body.
- A wide ruffle in a deep olive coloured silk taffeta runs around the neck starting at the base of the front plunge. It curves up and around the neck and then comes back down across the front is caught up at the side and then falls all the way two the hem and around.
- This stunning framing of the entire front of your body is beautiful and gives the dress is dramatic feel.
- To wear the dress there is an inner strap that wraps around your waist and hooks into place and then a long attached silk tie in a matching green ties into place at the side.
- On the runway, this was shown tied into a bow, a signature Yves detail.
- The wrapping of the dress allows you to adjust the fit around you so that it sits perfectly on you.
- The skirt curves over the hip and falls to the hem and because of the wrap over design when you move or walk, you will see a flash of bare leg. The ruffles hide most of your leg but it does peak out as you walk . It is an insanely sexy detail that is in total contrast with the sweetness of the ruffles.
- As good as the dress looks on the dress form, it is even better in person and on a body. It looks remarkably simple yet is genius in its execution.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a inner strap that hooks around the waist. It ties to one side on the exterior as described above. A zipper at each cuff. I see a tiny bit of pressing of the velvet at the crease under the arms. The easy wrap cut makes it easy to fit a range of sizes. You could easily adjust the inner waist if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: both the inner and outer waist are 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5504
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Suberb Fall 1970 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan Minimalist Black Velvet Column Dressress
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is a true couture piece from the Fall 1970 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- The book Dior:Catwalk noted that the Vogue proclaimed that "Any woman anywhere on earth would want to own these total feminine clothes"
- In the few photos that survive of pieces from this collection, it is interesting to note that he showed most of these shift dresses under capes, which would be a lovely combination even now.
- This dress would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a jet black silk velvet that is extremely soft to the touch and has beautiful drape.
- I love the nod to classic minimalism that the dress displays.
- Straps in a matching black velvet curve up and over your shoulders and then the front and back have just the most gentle bit of a scoop across. Just enough to take away the harshness a straight line would have.
- It skims over the bust and is cut more generously over the waist so that it falls in a perfect shift or column feel around you. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt or corded rope tie.
- It flares slightly out over the hips and then the skirt falls from there widening out as it near the hem.
- The dress closes down one side with glossy black buttons and I love the deliberate contrast in texture that it has against the black velvet. That pop of shine of the high gloss of the buttons is the perfect subtle detail against the inky texture of the velvet.
- The buttons close the dress down one side to just past the hip and then the rest of that seam is completely open all the way to the hem. When you walk, move or sit, you get a flash of bare leg all the way up that one side. It is almost startling to have that flash of bare skin against the column of black and I love this play between elegance and sexiness.
- It is a dress that appears to be so simple in shape but every seam and line of the dress was purposefully and masterfully executed and planned.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period and it is an absolutely stunning dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk and closes at the side with the row of buttons. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards and it has its appropriately dated couture tag present. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 29" from the hem up to the last button.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5505
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean paul gaultier
Outstanding Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Black Bias Cut Jersey w Black Velvet Cuffs & Collar
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier collection.
-
It was made under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier.
- Miley Cyrus famously wore the twin of this dress in 2013. I love that the reference photos of both her and the runway photos that give you an amazing idea of how this looks on the body.
- The dress is made from a black stretch jersey that has some movement and is very comfortable to wear and easy to fit.
- Contrasting with that or padded pipe bands of black velvet that circled the collar and each cuff.
- The velvet collar that circles around the neck is cut wider across in a true circle that sits up and off the body slightly as you can see in the photos.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut extra long. Each one flares out dramatically and is finished with that same round piped velvet finish that the collar has. Each cuff is also a full circle around and it is quite extraordinary and dramatic to see. They have fantastic movement once they are on the body and I love how they are set on an angle so that they fall longer at the back behind your hands.
- It skims over the bodice and is cut more generously through the waist. If you wanted to add more definition you could add a belt but it does falls beautifully in a sleek column when worn as intended.
- The jersey curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor below that. The black jersey stretch fabric has incredible drape and movement around you as it flares out.
- This is a phenomenal and very well known piece of Jean Paul's work and highly collectible
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The jersey does have some stretch to it and I have put the comfortable range of stretch below. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 21" to the shortest point and 30" to the longest. They are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5506
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-2) Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier. / (3-7) Miley Cyrus in Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier at the Bambi Awards, 2013.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
halston
Fall 1979 Halston Runway Deep Metallic Gold, Green & Brown Light Lame Leopard Print Dress w Belt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1979 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston.
- I have seen this dress made in only three colour ways to date and with this one have now had all three on the shop; this deep green, gold and brown version, a blue and gold, and a version that has a lighter green and gold combination.
- The dress is from his main couture line and these would have been made-to-order in his workshop during this time period.
- Halston defined how woman dressed in the 1970s and his dresses in particular were tremendously flattering to the body.
- This is an amazing couture Halston dress and a very rare and special find.
- It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything. The fabric is a very fine light gold, light brown and green silk lurex lame that moves and drapes beautifully.
- It is entirely cut on the bias above and below the elastic waist and utilizes his signature minimal seaming.
- The neckline is scooped and there is a little keyhole at the back below the hook there. The sleeves extend out from the waist with no seam around the arm and then they narrow down to their ends. This leaves the bodice loose and generous over you.
- There is elastic set around the waist so it is very easy to fit. The dress also comes with its original matching tie belt in the same fabric. The belt is shaped more like a cummerbund with a wider panel that extends into smaller ties on each side. This lets you wrap and shape it around you and cinch in the waist much as you wish. You can leave the ties at the front or the back.
- The skirt falls from there and slightly widens out as it nears the hem and there are pockets on each hip.
- This is a rare example of Halston at his very best and is a rare example of when he chose to use a print over a solid colour.
- The is unlined and slips on with an elastic waist. It hooks at the back of the neck above a keyhole. It comes with its original belt and is hand finished throughout. Its easy fit should allow it to work for range of sizing.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 25" and are open through the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from neck to waist
Total length: 63" from neck to hem but may come up a bit on once on and belted, there is just under 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5501
Reference Photo: Fall 1979 Halston
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Beautiful Fall 2005 John Galliano Bias Cut Soft Brown Cut Devore Velvet & Chiffon Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2005 Galliano collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is absolutely dreamy. It is meant to skim over the body and it has that beautiful movement that Galliano is so well known for.
- It is made out of a combination of a cut velvet floral fabric that has been applied to a printed bias cut brown backdrop. This gives it an amazing texture. Highlighting the seams are little inset panels of lace with more lace added around the hem and edges.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders with two brown lace straps and the lace continues around the neckline. The front is set into a shallow V and the back repeats that same V finish.
- The silk is cut on the bias and the entire dress skims over the body in that perfect way that he always cut a piece.
- The bias cut allows it to be easy fitting over the bust, waist and hips. It is not tight at all but does drape and fall to accent your shape once it is on the body.
- The skirt is made up of panels set in and along angled seaming that is very reminiscent of Old Hollywood dresses from the twenties and thirties. The skirt is made of two panels that expand outwards and are open along the sides. So when you walk or move you get a bit of leg and extra kick along the lower skirting.
- Each panel has elaborate lace edging with ruffles made out of the lace for a pretty and feminine finish. I love how this ties all the elements of the dress together.
- The skirt has an amazing amount of fabric in it and the cut and open sides allow the smallest bit of air to catch the skirt and let it move around you as you move. When this is on and you are walking the movement it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
- This is John at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a brown silk and slips over the head with no closures. It is cut on the bias so we put the comfortable range of measurements when the dress is laying flat below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Galliano FR44, GB16, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5502
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john anthony
Minimalist Fall 1981 John Anthony Couture Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Two Piece Top & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 1981 Jpohn Anthony collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Anthony.
- Each piece that John Anthony made was on a made-to-order basis, which means that each piece is the only one that exists, or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces made, only a very limited amount of pieces were done.
- All of the pieces I have (and have had in the last couple of years) in the shop come directly from John's archive.
- John is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976.
- This is the original sample of this piece from his archives. We found a series of photos of pieces with the same bead work so you can get an idea of how beautiful they are on the body.
- The dress is made out of a feather light deep brown silk chiffon. Glass tube beads are set in vertical rows over both pieces and all of the beads have been applied by hand in perfect little rows onto the silk. I love how they catch the light from every angle.
- Both pieces have a simple and easy cut so that they are easy to wear and are very flattering on the body. The neckline is scooped and closes with a hook and eye at the back of the neck above a keyhole. The sleeves have the same bead detailing and then they fall in a straight cut to the wrist for a touch of fullness.
- The bodice is cut to skim loosely over you to the waist. The waist is finished with elastic which lets the silk pouf under a touch.
- The skirt has a banded waist and falls to the floor under that. It flares out a touch as it nears the hem. It has a high slit on one side for a flash of leg to show.
- They are gorgeous when worn together but have the versatility of being able to be mixed and matched with things you already have.
- The work has all been done by hand and the workmanship is fantastic. They fall like a dream once on the body.
- Fully lined in a second layer of nude silk chiffon. The top closes with a hook and eye above a keyhole at the back of the neck and has elastic at the bottom seam. The skirt closes with hook and eye at the waist and a zipper under that. A tiny area of missing beads here and there but nothing major. Please see the photo after the label shot. The sample tag is stitched inside the cuff of one sleeve.
- There is no size tag present because it is a sample piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Top
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Slit: 27" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5503
Reference Photos: Fall 1981 John Anthony Ready to Wear Advance Preview.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- The twin of this extraordinary dress walked the Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 marking the end of the Couture division.
- This is the actual piece that was shown on the runway and may very well be the only one in existence. I love that we have both the runway reference photos and video. You can see how fantastically it moves and looks once on the body.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from a pale lavender silk chiffon that is of extremely high-quality. It has the slightest bit of texture to it, and is all cut on the bias. The colour is even softer than how it photoed and better in person.
- The seam work on this dress is extraordinary. It is a strong nod back to Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. I have taken some close-ups through the body so that you can see the extraordinary hand done piece-work that has gone into putting the various panels of the dress together to create the flowing masterpiece that you see.
- The dress is wonderfully simple in the way that it goes onto to the body. You simply slip it on and it hooks and snaps into place around the waist leaving it to flow freely over the body from shoulder to hem.
- This wrapping around you and hooking into place leaves a high slit up one side so that when you walk or move you see a flash of bare leg. You can see this in the reference photos and video.
- The bodice is cut to drape loosely over you and has a plunging V at the front, both sides, and at the back. On the runway it was shown over an inner nude piece for the minimum amount of modesty It could be worn like that in real life or a layered over something underneath if you wanted a bit more coverage.
- The waist is brought in with a wide doubled band of the same silk chiffon and the panels of the bodice blouse softly over the waist band all of the way around you. There is a second interior halter inside at the front that sits slightly more fitted to the body and adds one extra layer of chiffon.
- The dress curves out over the hips and then the beginning of the volume that you see for the lower skirts is all created by the inset panels that have all been hand placed and sewn.
- The amount of silk chiffon in the skirt is remarkable. It falls slightly shorter to the front and then curves out around you in a sweep of skirts that is just phenomenal. I love that we have runway videos so you can see how amazing this dress is once it is on and moving.
- The dress has a single layer interior halter bodice and the skirt is unlined. It slips on and then wraps and closes with a hook and hidden set clear snaps at the waist. This is the actual dress that was worn on the runway and is completely made by hand. It is the original runway sample dress. You could move and adjust the hook and snaps at the waist to get the perfect fit.
- There is no size tag present because it is Haute couture sample so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
On the runway, the dress was shown with a fur shrug. If you are interested in acquiring that I may be able to source that for you independent of this dress. Please touch base to chat further.
Bust: each inner halter covers to 7" flat across from side to side
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 16" from top of shoulder to waist and meant to blouse slightly over the 2.5" band around the waist
Total length: 69" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends up to another 17" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5498
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture, Look 23.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
sybil connolly
Elegant Late 1950s Sybil Connolly Couture Pale Lavender Pleated Linen Strapless Dress w Shawl
I Have a Question
- Irish designer Sybil Connolly had her first major US fashion show in 1953. The American press dubbed her the 'Dublin's Dior'. Jacqueline Kennedy wore Connolly for her official White House portrait and Connolly was a particular favorite of Carmen Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sybil Connolly
- The dress would've been made entirely by hand in her atelier in Ireland.
- In 1957 she launched her couture label. She created Haute Couture pieces made from Irish textiles and in particular she became famous for her distinctive use of pleated handkerchief linen.
- This excerpt from the FDIM Museum explains Sybil Connolly's techniques: "Sybil Connolly's trademark gowns required a tremendous amount of fabric. To construct one pleated evening dress required between 72 and 90 yards of Irish handkerchief linen. After undergoing a secret pleating process, this initial yardage became 7 to 10 yards of slightly irregular, narrow linen pleats. Like the early 20th century designer Mario Fortuny, Sybil Connolly was very protective of her pleating process, swearing that it was a secret she would "carry to the grave." In her designs, Connolly usually oriented the pleats horizontally, covering the seams with self-fabric cording. The cords also lengthen the overall line of the garment, providing a counterbalance to the horizontal pleats. As Connolly tended towards solid colors, the stiff cording also provides a necessary visual contrast to the soft linen pleats."
- She worked directly with the cloth on a model and rarely sketched beforehand.
- I found a quote that referred to the Irish linen she used to be 'of a quality so fine it was almost chiffon-like in weight' and that description is very accurate.
- The dress has a fairly simple line so that the pleating technique takes centre stage. The bodice is strapless and fitted and the pleated linen runs horizontally across the dress.
- The waist cinches in under that for shape and has a wide attached band done in a matching pale purple silk for added detailing.
- The skirt billows out from there and is very full. To help create the volume that you see the skirt has been set in and around the waist in soft cleats that open up into the fullness that you see as it falls to the floor. An incredible amount of fabric would have been used to create the skirt.
- The dress comes with its original matching shawl. This is cut into a simple triangle with loops set just inside the outer edges to slip your arms through and hold it in place.
- This is a wonderful and very rare example of her work. Most pieces are held in museums.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and boned through the bodice. It closes with a back zipper on the inner corset and then a second zipper closes over that on the outer layer of the dress. There are areas throughout where the fabric has faded. There are also areas where the it has slightly discoloured. Please see the photos after the label shot. The dress is sold as found and is not sold as perfect. A video can be sent upon request if needed.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Overall great condition with the note aboce.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to the bottom of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem with 2" turned under
Shawl: 41" across the widest point and 25" from the point to the top of the shawl.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5499
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This extraordinary dress is an original sample from the Spring 2012 Vauthier collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 marking the end of the Couture division.
- This dress is from the atelier archives and may very well be the only one in existence.
- The dress is made from a soft lavender silk net that is of extremely high-quality. It is all cut on the bias and then onto that are vertical rows made up of thousands of sequins.
- The seam work on this dress is extraordinary. It is a strong nod back to the Couture flapper pieces of the 1920s and 1930s with its simple lines and lack of closures. I have taken some close-ups through the body so that you can see the extraordinary lines of the dress together to create the masterpiece that you see.
- The dress is extraordinarily simple in the way that it goes onto to the body. You simply slip it on and it drapes into place over the body with no closures.
- The bodice is cut to drape loosely over you and has a plunging V at the front and also at the back.
- Panels of the netting are draped over the shoulder to sit softly over the top of the arm. As they draped back up and over the shoulder, they continue at both the front and back. to follow all the way down the plunging Vs.
- More chiffon panels are added around the waist, down the sides and over the skirt to add a soft movement and pretty feminine feel to the dress.
- The waist is cut on the more generous side and is meant to just skim over the body.
- The dress continues from there to curve over the hips and falls to the floor widening out as it near its hem. The sequins taper out as they near the hem so the very lower portion of the skirt is just the netting perfectly tying in everything else with it.
- The sides fall slightly longer than the front and back and this adds a pretty movement around you when you move. This is once again a nod to flapper pieces.
- The sequins are remarkable. The pattern mixes iridescent pale purple sequins that take on a silver tone, depending on how the light catches them, with tiny silver, seed beads, larger silver tube beads and little rows of silver sequins topped with tiny beads. These are all laid out in vertical rows to follow the lines of the dress from shoulder to hem.
- I love the way they catch the light from every angle and how the silk net panels are strategically placed over them to add softness so that they feel romantic rather than startling.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head with no closures. Because it has no closures, it is meant to be able to expand more to get onto the body and then just drape into place once on. This should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 66" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem, 56" to the shortest.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5500
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Sweetest Recent Christian Dior Deep Blue Silk Dress w Scattered Red Heart Print & Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The dress is a more recent one but has the has the same feel as some of the Spring 1978 Dior dresses that I have had in the shop in the past, and I believe that era may be the archival inspiration for this dress.
- It is a very pretty little dress and even without any firm documentation it is an absolutely beautiful dress in its own right.
- The dress is made out of a deep blue silk that is very light in weight and then it has a red heart print scattered over its surface.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders from straps made out of the same silk. The top neckline is cut across and the entire neckline has elastic. The neckline continues past the straps and expands outwards to become the top of full balloon shaped sleeves.
- Under that the silk skims over the bust and then the waist is banded. Attached to the top of the band at the back is a wide panel of a matching silk that extends out to very long ties. These wrap and cinch around you to add shape and detail at the waist.
- The skirt falls from there to just below the knee, depending on your height, and it floats outward for a bit of fullness and movement.
- The lightness of the fabric and ease in the cut allow it to move beautifully when you move and the cut through the body is loose and open so it is very easy to wear and fit.
- And above all else, I love the little scattering of hearts over the print. From a distance, it has a more dotted feel but as you get closer, you realize that it is little hearts.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Elastic through the neckline and at the end of each sleeve. The belt is attached and a part of the dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 17" and they are 18" around the upper arm
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can send it in with the belt
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 9" from top of shoulder to top of the 4" band at the waist
Total length: 43" from top shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5495
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Prettiest Resort 2010 Lanvin by Alber Elbaz Look 39 Version Pink Floral Silk Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- A longer version of this dress was a part of the presentation as Look 39 for the resort 2010 collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
- Alber Elbaz cited Acapulco as an inspiration for the collection and you can see that in the bright floral print of this dress. In Vogue's review of the collection that noted the same saying; 'You could see it in the lime-and watermelon-wedge pendant necklaces, the straw hats decorated with tropical fabric flowers, and the raffia-accented flats'.
- This was final look of the show before the last four wedding dresses presented.
- I love it in this shorter length which makes it a touch more wearable to me.
- This is such pretty and easy to wear dress. It is actually a very simple shape that is meant to skim over the bust, waist and hips.
- It is strapless with band of gathered elastic around the top of the neck line to hold it easily in place on you.
- The dress floats over the bodice and then there is another smaller elastic that runs around the waist. The bodice is cut so that it drapes over the waist a touch.
- The skirt falls in a pretty A-line to just past the knee depending on your height.
- It is made out of a feather like silk that has that gorgeous bright pink floral pattern over it. The silk is soft and light in weight so it is very easy to fit and wear.
- Attached at the waist is a deep yellow flower and then a little gathered bit of pink ribbon sits beside that to add some detailing and a pop of extra colour.
- The dress is flattering, shows a mile of leg, and is a really fun piece of his work that is very representative of his approach to fashion.
- The dress is unlined and slips on to wear. The ribbon and flower at the waist is tacked into place. The easy fit and elastic should allow it to work on a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a Lanvin size 38.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 40" from top of bodice to hem and the length will come up, depending on where you put the elastic waste on yourself.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5496
Reference Photos: Resort 2010 Lanvin, Look 39.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This dress dates to the early 1970s based on the print that covers the dress which is very representative of the work being done during this era.
- It was made under the creative direction of Jules-Francois Crahay
- Jules-Francois headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house.
- The dress has a gorgeous bright colour and print combination that has pops of flowers in the mix.
- It is made out of a stretch synthetic jersey that keeps it light in weight and holds colour exceptionally well so the colours are still crisp and true.
- The neck line has elastic through it so that it can sit fully off of the shoulders. I love the bare expanse of skin that this leaves exposed.
- The bodice is meant to skim over you with a more generous feel so it's easy to wear and fit.
- The cut is also more generous through the waist with a lower dropped seam. I have tied a black ribbon around the waist and you can see that it sits just above that seam. Depending on your height, that is how it should sit on the body. The ribbon will be included when the dress is sent. You could add any belt if you wanted to add even more structured shape or wear it without any for a more loose and easy feel.
- From there the skirt curves over the hips and widens as it nears the hem for some pretty movement. It falls to just past the knee, again, depending on your height.
- The colour combine pops of bright colours on a black backdrop and I love how the print is laid over the dress to emphasize the different parts.
- The perfect finish are those phenomenal sleeves. Each curves out from the edge of the neck line and as they near their ends they balloon out for a beautiful fullness just above the elastic wrist.
- The dress is unlined and it closes with a back zipper. Elastic through the neck line and each cuff. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included.
- There's no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 12.5-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 44.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5497
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Gorgeous 2013 Lanvin Blanche by Alber Elbaz Strapless Ivory Silk Wedding Dress w Back Bow & Ruffle
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely beautiful dress by Lanvin from the 2013 wedding collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz
- He did several variations of this dress and I've included a few of them because I think that it gives you an idea of how the dress will look like on the body. I have had some of these in the shop before and each is stunning.
- I love that it doesn't necessarily feel like a typical wedding gown. A client, who bought the last I had, wore it for an event that was nothing to do with a wedding.
- The dress is made from a fine silk detailed with ivory coloured silk ribbon.
- The bodice is strapless and the dress skims over the body from there to the hem.
- At the back it is gathered up in that elaborate ruffle and bow detailing. This gathering brings the dress in slightly under the hips and gives it a pretty interesting shape as it falls around you.
- The ruffles are tremendously beautiful. A large bow tops them at the back and then they fall and are set all the way down to trail down past the hips, down the skirt and trail past the hem. They are elaborate and caught up with hand placed stitching to hold them in place.
- One of his signature, larger exposed zippers is the perfect finishing Alber touch.
- The fabric has a slight texture running over it and is just thick enough to hold the shape that you see. It is gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk with inner structure though the bodice that is lightly boned. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper between the ruffles at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The colour is slightly richer and creamier in person.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: to 64" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5492
Reference Photo: 2013 Lanvin Blanche Collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Beautiful Resort 2014 Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Backless & Caped Panel Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Resort collection from 2014.
- It was made under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci.
- I have had the dotted one version in the shop before and this all white version is one of the most beautiful pieces to have come out of his time at Givenchy. We have added a reference photo of the dotted one so you can see the fit.
- In Vogue's review of the show it was noted that just the week before the Resort collection was debuted Tisci had won the CFDA's International Award and he was quoted as saying at the time that "This year has been beautiful and amazing for me".
- The dress is magnificent. It is made out of a silk chiffon that is a very fine scarf weight silk that is very difficult to work with especially given the elaborate draping that has been done on this dress.
- The fabric has the slightest bit of texture worked into it. This helps to give the dress a little bit of lift and volume so that it seems to float around you when you move. It would have taken many hours and a high degree of technical skill to drape that silk so perfectly into place.
- The dress is cut to flow beautifully around the body. The neckline is set high with a band that curves around your neck. The bodice is gathered into that and then drapes down over your front in a series of soft gathers. These are then set into the the waist so that the top and skirt gather in a pretty way into the seam.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there widening out slightly as it near the hem. It is cut slightly longer at the back for a pretty sweep behind you as you move.
- The halter front leaves your entire back completely bare and the waist line at the back is curved downwards slightly and above that is nothing but a bare expanse of skin.
- Two long panels of silk are attached at each shoulder so that they drape dramatically over and down towards the floor. You can wear them over the shoulder more so that you get a more caped effect or wear them more towards the back so that they act like long panelled trains that billow out behind you.
- All of the silk and layers are cut on the bias so the dress really has the most spectacular movement when you move.
- It is simple and classic but has a high impact feel at the same time.
- The bodice and skirt are lined in an ivory silk chiffon and the dress closes with a low set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.
- Tagged a Givenchy 34.
- Excellent condition
Bust: should fit a variety of sizes because of the open back
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 58" from the neck to the front hem in the back extends another 4" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5493
Reference Photo: Credit Unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Fantastic Fall 2008 Roberto Cavalli Runway Look 38 Lace Cream Dress w Floral Shoulder Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2008 runway for Look 38.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- The dresses in the collection had a bit of a 1950s feel to them and you can clearly see that inspiration in this dress yet it still feels fresh.
- The dress is fitted through the bodice with an inner cupped and lightly boned corset to hold it in place around you.
- It is suspended from the shoulder with the little silk straps and one shoulder has a spray of pale pink silk flowers following the curve of the strap.
- I love how the bodice falls in a bit of an angle at the front and also at the back. This whimsical little detail is so romantic and feel.
- The waist is nipped in and the dress is fitted over the top of the hips as it curves back out and over you.
- The skirt falls from there and the ruffle details start just under the hip.
- The skirt is incredibly full and has layers of horizontal bands of a soft lace that overlap each other all the way to the hem. A stiffened inner hem helps to hold the shape and volume. Underneath that are multiple layers of ivory silk netting to hold the volume.
- You can see in the photos that the skirt has a touch of transparency to it was just adds to its light and airy feel.
- The entire dress is covered in a soft ivory lace that adds an incredibly romantic feel to the piece.
- The dress has an inner built-in corset the dress is lined in an ivory silk and it closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5494
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Fall 2008 Roberto Cavalli, Look 38. / (6) Fall 2008 Roberto Cavalli Ad Campaign by Inez & Vinoodh.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
adolfo
Incredible 1960s Adolfo Black Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress w Extensive Hand Bead & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- This incredibally detailed dress dates to the 1960s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Adolfo Faustino Sardiña, who professionally known as Adolfo.
- Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and, like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces.
- Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969.
- The base fabric is a fine black silk chiffon over a black silk and then it is lined in a silk and then onto that are thousands of beads and sequins.
- The extensive bead and sequin work is set onto the silk in a gorgeous design that runs over the dress from top to bottom. The designs are clustered and the work sits up and off the silk for a slight 3D effect. All of the work is done by hand.
- It drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way despite the elaborate work on it.
- The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back. The shoulder strap is an extension of all of the design, so there is no break to the eye.
- The edges of the neck, down and around the one arm opening, and all the way around the hem are all finished with tightly, spaced bead work that is incredible.
- It skims over the bust and there is no seam at the waist. Instead, it is shaped to curve in slightly for shape and then it curves back out and over the hips.
- The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out a touch as it nears the floor. The hem is on a slight angle and as it curves up to the one side, there is a slit runs up one side for a flash of leg to show as you move or sit.
- I love the contrast of the silver white beads against the black. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just a spectacular dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper. Hand finishes throughout. There is a tiny bare area between the beading on the shoulder and two small areas around the arm. Please see the photos after the label shot. Otherwise it looks as if it was worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem and the slit is 22" from the hem up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5489
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Black Lace Dress w Fabulously Full Lower Skirting
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was featured in the Spring 2012 collection Lookbook sent out to select retailers.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- Lace was one of the primary fabrics that Sarah Burton used for the Spring 2012 collection and Vogue reported that "She based her collection on the three Gs: Grès for the pleating and draping, Gaudí for the architecture, and Gaia for the sense of all-encompassing oceanic life that infused the clothes, like the outfits composed of coral or shells."
- Pink wore its twin for an editorial shoot and Du Juan wore one on the red carpet.
- We have had a gold version in the shop before and I'm very pleased to have found this black one that matches the Lookbook and red carpets that it's twins appeared on.
- The dress is made out of a black lace that tops a pale nude silk underneath.
- The neckline is a scooped and the bodice is shaped to flow over your curves. The waist is a touch on the more easy side and you could easily add a wide corset belt to get the effect you see in the reference photos and really cinch it in.
- It curves over the hips to about the knee and then the lower skirts explodes out from there.
- Insets of the same lace with a layers of silk organza underskirts are set all the way around. If you lay the lower skirt out flat it has more volume than a full circle. This is what creates that incredibly full effect and the volume that the skirt has. We did not add any additional underskirts for these photos, all of that beautiful sweeping volume is all built-in.
- The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this beautiful sweeping effect behind you as you walk.
- This dress is Sarah at her best and a highly collectible piece.
- The dress is fully lined in a pale nude silk through the body of the dress and then silk organza is set under the lower skirts. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged McQueen 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 8" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5490
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen Look Book. / (2-3) Pink photographed by Andrew MacPherson, Feb 2012. / (4) Du Juan at Deja Vu Screening, June 2012.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Fall 2009 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Metallic Silver Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2009 collection and the same fabric was seen on the runway in other pieces.
- It was created under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The show was inspired by 1920s and the 1920s Orientalism of couturier Paul Poiret and you can see that in the fabric of this dress and its nod to the metallic silk lames that were seen so prominently during that era.
- The dress is made from the most striking metallic silver & black fabric that has a subtle silver shimmer from head to toe. The photos capture the colour well, but it has a slightly more metallic feel in person that is really outstandingly beautiful.
- It is completely cut on the bias so that it falls and drapes beautifully over the body.
- The neck line is cut wide across and the shoulders extend slightly over the top of the arm. The bodice has angled darts that come out from the centre of the waist and it is cut to skim over you down to the waist area.
- The waist is shaped by a combination of the seam work there and the gathering at the front. After curving in around the waist it curves back out and over the hips.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and I love how the bias cut narrows it in around the legs slightly and then the lower portion of skirt flares out dramatically. The back of the skirt is cut slightly longer than the front so you get this phenomenal sweeping feel behind you along with added movement as you walk and move.
- The way it is gathered in around the hips is a strong nod to pieces from the 1930s and 1940s. These are eras that John touched on quite often and that is showcased beautifully in this particular piece. There is a centre seam where all of the fabric has been gathered in towards to create shape and interest around the waist and the of the top of hips.
- The dress is in its original uncut length and just an incredible example of his work from time period.
- It is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. I see some faded marks to the interior lining around the hem. I think this is from storage. The exterior is pristine. When the dress is off the body, the inner lining hangs a bit past the hem but once it was on the dress form, it falls right. This is because of the bias cut of the inner lining - it doesn't shorten to match the exterior hem until there is a body in it.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 2" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5491
Reference Photo: Fall 2009 Christian Dior Runway, Look 35.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- Jan Faulkner is a leather artist who began her career about 30 years ago. This is an early piece of her work from the 1980s
- It is made out of a brilliant blue suede that has been dyed to the colour that you see.
- The suede is almost certainly deer skin as it is extremely soft and supple
- It has the big padded shoulders so common from the 1980s and these could easily be removed if you wanted a softer look. It slips over the head and is meant to be full and easy through the body.
- It comes with a matching belt that ties with a gold braided cord. You can wrap the belt around the lower hip or the waist. The belt is reversible with blue suede on one side and gold on the other.
- The sleeves are long and very full where they insert into the dress and then they narrow down slightly to the cuff.
- The entire dress has fringes made out of hand cut strips of the same suede. These are inserted and hand tied into the suede.
- Gold beads mixed with gold toned round beads are set scattered over the dress and also onto the fringes. More circle around the wide cut neck.
- It is meant to be worn oversized and if you cinch in the waist it becomes very short and can to be worn as an ultra mini or tunic.
- It slips over the head to wear with no closures.
- There is fading on end of the blue side of the belt and across the top of each shoulder. Otherwise excellent condition.
Sleeves: approx 25" and are 19" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: the seams drop well down the top of the arm so there is no true defined seam for the shoulder
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 30" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD5488
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Strapless Deep Purple-Blue Hand Gathered Velvet Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Fall 1986 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- On the runway it was shown in both this colour and also in a red.
- The dress is constructed in a way that creates its unusual gathered velvet technique. It is also what gives it an amazing tactile feel when its touched.
- The colour of the velvet is a beautiful deep purple that in certain lights has a touch of a blue undertone. I love that.
- The dress is strapless with inner built in structure to help hold it in place once one the body. The back part of the bodice has a built-in elastic so the dress is easy to fit. It curves down and past the waist with no seam to break the eye. From there it curves back out and over the hips in a sleek pencil silhouette.
- The dress closes with a zipper that is set off to the side to follow a seam at the back. The inner bodice area is lined in a blue silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. An inner waist stay that hooks to close. You can clearly see the hand stitching on the back of the fabric done to create the pattern on the velvet.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 32" from top of bodice to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5487
Reference Photos: Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Well Documented Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Look 53 Silk Floral Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 53 for the Spring 1983 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would've been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- On the runway it was shown under a jacket when the model first came out and then she removed the jacket. I love that this shows you how versatile these little dresses can be.
- We also found the fabric noted in a WWD editorial and then I looked into my folio collection book and found the model number and original sketch for you to see. I have included all these reference photos for you here and it gives you a beautiful idea of how fabulous this is once on the body.
- The dress is gorgeous and Yves always cut his couture pieces so perfectly to flatter a woman's body.
- It is made out of a fine silk that has the tiniest ribbed texture running through it.
- The top is cut to skim over you and blouse over the waist. The shoulders have light padding just at their outer edges to slightly extend them outward. They are set into the bodice with gathers so that they slightly pouf above the shoulder line. The sleeves are slim and pouf out just slightly as they slim down to the zippered cuffs.
- The neckline is set wide across the collarbones and edged in a black silk band.
- The waist is seamed and we have added a black grosgrain ribbon there for shape. You can add a belt instead if you wanted a really cinched in look.
- The skirt falls under that in a simple pencil to just about the knee or above depending on your height.
- There are hidden set pockets along each hip.
- The colour of the silk is the best thing about the dress. It is a mix of a bright pink, green, blue and a deep purple set in a large floral design that runs over the entire dress.
- Truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will fall in love with how good it is in person. And it is just so good on the body. A masterpiece.
- Unlined through the bodice and lined in a black silk through the skirt. All the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. It closes with a back zipper and two buttons at the back of the neck. An inner waist stay hooks to close. Each cuff has a hand set hidden set zipper to close. Light padding in each shoulder as described above. Completely made by hand. Proper Haute Couture numbered label present. The grosgrain ribbon is not original to the dress but will be sent with it.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 22" and 13.75" around the upper arm
Slightly wide set shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist but mean to blouse a bit
Total length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5486
Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway. / (5-7) Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Advance Preview. / (8) Womens Wear Daily, February 1983.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Chic Cruise 2007 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Knit & Lace Detailed Dress w Little Attached Mini Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Resort 2007 Chanel collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- Everything about this dress has that chic Chanel feel that makes many of Karl's designs forever classics.
- It is beautiful in person and the simple lines and cut make it the kind of dress that you can wear multiple times with the styling and accessories you add making it feel different each time.
- The dress is made of very light black knit that has different finishes depending on where the knit is placed on the dress. These help to define the various parts of the dress and add visual interest.
- On the bodice and the tiny sleeves the knit is done in a light ribbing. The ribbing is used again to circle around the skirt just under the hip area. In between the knit is a solid fine weave and that also carries down to the bottom portion of a skirt as well with a little cut out detail running all the way around the lower hem.
- Underneath the bottom hem there is an added double layer of a slightly stiffened lace for the prettiest detail. This same lace also tops each little sleeve.
- The dress has no closures. You simply slip it over the head and it drapes over the body perfectly once you have it on.
- The front and back necklines are scooped higher across and there is a little Chanel logo button on the top of each shoulder that holds the dress in place.
- It is meant to be more fitted over the bodice as the knit stretches over you. It runs past the waist and then the dress starts to widen out as it skims out and over the hips. It continues to gently widen out as it nears the hem.
- I love the little sleeves. They are attached along the side of the dress and the opening for the arm is cut a little lower than normal to accommodate this. They sit snuggly around the upper arm and add a pretty little detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a soft inner stretch knit layer and has no closures except for the two buttons at the top of the shoulders. The knit does have some stretch and I have put the range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a Chanel 34
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 6" and are just a touch over 7" around where the lace attaches. That is the area with the least amount of stretch.
Bust: 12-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5483
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Fall 1982 Hubert de Givenchy Unlabeled Haute Couture Runway Dress w Feathers w Feather Collar
I Have a Question
- Due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.
- This dress is from the Fall 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- I believe this is the actual runway sample that walked the runway. The only photo that we have been able to find to verify its presence on the runway is one from the back but it is still a photo that shows that it is a runway piece.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
-
The dress is unlabelled and it is made by hand in the same level other of his runway samples that we have had in the shop.
- The bodice and sleeves are made from a black velvet with a flat pile finish. I love how it is cut to sit off shoulder and leave a bare expanse of skin across the top of your shoulders. Two little straps curve over the top of the shoulder to hold it perfectly in place and then the sleeves drop so your upper arm is bare.
- The neck line and the very top of each sleeve have a finish of black feathers that add an amazing feel to the dress.
- The sleeves have been tacked into place along the edge of the bodice and they have an elastic running around the top edge for an easy fit.
- The bodice comes in for shape around the waist and then curves back down to the top of the hip.
- The skirt is spectacular. It comes out from the bottom seam of the top and explodes outward around you with incredible volume
- The skirt is made out of a fine black and silver-grey striped silk that has a pretty red metallic dot woven through its surface. It is the perfect subtle touch of colour and contrast.
- The way the feathers fall around the sleeves and upper bodice is just incredible. They also create slight movements when you move. This is a superb example of his Couture abilities.
- The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is lined with a black silk organza. It closes with a back zipper and each sleeve zippers to close at the wrist. It is finished a level appropriate to a runway sample and all of the work is by hand. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present given that it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 17" from their open top to the end and the elastic stretches from 8-10" around
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 59" from the top of the shoulder to the front hem and the back extends another 4 " past that. There is an additional. 5" of silk turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5484
Reference Photo: Fall 1982 Givenchy Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Spring 2000 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Silk Bias Cut Dress w Low Back
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2000 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This John Galliano dress is incredibly beautiful and it is a stunning example of his work. No matter how good you think that this dress looks like in photos it is even better in person and moving.
- The dress is made out of a hammered black silk that has a beautiful texture woven through the silk. I love how that the added texture it has catches the light as you move and adds an extra layer of visual interest to the dress.
- The dress is cut completely on the bias so it just glides over the body. It is made to perfectly fall over you in a sweep of bias cut fabric.
- It skims over the bust with a draped front that falls in a soft fold. Wide straps sweep up and over the shoulders and then extend down into the back.
- The back is truly incredible. It is scooped down into a very low open soft V that leaves most of your back bare.
- At the base of the scoop, it crosses over itself and has a bit of the same drape that you see at the front. It is so well-made that I think there is the possibility that you could wear it turned around back to front with the V at the front, depending on how it worked on your body and how daring you wish to be.
- The dress skims over the waist with a bit of a more generous feel. It continues past the hips and the bias cut of the silk lets it follows your curves and highlights the body underneath without it being too tight and fitted. Galliano was, and is, a genius when it came to this cut.
- Once past the hips the dress flares out as it nears the bottom hem so that it has beautiful movement when you move. One perfect angled seam runs down the front of a skirt for subtle detail and the very bottom of the lower skirt flares out slightly.
- A row of tightly spaced black silk covered buttons and loops run down one side to finish it with his signature detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a fine black silk and closes at the side with the buttons. It is all cut on the bias so the measurements given below are the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. Being bias cut the length may come up a bit once on the body.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR42, GB14, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5485
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bill blass
Book Documented Spring 1988 Bill Blass Bright Pink Silk & Black Net Ruffle Dress w Pouf Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is from the Spring 1988 Bill Blass collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bill Blass.
- The twin of the dress is documented in the book on his work titled "Bill Blass: An American Designer".
- I love that we also have the runway and advance photos so you can see just how fantastic this dress is once on the body.
- Please note that we do have the rosette with the trailing ribbons that you see in the reference photos. It was sent after the dress was shot for the site and will be sent with the dress.
- The dress is made out of a bright pink silk that has a finish that slightly stiffens the fabric and this is what allows it to hold it shape. The fabric also has a slight iridescence to it and is very pretty in person. The colour is slight different pink than how much photoed but it is nice and vibrant.
- The neckline cuts across and is shaped around the bust to the waist. The waist is nipped in and this added shape around the middle balances the volume above and below.
- The skirt curves out in an almost bell shape and then come slightly in at the bottom. This creates a beautiful shape once on and you really get a sense of that in the runway shots.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are attached and hand stitched in along the edges of the bodice and they have a elastic running around the inside to hold it around your arm and top of shoulder. They are gathered into a piped pink silk band at the other end and the gathering and extra layer of fabric inside are what helps to hold their incredible full shape.
- Onto the bodice and the sleeves is a black stiffened netting that would have traditionally been used as an inner lining/ structure to help hold the shape of a hem of a skirt for example. Using it as a detail on the exterior of the dress would have been a very unusual and avant-garde choice for this era. I really love when you see these pops of unusual fabrication in his evening pieces.
- The netting is entirely applied by hand and is set in pretty curving shapes to twist and turn over the bodice and to completely run over the sleeves.
- This is a fantastic example of his work and very well documented.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching colour pink silk and has a built-in corset that is lightly boned and has its own zipper. There is an attached waist stay that hooks to close along the bottom of that inner corset and then the dress closes with a hidden set zipper over that. Elastic through the tops of the sleeves. The fabric has some very faint fading here and there that is not enough to be photoed. I have never seen a dress made out of this particular type of silk not have this as it ages. Some grubbiness along the very edge of the bottom hem. This is all very minor but mentioned for accuracy. I see one small mark near the zipper at the back. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the one minor note above.
Sleeves: approximately 11" and the bottom piped opening is 11" around
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 54" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5480
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1988 Bill Blass Runway. / (2-3) Spring 1988 Bill Blass Advance. / (4) Spring 1988 Bill Blass dress photographed by Nana Watanabe from the book "Bill Blass: An American Designer".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Spring 1982 Givenchy by Hubert de Givenchy Strapless Pink Silk Dress w Floral Appliqued Bodice
I Have a Question
- A version with similar floral finishes walk the runway for the spring 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodmans and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made. This part of his brand was created specifically to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and re-branded as the Givenchy Couture label.
- This dress is from those early days of the label and it is one of the prettiest Givenchy dresses I have seen.
- The dress combines a brilliant pink silk skirt with a more fitted strapless bodice.
- The bodice on this one is so pretty. The base of it is a slightly off-white silk that has a white netting covering it. Onto that is an explosion of the prettiest little silk flowers in a range of pretty pastels mixed with pops of pink and purple.
- These are all placed over the bodice and so they cover it all the way around from the front to the back. They have been laid out flat beside each other and only the centres are sewn down onto the fabric so the petals sit off the fabric and move with the smallest bit of air. This gives it a touch of a 3D feel and pretty movement.
- The skirt is as fabulous and it is very full with the silk layer on the top and an inner silk chiffon layer underneath. The colour is a brilliant pink that perfectly picks up in the pink flowers in the bodice.
- There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and it is set into the waist in soft folds so that it really has fullness and movement when you move.
- The dress came with its original green silk covered belt that you can add if you wanted an extra pop of colour.
- The dress is fully lined in a ivory silk though the bodice and the skirt is lined in a pink silk. Light boning in the bodice. There is an inner waist stay and another under the bust and both hook to close. It closes with a metal side set zipper. There is a touch of grubbiness along the edges of the bodice around the arm areas and the flowers have softened over the years. There is some grubbiness and slight fading to the edge of the skirt hem and I see one tiny hole in the silk. The belt shows fading and wear. Please see the photos after the label shot
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition with the notes above
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Total length: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5481
Reference Photos: Spring 1982 Lanvin Couture. Model Anna Bayle.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This is an unlabelled piece that is made to a Demi-haute couture level
- The dress is made of a brilliant feather light pink silk.
- The bodice is cut with a simple feel and then the dress has a wide ruffle on each side that wraps around the shoulders and goes to the back for added drama.
- There is netting inside the ruffle that sits around the shoulders and this helps it to hold its shape and volume. You can also wear this more on the shoulder.
- It is more fitted through the body and has a ruffle that begins at the centre of the bodice extending to wrap down and around the skirt. The ruffle becomes wider as it nears the hem. The back falls longer than the front and it has a beautiful curving line around to the back. Because of the wrap over at the front. when you walk or move you get a flash of leg.
- It comes with its matching little waist band that hooks into place to add more shape to the waist
- It is fully lined in a handset silk and closes with a back zipper . There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The matching fabric belt hooks to close. There is one faint mark across the one side of the skirt at the back, near the arms, the hem and some very minor fading near the top of the zipper.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 29" from top of shoulder to where it splits, 60" to longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5161
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean louis scherrer
Gorgeous Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2007 runway and it is an absolute stunner.
- It was made under the creative direction of Stephane Rolland.
- The dress is made of a beautifully printed feather light silk chiffon and the bow details are a brown silk.
- Wide straps extend up from the two front triangles and wrap and button at the back of the neck. This leaves a plunge right to the wide band that circles around the waist. The result is a low plunge, but because of the way the halter is cut and the width of each side, everything is held perfectly in place once on.
- The waist is defined by a wide band of the same fabric. It starts high up above the waist and is gathered horizontally around you ending at the top of the hip.
- All of the gathering through that area has all been hand tacked into place. I love the shape that it adds to the dress.
- The back is equally spectacular. It is completely bare and exposed from the strap that curves around the neck down to the top edge of the band that details and add shape to the waist.
- The skirt is spectacular. At the front there is a draped panel that falls down the centre and then is caught up with a deep brown bow underneath where is flounces. The lower tier of the skirt widens and flows out from there with extra fabric gathered in.
- The back of the skirt is cut so that it falls a little longer than the front. This creates a really pretty sweeping movement behind you as you walk.
- I love that the print is soft. All of the browns are more on the tawny feeling side to create this pretty softness over the dress. I think in person it feels even less of a contrast in the print than how it photos. It is very pretty.
- The dress has its original tag with its price of €4250 or just under €6500 in modern dollars.
- The dress is lined in a nude colour silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There are three buttons at the neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Scherrer 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers approximately 7" flat across from side to side
Band under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to top of the 8.5" band at the waist
Total length: approx 68" from neck to front hem and the back ham extends another 5" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5477
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean louis scherrer
Phenomenal Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Silk Velvet Cut Devore Cocoon Coat
I Have a Question
- The twin of this phenomenal coat walked the runway for the Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Eric Mortensen.
- The coat would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This coat is a dream and I feel like the photos do not fully convey how beautiful it is in real life. It is made out of a cut silk devore and has the feel of a 1920s couture flapper coat.
- The fabric is outstanding. The base silk is a pale olive green and then the silk velvet on top of that is the prettiest softest brown. The velvet catches the light and changes how its colour feels slightly depending on how the light hits it.
- The pattern that covers it is a beautiful floral pattern that trails over the entire coat.
- The collar is soft and is a nod to the extended shawl collars of the 1920s. There is some padding built into the shoulders for some structure.
- The sleeves extend out from the waist so they are very wide around the body and then they narrow down to the opening that you slip your hand through.
- To wear the coat you simply slip it on. It has no closures and once on it drapes into place around you falling in beautiful, curving draped lines around you.
- The hem is cut so that it curves up and around at the front and falls longer at the back.
- This is a piece that you really cannot get the full sense of until it is on and moving. It wraps around you in a cloud of silk velvet and silk. It is so very good.
- The coat is fully lined in a very high end olive coloured silk and has no closures. All of the work is done completely by hand to couture standards. The proper Haute Couture numbered tag is present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The generous cut should fit just about any frame. It will just be more draped and cocoon feeling the smaller you are.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 19" and are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 60" from neck to back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD5478
Reference Photos: Fall 1991 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Sexiest 2003 Roberto Cavalli Laced Back Corset Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress w Stitched Panels
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2003 Cavalli collection and is a variation of Look 30
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- Leopard prints were predominant through the runway presentation and the backdrop of the catwalk was a giant wall of video screens. The runway equivalent to this dress was deeply plunged at the front but this production piece with its corset front is far more wearable and easy to fit in my opinion. We have included runway video and stills to show you the similar fit through the body and how it will move
- The dress is made of a leopard print bias cut silk chiffon that is phenomenal. Within the leopard print there are printed gold chains that run over the dress and accentuate the curves of the body underneath. They also build on the cut of the dress itself.
- The dress is suspended from two tiny straps in the same silk that curved up and over the shoulders. The straps have a touch of elastic inside to help it fit perfectly once on. At the back they curve slightly inwards and attach. The entire upper back is left bare and exposed.
- There is a built-in inner underwired bra that holds everything in place. This gives you the structure you need while still keeping the feel of a bias cut dress over that.
- The dress curves in at the waist with a combination of long curving vertical seams and ones set in peaked angles that curved downwards. It curves back out over the hips from there. Everything is cut on the bias and there are no horizontal seams to break the print or lines of the dress.
- The lower skirt flares out with quite a bit of fabric used for its construction. The back has extra fabric and is cut a little longer than the front so that you have a beautiful bit of fabric behind you as you move. The extra fabric also gives you wonderful movement as you walk.
- I love how all of the seams around the bodice are pieced together with an obvious brown thread stitching them together. The way this is done allows for a little bit of bare skin to show between the stitches. It is a subtle detail but a fantastic one.
- The final perfect finishing touch is the laced back. This allows you to adjust the fit perfectly to you and it gives the dress the perfect signature Cavalli sexiness.
- The dress is unlined and closes with the laces at the back. The straps have slight elastic in them and there is a built-in underwire bra to create a corset effect. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli Small
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam when it is tightly laced up. Loosening the laces would give you whatever extra room you needed around.
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: the very front centre is 60" from top of shoulder and then it starts to curve around to end up being 67" at the back.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5479
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2003 Roberto Cavalli, Look 30.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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