I Have a Question
- This is a gorgeous dress that dates to approximately the 2010s
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- The dress is made out of a simple black silk that is light in weight with just enough structure to hold the intended shape.
- The bodice is strapless with a double panel of black silk that wraps around the entire bodice to create a the feel of a corset peeking out from underneath the top layer. The very top layer is only attached at points on the edge on the neckline so it folds over slightly to create a pretty detail.
- It is meant to be more fitted over the bodice and then nips in with a wide band of the same fabric around the waist.
- It curves back out over the hips and has an extra panel of fabric that falls over the sides of each hip to create a peplum.
- As the skirt nears the hem it flares out around you for a very pretty line.
- It is perfectly minimalist and yet still feels like it makes a statement.
- The dress has built-in light boning along each side. It closes with a hidden set side zipper and is fully lined in a black silk. It has its original hangtag attached and was never worn.
- Tagged a vintage Fendi 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.25" from top of bodice to bottom 2" band around the waist
Total length: 58" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5756
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
Iconic Spring 1998 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Wrap Tuxedo Dress w High Wrap Over Slit
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1998 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The re-defining of a men's tuxedo into a piece suited for women is one of the Saint Laurent most enduring symbols. I love that this dress is a play on that.
- The dress is gorgeous and the black silk fabric itself is part of what makes it so fabulous giving it the perfect amount of drape with some structure.
- In contrast to that silk backdrop is a black silk collar with a matte satin finish that sits against the inky black of the dress underneath.
- The collar is of course what gives the dress it's fantastic nod to the tuxedo and it becomes a central focus point of the dress.
- This is a piece that shows his strong tailoring and detailed knowledge of how to cut a piece to best suit a woman's body.
- The dress crosses over itself and hooks at the side with a large glossy decorative button.
- This creates the perfect slightly curved plunge at the front. The sides near the arms angle up and in towards the collar. This allows the notching of the collar to sit against bare skin. A small detail that is quite genius.
- The waist is nipped in by the wrapped cut of the dress with no horizontal line to break the eye.
- It glides over the hips and then widens out a touch as it nears the hem.
- The way that it wraps to close at the one side creates that fantastic flash of bare leg when you move and the front opens with your movement. You can see how fantastic and sensual this feels from the runway photos.
- It is a phenomenal YSL from this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and it wraps to close and then hooks at the side of the waist under a decorative button. There is an inner attached silk band that hooks into place to help hold it around you. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to inner waist band
Total length: 58" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5757
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.
thierry mugler
Spring 1983 Thierry Mugler Black Raw Silk Vertical Panel Dress w Fringed Hem & Silk Chiffon Underskirts
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 1983 collection based on the reference photo that we found with a similar design of the cut of the lower skirt.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The fabric is a black raw silk which has enough structure combined with the extensive seam work to hold the design and intended shape.
- Long vertical panels of the fabric have been pieced together side-by-side from the top of the strapless bodice to the hem of the skirt. The lines become a part of the design and the entire dress has been shaped by the manipulation of the sizing and placement of the strips.
- The bodice is strapless and the tops of the ribbons are set at different heights all around the neckline. Where they rise above the top edge they are not sewn together so you get a very distinctive ribbon feel.
- It is meant to fit the bodice and then curves in at the waist. Inside there is for built-in corset that is lightly boned and holds the dress in place around you.
- From there it curves out and over the hips, comes in slightly just below the knee, and then flares outward again for the lower skirts.
- Just under the knee the panels open up and are no longer stitched together. This is what gives it the added volume there and creates a 'fringed' feel around you.
- Behind the panels are three layers of stacked black silk chiffon When you walk you get that bit of transparency between the the panels and it feel very interesting and unexpected. You get a sense of what that will be like in the runway reference photo.
- The dress is just brilliant in person and better then how it photographed. It is not 100% perfect but it is still an outstandingly beautiful piece.
- The inner nude silk corset acts as the lining behind the bodice. It is lightly boned and closes with its own side zipper. And attached waist hooks to close. The upper part of the skirt is lined in a black silk. Three layers of silk chiffon are attached behind the lower portion of the skirt as described above. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper placed over the inner corset zipper. I see fading on the fabric here and there throughout but most notably around the bodice, under the arms and around the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
- Excellent overall condition with the note above.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of inner edge of the bodice to inner waist
Total length: 53" from top of inner edge of the bodice to hem. The ribbons extend above the top edge of the bodice from 1.5-2.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5758
Reference Photos: Spring 1983 Thierry Mugler.
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 1990 Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Runway Ivory Silk Dress w Gold Metal Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 1990 Givenchy Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- We found a reference photo of its twin, which lets you see how fantastic it is once on a body.
- A similar dress in black walked the runway and you can see the twin of this dress in the background walking away from the camera in that shot.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- It is made out of a rich ivory silk that has a beautiful drape to it.
- The silk is gathered up onto one shoulder and then this drapes down under the other arm. There is extra fabric all along the edge so you get a really beautiful drape along that side.
- It is cut so bad it skims over the bust and then the waist is cinched in for shape.
- The skirt is elaborately gathered into the waist area and all of the draping in the skirt is set so that it sweeps upwards into the waist. This allows the dress to drape over the hips as needed, and then it comes in naturally more around the legs to create a very Grecian feel.
- It wraps over itself and closes with an elaborate series of silk covered snaps and hooks. Where it crosses over you will get a flash of leg when you walk or sit. You can see this in the reference photo
- A panel of silk is gathered on the one side of the waist and falls more towards the side and back for added detail and movement.
- There is a very elaborate design done in gold metal pieces that are all hand set onto the silk. It is composed of gold beading in a variety of shapes and sizes, dangling metal cords and prong set glass crystal rhinestones. The entire lower portion of the gold metal design is set in dangling strands off of the dress so when you move this has incredible movement.
- The dress is unlined and snaps to close up the side of the bodice that goes over the shoulder and then it hooks and snaps into place both inside the inner waist and along the front of the waist. The bust and hips are completely cut on the bias so are very forgiving and have movement over the body. On this one, if the waist fits the rest should fit. I see a couple very faint tiny marks here and there and a teeny tiny pinhole near the seam of the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot. These are very minor but mentioned for accuracy.The dress is completely made by hand and has its proper couture label present.
- There is no size tag because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the minor notes above.
Bust: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 17" from top of shoulder to waist and meant to blouse over a bit
Total length: approx 40" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5755
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.
ted lapidus
Fabulous Late 1970s Mini Ted by Ted Lapidus Ivory Playsuit w Front Zipper & Rhinestone Trim
I Have a Question
- The Mini Ted label was an off shoot by Ted Lapidus that existed from the late 1970s through the 1980s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Ted Lapidus.
- The line was designed to be a high-end ready-to-wear and the pieces tended to have a nautical or officer, kind of feel to them.
- This is a fantastic representative of that line.
- The playsuit is made out of a almost canvas feeling heavier fabric that has a soft self lining.
- It slips onto to wear and then you zip it at the front with a big chunky oversize zipper. I love this lets you put the front as low as you wish.
- The collar is slightly oversized and pointed, and is trimmed with a row of rhinestones. It's interesting that the rhinestones are set on both the top of the collar and underneath, and then they follow down and around the zipper and on the inside of the collar to the zipper. This gives you that sparkle rhinestone whether you choose to wear the collar up or down.
- The shoulders have very light padding and the sleeves are full over their cups. Each cuff is detail, detailed with that same string of rhinestone detailing, and they have a little anchor encrusted buttons.
- It is meant to skim over the bust, waist and curve over the hips. If you wanted to add even more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The very bottom of the shorts are cuffed, and they are cut very short.
- Inside there is a bit of elastic that has been added with the name Martine written on it that has faded quite a bit. Almost certainly the person who owned it.
- The jumpsuit is unlined encloses with the front zipper. Each cuff buttons to close.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 27.5" from neck to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5754
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.
pierre cardin
Rare 1980s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Ivory Silk One Sleeve Ruffle Top w Black Silk Bow
I Have a Question
- This is a piece that dates to the 1980s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierre Cardin.
- This is a rare and very special Haute Couture piece that is very bold in its execution.
- It would have been made completely by hand Paris atelier.
- This is a piece that is meant to be layered over other items and could be worn with almost anything underneath.
- The very avante garde design of the top leaves one side of the bust completely bare and exposed as it angles down from the shoulder and underneath the breast on that side.
- The ruffles are very dramatic as they follow that angle and sit on top of the shoulder to frame the face.
- Another ruffle circles completely around where the sleeve is insight into the top and then the sleeve extends from there in a long and simple line.
- All of the silk is gathered from the shoulder down on a curving angle to the opposite side of the low waist. It angles back out to curve over the hip on the opposite side.
- Everything is gathered in at that point just below the waist. The ruffles starting at the shoulder, calm down to that point and then more ruffles follow the new angle that wraps around the hip.
- Nestled in where everything meets at that single point at the top of the hip is a black silk bow.
- This is a piece that has a dramatic feel from every single angle. It is absolutely extraordinary.
- For those who don't want to be exposed, you would have multiple options on what to wear underneath. Ranging from a simple body suit to a bandeau... the choices of how to make this work are absolutely endless as are what to wear it over.
- This would make a spectacular piece for a bride who wants to wear something that is completely unique.
- The top is fully lined in a matching ivory silk and it closes on the side with a hook & eye and a silk covered snap. You could adjust the waist up or down if needed by an inch or two by moving those. It is completely made by hand to Couture standards and has its proper Couture tag present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please see the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeve: 22.5" and is 12.5" around the upper arm
Bust: the front on the one side covers to 9" from under the arm to where the ruffle starts and then the ruffle extends outward another 4.5"
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 33" from top of the shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5753
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
1970s Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Couture Deep Yellow Lace Halter Dress w Wide Band at the Waist
I Have a Question
- This is a gorgeous Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
- 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 would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- The fabric is a light weight lace that creates a pretty floral print that covers the dress from head to toe.
- The bodice of the dress is fantastic. It is cut halter style and you simply slip your head through the opening so that it sits behind the neck. Each halter is cut on a slight curve so even though it is plunged to the band under the bust, it feels very safe when you are wearing it.
- It still has a sexy element though. Each panel is made out of two layers of the lace and the lace is placed to give you coverage so that it can be safely worn. But you still do see a teeny bit of skin underneath between the more covered lace parts. It is sexy but in a subtle way that is very clever.
- I love that the halter front leaves the entire upper back left bare and exposed.
- A wide 4.5" band wraps around the waist starting just under the bust and at the centre it peaks downwards to be a full 8 inches wide. It is made in the same way as the halter top with two layers of lace so that it also has a slight bit of transparency through the layers.
-
The skirt falls to the floor from there widening out as it nears the hem.
- Inside everything has been done by hand to Couture standards.
- The panels at the front, as well as the band around the waist, are made of two layers of the lace as described above. The skirt is fully lined in a matching coloured silky rayon. It closes at the back with a hand set zipper. All of the inner seams are done by hand. The skirt was let down at some point and you can see a very faint line on the lining of where it was turned under. The outer layer of lace has a small turned under hem and the edge of the inner lining is raw. It has been left as found for the added length.
- There are no size tags present since it is Couture so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers 8.5" flat across from side to side
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 11.5" from neck to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5752
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.
nina ricci
Rare Fall 2007 Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens Runway Look 38 Gold Metal Thread Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 38 for the Fall 2007 Nina Ricci presentation
- It was made under the creative direction of Olivier Theyskens
- The dress is wonderfully documented. It was photoed for Vogue that season and is seen in the book "She Walks in Beauty". Kiera also wore one for an editorial that season
- The strapless ball gown is something that is a signature of Olivier and that combined with this striking antique feeling silk brocade fabric in its beautiful slightly metallic yellow colour make this a stand out of the collection. It was the second to last look of the finale.
- The dress is made out of a heavy yellow silk brocade that has a remarkable and slightly metallic feel to parts of the fabric. It has the feel of an antique fabric and is absolutely incredible. It is rare now to see fabric at this level of quality.
- This fabric choice is really what allowed him to manipulate and create the sculptural seams that the dress has.
- The strapless bodice is meant to be fitted and there is a full built-in inner corset that holds the dress in place around you. The fabric is shaped over the bodice and gathered down towards one side of the waist. An attached wide band of the same fabric circles around your waist. The back scoops down to leave your upper back bare and exposed. The dress has been mainly finished by hand and it is finished to an extraordinary level.
- It skims over the hips and the skirt has elaborate draping to create the feel that you see in the photos. There is a full panel that sweep across and around the hips to fall down and over one side of the skirt and then that trails out behind you.
- You can only imagine that for this one he personally placed in each drape by hand to get the shape that he wished it to have.
- The skirt that is set underneath the swag of silk brocade down one side is extraordinary full. I love the way the fabric has been manipulated to fall around you and then starts at the sides to become very wide and full as it sweeps around to the back. As it curves around you it becomes a striking train at the back that sweeps out behind you. Panels have been added in and under at the back to give even more fullness.
- This is a phenomenal piece from his tenure at the Nina Ricci label and is extremely rare. I would be shocked if there are more than one or two examples other than this one in existence. The amount of hand work in the dress tells me that this was definitely a custom-made piece and made-to-order. It is on par with true Haute Couture.
- The dress closes with a hidden side set zipper. It has a full structural inner corset that is cut and boned with an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The fabric that sits closest to your body is embossed with a Nina Ricci name. This inner corset runs all the way down to the top of the hip. The rest of the dress is lined in that same embossed silk as the inner bodice and there's an additional heavy lining of a woven muslin between that and the skirt. Hand finishes throughout.
- The dress has no size tag present. Please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 57" from top of bodice to shortest part of the front hem and then the back extends another 17" past that. There is approximately 3.5" turned under the ham
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5751
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.
madame gres
Fall 1970 Madame Gres Haute Couture Wide Leg Pant w Metallic Partially Open Tie Top Set
I Have a Question
- This set is from the early to mid-seventies and comes directly from the Client, who got it from Gres atelier
- It was made under the creative direction of Madame Gres.
- Gres' work has had profound effects on Haute Couture and her influence still resonates to this day. Her attention to detail, master draping techniques and respect for the female form is unparalleled.
- She was known for designing and creating garments directly on her models and this became a signature of her work.
- She opened her first atelier, La Maison Alix in 1932. A partnership briefly changed the house's name to Alix Barton and then the label went to simply Alix. In 1942 she married, and the label made its last change to became Madame Gres, which was a partial anagram of Serge, her husband's first name.
- Her work spans over five full decades with the vast majority of it, with the exception of a short-lived RTW line begun in 1980, dedicated solely to creating Haute Couture. She is one of the greatest couturiers of our time and her pieces are very rare and hard to find.
- This is an amazing vintage true Haute Couture set.
- I love the camel coloured wide legged jersey pants with their wide cut legs. The jersey they are made out of is the soft wool that she used extensively during this time period and it has a soft finish to it that looks and feels heavenly once on.
- The pants are banded at the top with a wide gathered sash of a pale yellow jersey for contrast to the camel colour below. This hooks to the one side and there is built-in boning at the sides to hold its shape around the waist. It is a touch wider on one side then the other to create a pretty curve. The pants fall to the floor and widen out to be 64" around at each hem.
- The top has a metallic finish to it. The silk has actual metal thread woven through it and this gives it a subtle glint from all angles. A design runs through the silk and the metal thread is woven onto that in a floral design.
- The neckline is scooped and it skims over you to the waist. The sleeves are long and simple.
- It ties into place at the back with ties made of the same fabric. These sit on an angle that starts at the neckline, run across to one side and then go straight down to the hem of the top. This leaves a little bare expanse of skin showing between the ties.
- I photoed the top both un-tucked and tucked as it can be worn either way.
- Both pieces have a Haute Couture label in them and the top has an additional handwritten numbered tag inside.
- This is an incredible and rare opportunity to own a beautiful piece of her work and it is that much more versatile with the two pieces since you can mix and match with pieces from your exiting wardrobe.
- Both pieces are unlined and have been completely finished by hand. The pants close with hook and eye at the band and a zipper under that. There is a minor repair to the jersey inside the inner structure of the band and then one of the fold along one side. Both only show internally. The top ties to close at the back.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: approx 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 12" from shoulder to hem
Pants
Waist: 12" at top of band and narrows to 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam of true waist with room in the seams available to let out a bit if needed.
Band: 3.5" high on the boned hook closure side and the other side widens to approx 9"
Hips: open
Length: 40" from true waist to hem
Inseam: 29"
Rise: 15" from true waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5750
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
Pre-Fall 2018 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Look 60 Sequin & Bead Sun & Stars Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for the Pre-fall 2018 Dior collection as Look 60
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- In Vogues' interview with Maria she said of the house that "We have to maintain our heritage, but at the same time, transform it into something that's very easy to wear - comfortable to." the collection had a significant portion devoted to stars with the evening dresses "...and embellished with constellation artwork from surrealist Jean Cocteau."
- The twin of this one was shown in a trio of these embellished dresses and this one with its beautiful embellished sun on the bodice is absolutely one of my strong favourites of the present presentation.
- The upper most part of the bodice and the skirt are made out of a black netting and this is mixed with the black velvet of the bodice. Onto that is an extensive pattern that combines bead work, sequins and embroidered black chenille thread work.
- The bodice of the dress is meant to be more fitted around you but it does not have any inner corset so it is still soft and easy on the body.
- I love the how the upper most part of the bodice is made out of the two layers of the netting for a little bit of skin too show through and then the inky black of the velvet offers a pretty contrast to that.
- The stylized sun that sits on the bodice has a beaded outline and then it is filled with embroidered thread and gold sequins. It appears that this was all hand done on an applique and then the applique was applied to the dress. It is just fabulous.
- The skirt is cut to be very full. It falls from the nipped in waist and then expands outwards from there. This gives it a soft and easy movement around you as you move. If you lay the skirt of flat it is just short of being a true circle skirt by the time it reaches to hem.
- Two layers of netting sit over an opaque silk inner layer next to your body. The very top layer is heavily embellished with gold sequins in various sizes mixed with black chenille embroidery. This gives it beautiful texture and ties it in perfectly with the sun on the top.
- There is a ton of fabric in a skirt. It is very light in weight so when you stand still it falls with just a slight volume but when you move it really moves around you beautifully.
- It is just outstanding in person and beautifully constructed.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see a slight change in the direction of the velvet here and there. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR34, GB6, IT38, US2
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5747
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
Stunning 2013 Unlabeled Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Black Crepe Dress w Gold Metal Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2013 McQueen collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- Charlize wore it's twin beautifully to an event that October.
- It is a beautiful dress that is very flattering on the body. McQueen was a master tailor and Sarah continued that same tradition during her era. The seam work and simplicity of this dress do not hide that fact.
- The dress is made is made from a beautifully light black crepe so it is easy to wear. The sculpted and shaped silhouette is classically McQueen.
- It is cut to flow over the body and skims over the bust, waist and hips to the floor.
- The shoulders have strong padding underneath. If you wanted a soft look, you could remove these, but they do help pull the structure there. The sleeves extend out from there and narrow to the zippered wrist.
- The neckline is cut more straight across the front and then each shoulder has an elaborate embellishment added.
- Covering the tops of the shoulder are gold leaves, gold, and more copper toe beads in various sizes and lengths as well as smaller silver beads. Mixed in with those are white and clear beads and then everything has been topped with prong set pink rhinestones.
- This elaborate embellishment curves over the top of each shoulder and then comes down the front into a point. It goes down the back of the shoulder as well, but not as deep.
- The back is a whole moment in itself. The sides ruffle down the back and then a tie extend out at the back of the neck to hold everything in place. This leaves a large expanse of skin bare and exposed.
- The waist has a more generous feel to it and then the skirt continues past that, curving over the hips and flares outwards as it reaches the hem.
- At the back there is extra fabric worked around the centre seam to give you a trained effect behind you. This flaring out at the bottom and the extra bit at the back give you fabulous movement when you walk or move.
- The dress is unlabeled. It is lined in a black silk through the skirt. It ties behind the neck and then closes with a hidden low set zipper at the back. Someone has tacked part of the back shut. I have not opened that up, but you could if you wanted or you can request me to prior to having it sent. There are hooks there that you could choose to leave more fully opened if you preferred a more open back. Each wrist has a hidden set zipper. Padding in the shoulders. It appears as if the front neckline was slightly altered. Priced accordingly. Slight dustiness around the hem. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- No size tag is present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Great condition with the minor notes above
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are just under 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 15-16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 12" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5748
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
Rare Fall 1978 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Metallic Gold & Black Ruffle Top & Wrap Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This set is from the Fall 1978 YSL Rive Gauche collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We found reference photos of the twin of each of these two pieces. They were not shown on the runway together but coordinating pieces where sold in the shops so they could be mixed and matched.
- I love that it is a set made up of two pieces. It looks like a full dress when worn together but you still have the versatility of being able to mix and match each with things you already have in your wardrobe.
- The top is made out of a black chiffon that has gold thread dots woven through the silk. The body of the skirt is a black velvet and then it has a extensive ruffle all the way around the neck in the same silk and gold chiffon.
- The silk chiffon used on both pieces is amazing. The gold thread that creates the dot pattern throughout really pops off the black.
- Yves was a master at choosing the fabrics that were the perfect compliment to his cuts. These pieces are no exception to that rule. The choice of the silk chiffon keep the top feather light and adding it to the skirt allows it to have that much more movement around you when you move.
- The top is cut to skim over you with a loose and easy feel that is more of a baby doll shape. I have shown the top both tucked and un-tucked so you can get an idea of the shape.
- The collar is absolutely fantastic. It has a wide ruffle that circles the entire neckline. You can wear it more scooped at the front and closer to the neck or wear it wide and straight across to the very edges of the shoulders.
- I love the slight transparency that the top has with its single layer of silk chiffon.
- The skirt wraps and hooks where it meets. On the side that is open from there down to the hem is a silk chiffon ruffle in the same fabric as the top. This goes all the way to the hem and then around the bottom of the skirt. It adds fantastic movement as you move.
- The top is unlined and the velvet of the skirt is self-backed. The top slips over the head to wear. The skirt closes at the side with a flat hook and eye at the waist and it is open to the hem under that. If you did not want the skirt to be as open you could move the hook at the waist or add hooks along the side.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust-bottom seam: will open to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 23.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" from waist to hem
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist to the longest side of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5749
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
- A version with a pant walked the runway for the Spring 2000 Balmain Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- In 1993 Oscar de la Renta took over as Creative Director at Balmain where he designed the Haute Couture collections until 2002. The house had been floundering at that point and he had a huge impact on the reviving the sales of the couture pieces, mainly by catering to private clients, much like Balmain had originally.
- It is extraordinary to think that Oscar never produced a Haute Couture line under his own label and these few short years at Balmain gives us a chance to see just how talented he really was at all levels.
- Both pieces would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The jacket especially is a dream and I feel like the photos do not fully convey how beautiful and elaborate it feels in real life.
- The fabric used on the jacket is outstanding. The base is a handmade woven yarn and silk mix. Onto that are designs made from natural twine cording that has been embellished with a tiny hand carved round pieces that appear to be mother of pearl.
- The added yarn circles and flowers sit slightly up and off the base and you can clearly see the hand work done to apply them to the base fabric.
- The tiny little circles that are mixed into the design seem at first glance to be sequins but when you take a closer look at them you can clearly see each one is an individually cut iridescent circle with a tiny hole drilled through their centres. They appear to be mother of pearl.
- The skirt is made out a fabric that looks to be a handwoven silk linen mix. I love how it is cut in a simple silhouette so that the jacket shines.
- The jacket has no collar and the shoulders have some padding built in for some structure but still have a more soft feel.
- The sleeves fall from there and each ends with an elaborate addition of four handmade buttons that decorate, and hold closed, a slit set vertically along each cuff.
- The front buttons to close with six more of those same handmade buttons. Tiny faux pockets sit on either side of the button just above the flare that curves over the hips. Each pocket is detailed with its own design of corded circles that matches the borders of the jacket.
- The skirt has a simple long pencil silhouette with a slit at one side to allow ease of walking. It is a slightly paler shade then the jacket and has a very pretty woven texture running through it.
- The waist has no band. It simply curves out and over the hips and then falls in a fairly straight line to the hem.
- I love that this is two separate pieces so that you have the added versatility of being able to mix a match the jacket and skirt with existing things you already own.
- The jacket is fully lined in a very high end hand set silk and closes with hooks set behind the buttons at the front. The buttons on the cuffs are decorative. The skirt closes with a hidden set zipper and hook and eye behind the top of the zipper at the inner waist. All of the work is done completely by hand to couture standards. The proper Haute Couture tag is present inside the jacket. The set appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and they are just under 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from waist to hem and the slit is 12" from hem up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5744
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.
prada
Resort 2008 Prada by Miuccia Prada Look 5 One Shoulder Floral Printed Silk Dress w Low Side Plunge
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress with a more pink base was presented as Look 5 for the Resort 2008 Prada collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada.
- This was one of the most famous of all Miuccia's collections and the pieces sold out world-wide shortly after being released. Resort pieces are produced in more limited quantities making everything from this collection even more special.
- Vogue's review of the show said that "The collection, full of colourful prints and polka dots, can only be described as pretty" and took special note of the one shoulder pieces.
- The runway version dress was also photoed for an editorial that season.
- It is made out of one of Prada's beautiful fabrics meant to mimic the silky rays of the 1940s. It was then printed with one of Miuccia's proprietary floral prints that she used for this collection. These florals were defining look for the season and they incorporated the word Prada in the print.
- The dress curves up and around the bust and over the shoulder. The shoulder is soft and extends down into a sleeve that ends just past the elbow. The sleeve has elastic around the bottom which lets it puff up above.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you and it is gathered in from the front and the back into the side of the waist opposite to a sleeve. She then added a swag very reminiscent of the 1940s runs down that same side. These nights to the 1940s are a common theme seen in her work.
- The angle the back is set on is cut slightly more dramatically then the front and the two angles give you a deep and unexpected plunge right to the waist.
- The skirt appears to wrap around you and falls to mid-calf depending on your height.
- Set at the base of the plunge is a panel that extends out to create that beautiful draping that you see running down that side to just past the hem. ore silk has been set in panels above that so that entire side has that incredible detailing.
- The floral print combines pinks with a brown that has a touch of pinky-purple undertone to it.
- One of my favourite details about this dress is that the inner hem has been finished with a 3" panel of the same pink that is in the print. You do not see the panel when you are standing still, but when you walk or move, you get a tiny flash of that unexpected colour.
- The dress is fully lined in black and closes at the side with a zipper and then the swag snaps to close over that. The end of the sleeve has elastic. I see a tiny catch on the shoulder and a small very faint watermark on the skirt that gets hidden in the folds. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Prada 44
- Great condition with the minor note above.
Sleeve: 21.5" and it is 15" around the upper arm
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 53" from top of shoulder to hem and the side panel extends another 2" past that at its longest point.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5745
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 dates to the 1970s.
- The ribbon silk fabric that it is made out of it extremely similar to the fabric used in the ivory Resort 1976 Halston jumpsuit that I have had in the shop before. Halston did not typically add rhinestones to his pieces but I feel fairly confident in dating it to around the same time period just based on the fabric.
- This is a set that pairs a wide leg easy cut pant with a caped top that slips over the head and extends down at the back.
- Both pieces have a soft and flowing feel to them and they are made of an graduated taupe silk chiffon with a ribbon effect that is fused directly into the silk. This gives the fabric the double texture that you see and it really plays on it transparent feel.
- Where the cape part of the top is unlined on the sides that fall over your arms you really see how you will get a glimpse of the skin under the silk. The main part of the bodice and the pants are hand lined in a deeper nude silk chiffon so that they are not completely transparent.
- The top is a caped shape that slips over the head with a keyhole at the front. The keyhole ties with a tie.Set all the way around the neckline is a gorgeous pattern made out of tiny little rhinestones hand sewn into place.
- The rest of the top sits loosened easy around you with an inner lining through the body of the top that has closed inner sides.
- The silk drapes over your arms like a cape and I love how it graduates in colour from a darker taupe on one side, changing into a light caramel tone on the other.
- The bottom hem of the cape top is finished with a row of attached rhinestones.
- The back is incredible. It falls from the shoulders and goes to past the calf in length depending on your height. It is a single layer of the silk so the lightest bit of air causes it to float and billow out around you as you move.
- The pants are equally incredible. The waist is a simple band and then from there the pants flow to the floor. They skim over the hips and then fall in a very full and open wide cut pant.
- It is very well made and finished by hand and even better in person and on an actual body where the fabric can really move and flow as it was meant to.
- The body of the top and the pants are lined in a hand set nude silk chiffon. Hand finished throughout. The top slipped over the head to wear with a tie at the neck. The pants have a flat hook & eye at the waist and snap to close under that. I see the occasional little scuff on the satin ribbon parts which is normal vintage patina.It looks like a repair was made along the edge of the neck line at the top of the shoulder on one side at some point and I see another repair on a seam near the hem. On my dress form the front inner lining seems to extend slightly past the top. I think it will fall properly once on a body, but it is priced knowing that might have to be adjusted. I see a tiny spot here and there and one tiny thinning spot. These are all minor but mentioned for accuracy. Please see the final three photos.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the minor notes above.
Top
Inner bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bottom hem: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from shoulder to front hem, 56" to the longest draped point of the back.
Pants
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can cinch it in with the sash as much as you wish
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 41" from waist to hem. The inseam is 28" and the gusset is 15" from the back waist to inner seam.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5746
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Spring 2008 Oscar de la Renta Red Version of Runway Look 64 Silk Dress w Embelished Collar
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in a gold walked the runway for the Spring 2008 Oscar de la Renta collection as Look 64.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- On the runway a version of this was shown in a gold and then for the shops they produced this red version with a chunkier embellishment around the collar area and down the front.
- The dress is made out of a linen like finished red silk and then the collar has had an extensive pattern of various beads, rhinestones and sequins added by hand. Some pieces are backed by leather and there is embroidery in the mix.
- The collar is spectacular. It is just under three inches wide and to create a bold band curving around your neck. At the front it runs down and over the silk to just about the waist giving the illusion of wearing a jewelled bib collar. At the back it splits into two straps that expand outward on an angle to meet the silk.
- I love how this leaves most of the upper back bare and exposed.
- The beads on the collar have a very organic feel and they mix what looks like wood and perhaps ceramic beads applied onto leather backings in some spots. Big chunky rhinestones and clear beads have been added, and there are bits of embroidery. It is really fantastic and you can clearly see hand work throughout.
- Under that the dress is cut on a slight curve at the neckline and then comes in at the waist. The shaping through the waist is all done by long vertical seams at the sides with no horizontal line to break the eye or the beaded pattern at the front.
- From there it curves back out over the hips with a slightly exaggerated shape and then it expands out again as it nears the hem.
- Extra fabric has been added at the back and around the sides of the lower skirt to give you extra fullness there and a bit of movement as you move. You can get an idea of how it moves with the reference video added.
- I love how dramatic the red version is. It is a fantastic example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching red silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper that is hidden along and offset side seam. The collar hooks to close at the top of the shoulder on one side.. The embellishments have been added by hand. I see some slight scuffing into the top layer of the fabric around the back hem. Please see the photos attached. It is minor but it is mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a modern ODLR 2
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5743
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
Fall 2019 Christian Dior by by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 83 Red Silk Chiffon Playsuit & Skirt
I Have a Question
- This two piece set is from the Fall 2019 Christian Dior collection and was Look 83 on the runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- Vogue's Sally Singer noted that; "Chiuri sought inspiration for this collection from Britain’s postwar Teddy Girls, those working-class, rock ’n’ roll–loving beehived vixens who hit the clubs in a mix of men’s Edwardian jackets, full skirts, blue jeans, leather, velvet, and eyeliner galore. She was struck by the similarity in silhouette and the optimistic excess that characterized Christian Dior’s designs of the same period. She was also moved by Yves Saint Laurent’s addition to the Dior pantheon of a men’s black leather jacket for women in the late 1950s. So, heritage, hipsters, and herstory."
- The twin of this look also appeared on red carpets that season.
- At first glance it looks like this is a full dress but it is actually two pieces. There is an inner romper or play suit and then an open front skirt that goes over top of that. I love the versatility and added wearability that having two separate pieces gives you.
- Both pieces are made out of a deep red silk chiffon and have a inner black layer that deepens the colour and adds interesting shadows to the areas where it is gathered or draped. This fabric choice keeps the pieces soft and pretty as well as light-in-weight.
- The bodice of the inner piece is fitted with a built-in corset that is cupped and boned to sit perfectly in place around you.
- I love how the silk is gathered over the bodice to emphasize the bust. The gathering continues down on an angle around the waist to give the illusion of a smaller waist.
- Under the waist it curves out over the hips and becomes a pair of wider legged short shorts.
- The skirt is its own separate piece and snaps into place over top of the shorts. It falls from a banded panel around the waist and then expands outwards from there.
- It closes under a flat bow at the centre front and is open to the hem under that. This gives it a soft and easy movement around you as you move.
- The skirt is made out of a layer of the red silk chiffon and then underneath are two stacked black layers of a black net. Floating the layers over each other helps it to retain volume and shape around you. It also gives you an interesting colour contrast when the front opens as you move.
- It is just outstanding in person and beautifully constructed.
- The skirt is lined in a black net and the romper in a black silk. Inside the bodice is an attached cupped and lightly boned corset. The playsuit closes with a hidden set back zipper and the skirt closes with hidden set snaps plus hook & eye under the bow at the front. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR38, GB10, IT42, US6
- Excellent condition
Playsuit
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 23" from top of the bodice to hem. The inseam is 2.5" and the gusset from the back waist to the inner seam is 17"
Skirt
Waist: to 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam. You could adjust this up or down a bit by moving the hooks and snaps.
Hips: open
Total length: 45" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5742
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
1970s Halston IV Red Jersey Halter Neck Jumpsuit w Bare Open Scooped Back & Ultra Wide Legs
I Have a Question
- This would date to the late 1970s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston.
- This Halston IV jumpsuit is a special piece simply because these jumpsuits are just simply harder to find. Plus they are fabulous pieces to wear.
- The design is simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel combined with the open back and ultra wide legs.
- This one is clearly based on his original 1972 version that walked the runway that season and we have included a reference photo of that here to give you an idea of how fantastic this is on the body.
- It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it.
- It is made from a red jersey that drapes over the body like magic. There is a a touch of Studio 54, disco era sexiness thrown in the mix and it just couldn't be better. It is one of those pieces that you just slip on and walk out the door.
- The jersey is easy to care for and will travel well. I love that you can pair this with flats for day or go all out glamour for night.
- The top plunges at the front and the halter triangles that cover the bust extend up and into ties that you tie behind the back of your neck. The plunge is not so deep that you don't feel safe wearing it but deep enough to feel very sexy.
- The back is left completely bare and it scoops down on a beautiful curve.
- There is no horizontal seam at the waist to break the eye. If you wanted more shape you could add a belt to really cinch in the waist.
- The fabric has a touch of stretch so it is very comfortable once on the body.
- It skims over the hips and then the pants fall from there. They are extremely wide by the time they reach the floor with each one being a full 48" all the way around the hem.
- That extra wide width of each pant leg makes it look like you are wearing a dress when you are standing still but gives you the ease of a jumpsuit when you move. I love the movement this creates around your legs when you move.
- It is so sexy, so very easy to wear, and it is the perfect red.
- The jumpsuit is fully lined in the same fabric as the exterior. It ties behind the back of the neck and there is a low set zipper at the back. The fabric has some stretch and I have given the comfortable range of measurements below. It's easy fit should allow it to fit a range of body frames.
- There is no size tag present. Please go buy the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: each halter will cover up to 7" flat across
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23 flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 59" from neck to hem and can be adjusted a bit by how much you tie it at the neck. The inseam is 30" and the gusset is 17" from the top of the zipper to inseam.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5741
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Pre-Fall 2015 Oscar de la Renta Finale Look 36 Ivory Net Dress w an Metallic Gold Lame Design
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was the final look on the runway for the Pre-Fall 2015 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- Vogue noted in their review "Pre-Fall 2015 was the last collection he (Oscar de la Renta) had a hand in designing. The house's new creative director, Peter Copping, advised the studio a bit on how to finish it after de la Renta's death in October but this wasn't his debut. Copping sat in the front row taking it all in as a bystander." They continue the review saying, "How does one review a collection like this—one that operates not as a swan song, not as an homage, but as a coda to a great career, now definitively over? On its merits, of course. And though these clothes didn't serve to turn the fashion dial in any way, they manifested the soigné de la Renta signature in spades....It spoke loudest in the collection's clutch of cocktail frocks and gowns, particularly the champagne-toned finale gowns with allover gold or silver embellishment."
- This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration.
- The dress is made from a fine ivory net that is covered in beautiful curving gold metallic thread appliques that form flowers and pretty patterns over the entire surface of the dress.
- Each individual applique is made from a pale, muted silver-gold lame fabric sewn that is embroidered all the way around its edges. The lame has a slight vertical ribbing that combines the gold and silver thread and this adds a beautiful texture. I love how they catch the light in a subtle way from every angle. In person the dress has a more metallic and gold feel then how it photographed here.
- It sits wide across the front and the straps are set to the edge of the shoulder. The bodice curves up and over your shoulders and then at the back it falls in a V for a bit of bare skin to show. All of the edges follow the curving pattern of the applique and I love this little romantic touch.
- There is an inner lining inside the bodice that has a sweetheart neckline shape to it and then the netting has a touch of transparency above that. It skims over you from there, past the waist to the seam that sits at the top of the hip.
- From there the skirt explodes outwards in two tiers. Underneath each tier is a layer of tulle and then another layer of netting under that. The second layer has a stiffened edge to help hold the shape of the skirting. Inside the skirt there is a built-in underskirt that has multiple rows of that same stiffened fabric so it holds the volume that you see in the photos. I have added no extra crinolines underneath the dress to take these photos. All of the volume that you see is all built into the dress already.
- The dress is cut shorter at the front and then the back is cut so that it trails out behind you past the floor. The lightness of the tulle and netting allows the dress to billow out around you when you walk.
- This is dress that feels like a fairy tale come true once it is on the body.
- The skirt is fully lined in layers of tulle and netting as described above. The bodice has an inner layer of silk and netting. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.
- Tagged a modern OLDR US2
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with room at the front for at least a B cup
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of the shoulder to the seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 49" from top of the shoulder to the front hem, 80" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5740
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
Spring 2017 Valentino by PierPaolo Piccioli Runway Look 20 Zandra Rhodes Print Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2017 collection for Look 20.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and the print was done in collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- Historically, this was an important collection as it was Pierpaolo's first solo show at Valentino. It was also his first collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- The dress is beautifully documented on the runway and was seen at NYFW as well as couture week in Paris. I love how these show you how gorgeous it is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight silk that has a custom Zandra Rhodes print covering the entire dress. The colour is a light taupe that has a pink undertone to it. The print ranges from black line to pink with a hand painted feel that is done in her proprietary manner in studio.
- The neckline is cut wide across and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves extend out directly from the shoulder and from the waist. This makes them very wide and they drape fantastically over the arm.
- The dress skims over the bust and drapes easily over the body to a more generously cut waist. If you wanted to add more shape, you could easily add a belt.
- The waist is cut more generously so that you have a beautiful flow from head to toe. You can see this in all of the various reference photos and how it sits on the body. This cut was to become one of Pierpaolo signatures.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is beautifully full and easy. It is cut on a swinging wide A-line and it is quite full by the time it reaches the hem. The amount of fabric used through the skirt gives 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.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 22" to the longest point once draped. They are full and easy around the upper arm.
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5739
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.
prabal gurung
Fall 2024 Atelier Prabal Gurung Look 7 Pink Nude & Black Dotted Net Strapless Dress w Tiered Skirts
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown as Look 7 for the Fall 2024 atelier collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Prabal Gurung.
- He told Vogue that "We've always had a small private client business". He had soft-launched his Atelier collection the previous year and the Fall 2024 collection was the first publicly shown Atelier collection.
- This is a beautiful dress that showcases his love of the 1950s Hollywood Golden Era.
- The dress is made out of a pale nude net that has a touch of pink to it. Little black chenille dots are fused onto the fabric.
- The bodice is strapless with a soft curve to the neckline. There is a boned and cupped built-in corset inside. The waist nips in and then curves back out slightly.
- The skirt is phenomenal. There is a little peplum that combines a layer of tulle with netting just under the waist and then the skirt falls in two more wide tiers under that to the floor.
- The middle tier has a a double layer of tulle under it and then there are more built-in layers under the entire skirt.
- The innermost layer has bands of stiffening placed horizontally around the hem and through the body of the skirt to hold its volume. I did not add any crinolines under the dress. All the volume you see is because of the built-in construction.
- The back of the skirt is cut longer than the front so that it sweeps out slightly behind you.
- The fabric is light in weight so even with the intricate construction of the dress is still feels easy and comfortable to wear.
- I love the little net bow that sits on the hip. It is set on a brooch so you can choose to wear it there, place it elsewhere, or leave it off.
- The dress is fully lined in layers of the netting as described above with a full built-in corset that is boned and cupped. A waist stay hooks to close. The corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress zippers to close over that with a hidden set zipper. The dress appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a modern Gurung 6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 59" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5738
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.
versace
Exquisite Spring 2008 Versace by Donatella Versace Runway Look 52 Coral Pink Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for Look 52 for the Spring 2008 Versace collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Donatella Versace.
- This was part of the closing look of a series of bright candy coloured dresses Vogue's review of the show said that "Versace for spring was one of those idea confirming shows were a designer picks out a latent trend and coheres it into critical mass before your very eyes. This season in Milan it took Donatella Versace to get hold of drapey, flowy, goddessey dressing and make it look hot, easy and believable. Her beautifully constructed silk jersey dresses ran the gambut from day to night in a rainbow of colours with each piece gorgeous in its own right.... proof that Donatella Versace is at the top of her game."
- The dress is made from gorgeous pinky coral silk chiffon used for the main portion of the dress and this is combined with a silk chiffon panel that runs down from one shoulder. The silk used is feather light so feels magical once on.
- The dress is gathered up and into the bodice where it has been tightly gathered horizontally across the bust. A band that has tiny flat pleats stacked on top of each other runs across the top of the bodice and is set on an angle underneath.
- A tiny strap circles up and over one shoulder and then a wider chiffon strap curves over the other. The band that runs around the top of the bodice extends out to wrap around the outside of the arm.
- That silk chiffon panel that curves over the shoulder falls into a long panel of silk chiffon that widens out substantially as it nears the floor. It is cut to go to just past the hem of the dress and it creates beautiful movement around and behind you as you move.
- From the angled band that sits under the bodice the dress simply drapes and skims over the waist and hips.
-
The lower skirt is full and open with tons of silk chiffon. Underneath the top layer of chiffon there is a matching colour jersey layer which makes it all incredibly comfortable to wear. The back of the skirt falls slightly longer then the front. This combination of cut and fabric allows for fantastic movement around you as you move.
- The dress is lined in a matching silk through the bust and a stretch silk jersey through the skirt. It closes with a combination of a hidden side zipper and hook & eye. There is a lightly boned partial inner corset piece under the bust. The inner corset has its own zipper. I see some very minor tiny marks on the inside lining near the hem and near the bottom edge of the draped panel. Both are very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Bust: the front bust will cover up to 16.5" flat across the front with no true side seams. The band that circles around to the outer arm is 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13.35" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to the top of the inner corset under the bust. 15.5" from the top of the shoulder to the waist of the inner corset.
Total length: 61" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 66" to the longest point of the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5737
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.
emilio pucci
Spring 2015 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 36 Tie Dye Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 36 of the Spring 2015 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- In the coverage for this collection, Vogue said that Peter Dundas "understands the value of power casting; he had Naomi Campbell in his lineup for the first time today. Ogling the models is understandable enough – they are inches from your eyeballs at the Palazzo Serbelloni venue. But if you do, you might miss the artisanal details at Dundas has made as much a contemporary Pucci signature as the Florentine house's famous archival prints."
- They also specifically tie dye dresses saying that "if they look like the real thing, that's because the prince were based on get your hand, dirty trial and error." I love that we know that these were all specifically developed and done by hand!
- I love that the runway photos and video show you just how gorgeous this is on the body and how it moves. I just had this dress in the shop recently in a longer length and I am very happy to have found this version so soon.
- The tie dye is done on an ultra light-in-weight silk chiffon with the upper bodice covered in a mix of domed silver studs embroidery sequins and bead work all done by hand.
- The upper bodice has a yoked front that extends down into a curve point and scoops at the neck line. The straps curved around at the front on either side of the neck and then trail down the outside of your back to meet the top of a low scoop there that leaves your back bare and exposed.
- It is covered in silver dome beads, and then has a pretty pattern that mixes flowers with pink mirrored parts, beadwork embroidery and more various sized silver beads.
- Where that attaches into the dress there are little bits of nude netting with a silk ladder pattern and I love this little unexpected bit of skin that it allows to show through the net.
- There are many many yards of that fantastic feather light silk chiffon used for the dress. It is set on gathered angled panels that skims over the bust and around to the back.
- Two layers of tie dye chiffon are set in under that and these opens out over the waist and hips and just continue to become wider so that it is extremely full by the hem.
- I love how the front is cut shorter, and then the back swoops down to a longer length. This cut helps the silk to pick up any air at all and out around you. You can see that in the video on the runway.
- The print on the silk combines a beautiful pattern that ranges from deep to soft corals and a purple to a periwinkle.
- I love that the tie-dye on both layers have been matched so you get a print on print depth that would not exist otherwise if they had not done it this way. It is very beautiful.
- There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. The lightness of the silk layers have phenomenal movement around you as you move.
- The dress is one of my favourites of all the modern pieces of Pucci that I have seen and the era that Peter Dundas was the creative director at Pucci is 100% my favourite of the modern predecessors to Emilio.
- The top part of bodice is backed in a matching coral silk and the skirt has three layers as described above. It closes at the back. with a hidden set zipper. The fabric is signed throughout. I see a tiny repair at the edge of the netting at the front. Please see the photo to show you both the front and back of that after the label shot.
- Tagged an IT42, FR38, US8, UK10
- Excellent condition with the minor note above
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to the longest part of the back hem, 39" to the shortest part of the front.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5736
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.
cult gaia
Prettiest Resort 2019 Cult Gaia 'Cosette' Draped One Shoulder Dress w Open Waist Cut Outs
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was featured in the Cult Gaia Lookbook for the Resort 2019 collection.
- It was made under the Creative Direction of Jasmin Larian Hekmat.
- Hekmat founded the label in 2012 and it is based in Los Angeles. The label's name comes from mixing 'Gaia' (the goddess of Mother Earth) with 'Cult' which she meant to reflect the idea of a community built around organic design, nature and the power of femininity.
- The label names their dresses and this one was called Cosette. It was produced in several colours, one of which was this gorgeous pinky coral that is noted on the tag as being the 'bubblegum' colour.
- The dress is made so that it all falls from a single shoulder on one side to create a beautiful drape down and over the body.
- The bust angles on a slight curve up to a wide gathered shoulder. This extends out to become a part of the dramatic caped panel that falls all the way to slightly past the floor. It leaves the other shoulder bare and exposed.
- The dress drapes and skims over the bust and curves in at the waist. From there it curves back out over the the hips.
- At the waist there is a large open cut out circle on both sides that goes from the waist down over the outer hip. To hold this in place around you there is an elastic strap in the same colour that loops around you. The strap is removable so if you prefer the circles completely wide open you can wear it that way as well. It is very sexy.
- The open cutouts already add drama to the dress and then that cascading panel down the one side adds even more to the extraordinary beauty of the dress.
- The panel that is attached to the shoulder curves and cascades over the arm and all the way down the body. As the panel falls down the side of the body it extends just past the hem.
- On one side of the skirt there is a high side slit so that when you move or sit you get a flash of bare leg.
- It is absolutely the most flattering dress once on the body and it has beautiful movement.
- The dress is fully lined in matching fabric. It closes with a hidden side set zipper and the band that slips around the waist hooks to close. The band is removable. I see a very faint mark the front but the dress is new with tags and was never worn. Please see the photo after the label shot. The colour is perhaps a touch more pastel than how it photographed.
- Tagged a modern Cult Gaia medium
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Bust: approximately 18" flat across from side to side with no true seam on the side with the draped panel.
Elastic band around waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 32" from the hem up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5735
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.
mary mcfadden
Stunning 1970s-80s Mary McFadden Couture White Pleated Dress w Attached Braided Belt
I Have a Question
- Mary McFadden patented her Fortuny inspired pleating technique just a couple of years after launching her label in 1973.
- This is from her higher end couture line that had a more limited production and was sold at higher end shops.
-
Mary was known to say frequently that there was no greater beauty than pleated cloth on the human body and she said when she developed her 'marii' fabric that her aim was to have it 'fall like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.'
- The dress is made from a beautiful white synthetic silk charmeuse that she sourced from Australia. This was her signature fabric and it was then pleated in McFadden's proprietary pleating technique.
- The shoulders are shaped with light padding and the sleeves fall from their narrowing slightly to their wrists.
- The neckline at the front comes down in a V and there is a matching V at the back. The bodice is made to appear as if it is crossed over you however it is all seamed and attached so nothing will move when you wear it.
- I love how one side at the front has three tiers of ruffled pleats that are stacked over to each other to just above the waist. The other side on the front and the back have a more simple finish.
- Following the neckline on the side that has the stacked layers is an attached braided tie that curves up and over the shoulder, runs down the back on the same angle and then meets itself at the waist on the side.
- The rope extends out from the waist and is very long. This lets you wrap it around the waist to add more shape. and still have a long length to let hang down the side.
- Each end has long tassels in the same fabric for the perfect dramatic finish.
- A band of the same fabric wraps horizontally around the waist and widens out on the same side as the ruffles over the top of the hip.
- The skirt falls to the floor from in a long column. It widens out slightly as it nears the hem and the vertical pleating help add to the illusion of extra height to the person wearing it.
- I also love that the skirt is cut very long which is a rare thing to find in her work. As she progressed in her career she preferred to design pieces that ended at the ankle so you could see the shoe underneath. Her full length pieces are a bit rarer.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a matching white silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a side set zipper. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and they are approximately10-15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14-15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of the shoulder to top seam at the waist
Total length: 63" from the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SMl-MED
Item# DD5734
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.
giambattista valli
Fairy Tale 2010s Giambattista Valli White Dotted Silk Tulle Wedding Dress w Full Layered Netted Skirt
I Have a Question
- The dress is 2010s Giambattista Valli
- It was made under the creative direction of Giambattista Valli .
- This is one of those ultimate princess, cupcake, fairy tale wedding dresses made with the fantastic execution that Valli is known for.
- The entire dress is made out of a dotted tulle and choosing this fabric keeps it light in weight while still being able to create the fantastic volume that the dress has. The dress is more of a true white.
- The bodice is strapless and there are two tulle panels that extend out from where they are attached at the back waist.
- Since the panels are only attached at the back waist you have the ability to style them in several ways. They can be twist over the front and wrapped back around the neck where it hooks to close.
- They could also be wrapped around the waist for a true strapless feel.
- Inside the bodice there is full built-in corset that is lightly boned so you have full support for wearing the dress.
- I love how tulle is wrapped horizontally over the bodice and then the skirt is set vertically. This combined with the dots in the netting create a subtle visual interest
- The waist nips in and then the skirt expands outward from there.
- I love the drama and volume that this creates through the skirt. Multiple layers of crisp white tulle are stacked on top of each other and this is what holds the volume.
- It has a very ballerina princess feel to it and is absolutely gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in a silk organza underneath the tulle layers in the skirt. It closes at the back with a zipper and the panels have hook at their ends to hold them in place. The inner bodice is lightly boned for support. It appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a modern Valli 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: to a max of 34-35" all the way around
Waist: to 14.4" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8" from the top of the bodice to waist
Total length: 48" from top of the bodice to the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
DD5733
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.
etro
Spring 2018 Etro by Veronica Etro Runway Look 3 White Cotton Gauze Dress w Embroidery & Sequins
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2018 Etro runway and was shown for Look 3 on the runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Veronica Etro
- Vogue reported that the collection "displayed the really excellent cutting of Veronica's dresses. She doesn't need to drain her designs and gorgeous pattern to achieve gorgeousness."
- Even the stills from the runway gives you a wonderful idea of how fantastically this dress will move in real life. On the runway it was paired with a jewelled piece that was worn to follow the V of the neck.
- The dress is made out of layers of a light in weight cotton and silk mix gauze that is incredible. A base colour is a soft ivory, and then there is a secondary white print worked into the fabric. Added embroidery and sequin embellishments on the embroidered patterns are done to form a beautiful multi-layered pattern over the entire dress.
- The shoulders are soft and set wide across to the edges. These curved down into sleeves that narrow slightly to the wrist and are finished with a tiny lace trim. I have shot them at their full lengths but you can see on the runway photos they were worn scrunched to the elbow for added ease.
- The neckline come down in a soft curving V and cotton panels on the bust are gathered into twisting knots along the centre point.
- The skirt sweeps out from under the bust and from there it begins to expand outwards to the hem. By the time it reaches the hem it has quite a bit of volume. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a beautiful sweep and movement when you move.
- The lower tier of the skirt is cut to be wider around to create more volume and movement in the skirt. It is set into the skirt above with more lace.
- The final perfect detail is the elaborate floral embroidery work that covers the entire dress in a matching thread. Onto many parts of the embroidery are added sequins that give the entire dress a beautiful texture from top to bottom.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress that is wonderfully constructed.
- The dress is lined in a layer of the same cotton gauze. The sleeves are unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see a small mark that gets hidden in the folds of the skirt, grubbiness at the edges of the hem and there is a tiny stress area to the fabric at the top of one shoulder. Please see the photos after the label. Its easy cut should allow for a range of sizes.
- Tagged a modern Etro 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 23" and they are just under 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 14"
Bust: to 17.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, 60" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5732
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
Spectacular 1970s Givenchy by Hubert de Givenchy Black Chiffon Dress w Colored Rhinestones
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the early-mid 1970s.
- It was made under the creative of direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- In 1952 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 Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well.
- The line was still high-end and the clothing very well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it was made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients.
- The fabric is a beautiful light weight black silk chiffon that has two layers of the chiffon for the top and a slightly more opaque layer of silk inside the skirt. I love the slight play on transparency between the top and skirt that this gives.
- The cut of the dress is incredible and very easy to wear.
- The neckline is a simple scoop and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their zippered cuffs. The sleeves have no lining and I love how the silk has been gathered around both sides of the zipper.
- The cut of the bodice is meant to feel more loose and easy. It simply skims over you to the band around the waist.
- Stacked layers of elastic have been run horizontally around the waist to add shape. The elastic there also makes it extremely comfortable and easy to fit.
- The elastic around the waist allows you to wear it lower down so that you get the full length of the dress or you can pull the elastic as high up under the bust as you want so that the top blouses over the waist and it shortens the length of the dress.
- The skirt falls from under that and opens out slightly as it nears the floor. A shallow slit runs up one side from the hem.
- As an added detailing there are hundreds of multicoloured rhinestones that have been fused directly onto the silk chiffon. They are placed both above and below the elastic that runs around the waist and are set in vertical rows that end at different lengths to create the pattern that you see.
- As good as it looks in the photos I feel like the impact of the rhinestones is even greater in real life. It really adds an extraordinary pop of colour with all the different colours of rhinestones.
- The quality of the fabric is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simple piece with such a masterful hand.
- I love the play on transparency the dress has and the dress in person is even prettier than how it photoed here I think.
- The dress is fully lined except for the sleeves which are a single layer of chiffon. It closes with a back zipper and the waist has elastic. Each cuff zippers to close.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 25" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: approximately 17" flat across from side to side
Elastic waist: will stretch to to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to the top of the 7" band around the waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5729
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 Haute Couture Runway Silk & Silk Velvet Dress w Feather Detailing
I Have a Question
- Due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this or need assitance.
- 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. 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# DD5730
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 original Mexican sundress that dates to the 1960s or maybe even a little earlier.
- These were made by hand by local artisans for the tourist market. I think this one is one of the prettiest I have ever seen and I think I will be sad to see it go once it sells.
- I love that it has its original label inside as the label is as pretty and unique as the dress itself.
- These lovely little hand embroidered cotton Mexican dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example.
- The base fabric is a crisp black cotton that has been top stitched with little vertical pin tuck seams that cover the entire dress. These add visual detail and also help to shape the dress.
- Distinct bands of hand embroidered yarn flowers run around each sleeve, the band around the waist and above the lower hem of the skirt. That is what adds the bright pops of colour to the dress that you see. It is incredible.
- The neck line is squared off at both the front and back and the shoulders are soft.
- Each sleeve is cut so that it fall straight from the shoulder to the embroidered band and then underneath that it has these amazing cuffs that expand out to become incredibly full. Each is a full circle all the way around if you lay them out flat.
- A wide band of lace edges the bottom of the sleeve. You see lace used throughout the dress in between the different portions and parts of the pattern.
- The lace is all placed strategically so you get a little glimpse of skin underneath but are still properly covered. It is fantastic.
- The bodice skims to the band of embroidery at the waist and then the skirt sits under that. It gradually widens out to be very full by the time it reaches the hem.
- Everything about this dress is beautiful and it is rare to find one that is still so crisp and perfect. It is a beautiful dress.
- Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22" and they are 14.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14-15"
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to the top of the 3.5" band around the waist
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5731
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
Fall 2003 John Galliano Bias Cut Silk & Silk Chiffon Dress w Draped Panels & Side Cut Out
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2003 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This dress is from John Galliano's own label and is an incredible example of his work from this time period.
- For this season he had emphasized a glamorous hourglass shape mixed with nods to pinup girl lingerie style dressing. These bias cut dresses always showcase his love of the 1930s and 1940s and you can see that influence in them.
- The dress is made out of a deep dusky purple silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias in that signature cut he does so well.
- The dress falls from a delicate strap that curves up and behind the neck and then it drapes down and over the body to the floor.
- The bias cut of it allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that it shows every curve but is not overly fitted.
- The fabric has been pieced together with dropped and angled panels throughout to create the beautiful shape that you see.
- At the back the strap meets behind the neck and then drop down the centre of the back and panels of silk are suspended from it. These curving panels can be worn either down and under the arms or you can drape your arms through them.
- The dress glides over the body past the bust, waist and hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem.
- It buttons to close down the side with a row of his signature buttons covered in the same silk and then on the other side the fabric is gathered in and up into a wired circle. The circle is open in the centre and the panels that gather into the circle have been cut out and opened so that it forms the shape of a flower trailing over one hip.
- Silk lining backs the cut outs at the hip but I have seen this dress in another colour where someone had that part of the lining removed so you see bare skin and it looked great.
- The dress is fully lined in a slightly deeper purple silk crepe and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. I see perhaps a tiny pull in the fabric here and there which happens with this fabric and a teeny bit of shininess here and there from pressing near seams. Very minor and mentioned for accuracy. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes with it just draping more in a smaller frame
- Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5726
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.
guy laroche
Outstanding 1990s Guy Laroche Haute Couture Open Waist Purple One Shoulder Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a phenomenal Guy Laroche true Haute Couture dress.
- It was made under the Creative Direction of Guy Laroche.
- It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is a rich royal purple in colour and the silk that it is made out of is of extremely high-quality.
- The bust extends up to curve over one shoulder and then swoops down and becomes a part of the back panel of the dress. This leaves the other shoulder bare and exposed.
- It skims over the bust and is attached to the waist seam on only one side.
- This creates an open cut out on the other side and I love the juxtaposition of the bare shoulder with the bare expanse of skin showing on opposite sides.
- The side that is open has a little tie bow at the top of the hip for added detail. The zipper is set underneath directly under that. This side falls on a slight downward angle to play on the angles of the top.
- A second bow sits on the closed side of the waist with the silk all gathered in towards that bow. It is just fantastically beautiful.
- From there the skirt falls to the floor and slightly widens out as it near the hem. There is a very high slit up the same side as the cut out at the waist.
- When you walk or move you get a fantastic flash of bare leg. It is very sexy but at the same time manages to stay very elevated and chic.
- The dress is fully lined in a purple silk chiffon. All of the inner work is done by hand to haute couture standards. It hooks to close at the top of the shoulder and at the side of the bodice above the cut out. There is a zipper and hook combination at the side. An inner silk waist stay hooks to close. I see a tiny line of stitching between the base of the zipper and the top of the slit. I think at some point the slit was higher and someone closed it. It would be easy to reopen. It otherwise appears to have been worn a little if at all.
- There is no size tag present as it is true couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from the top of the shoulder to the waist
Total length: approx 62" from top of shoulder to hem, with just under 1.5" turned under
Slit: 30" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5727
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
2010s Valentino Roma Strapless Purple Jersey Dress w Built in Corset & Extended Front Ruffles
I Have a Question
- The Valentino Roma label launched in 2000 to take the place of the Miss V line. It was sold at a price point that was a bit more accessible then their main line and was meant to be available in more shops then the main line would be. The pieces were still very well made. This one caught my eye simply because of how gorgeous and sexy it is. It is a stunning dress with beautiful lines.
- It is made out of a synthetic purple stretch fabric that almost has the finish and feel of a very light in weight swimsuit fabric. This lets it fall fantastically over the body while keeping shape and structure.
- The dress is strapless and the upper bodice has a soft rounded shape to it. The silk is draped over the bust to give the feel of a bandeau and it is gathered in along the centre. Inside there is a full built in boned corset that is shaped for support.
- It is cut to skim over the body in a way that it drapes softly over you but still highlights your curves to past the hips to suggest an hourglass feel.
- The skirt falls from there and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. There is a slit up the front that is very high so that you get a flash of leg when you walk or sit. This also gives it incredible movement when you move.
- The final perfect detail is the long vertical panels that have been done in the same purple fabric as the rest of the dress. These begin as a twisted knot at the front bodice and then the two panels fall in a ruffle down the full length of the dress to the floor. Where the dress is slit at the bottom the ruffles continue on each side of it. This little extra and pretty detail adds that perfect finishing element of romance and femininity.
- The dress is unlined with a built-in black corset that is lightly boned that closes with its own side zipper and then a second zipper sits over that to close the exterior dress. Lightly boned through the inner bodice. An attached inner waist stay hooks to close.
- Tagged a Valentino 42/6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56.5" from top of bodice to to hem
Slit: 30" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5728
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.
gucci
Spring 2020 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Runway Look 64 Purple Cut Out Tunic Dress w Patent Trim
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 64 for the Spring 2020 Gucci show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele
- Its twin also appeared in editorial shoots and on Tamu McPherson that year adding to its documentation.
- The dress is made out of a soft purple silk and wool that holds the shape perfectly without being too heavy to wear. This is mixed with a black patent leather trim.
- The neckline is cut high and finished with the black patent trim. I love the little unexpected contrast that this adds. You see the same black patent trim edging in the bottom of each sleeve.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves fall out from there and become very wide by their ends. Each one measures a full 20" around their bottom openings.
- At the front right under the collar there is a pretty cut out that is done to feel like the petals of a flower. These are completely open so that they add an unexpected flash of bare skin.
- The dress flows loose and easy from there to the hem. As it drapes over the body it expands outwards on that same flared line that you see on the sleeves.
- That easy tunic, caftan feeling cut, makes the dress very easy to fit on a variety of body shapes and is so comfortable once on.
- The dress is fully lined a soft purple silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It's original hang tag is attached and it was never worn. I see one pin head size dot on one sleeve and a tiny touch of wrinkles in the patent where it naturally folds. Both are very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a modern Gucci 40
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 54" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5723
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
Rare Fall 2007 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 43 Purple Hammered Silk Top Skirt Dress Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 2007 show for Look 43.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- Galliano repeated the same design through the upper bodice for Look 18.
- In the book 'Dior Catwalk' they note that the Collection "managed to translate the intricate Japanese inspired references and techniques of Galliano's previous Haute Couture show for ready-to-wear, from origami folding and gravity defying pleats to elegant draping, tiered skirts, striking headpieces and bright colors." Women's Wear Daily hailed the collection as "a brilliant blockbuster, a glorious celebration of the grand and glamorous."
- Once worn together you get the feel of a full length dress but it is a two piece set with its original belt included. Both pieces are made out of a dusky purple hammered silk that has incredible drape.
- The top slips on and zips to close at the back. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut long and on a curve a traditional tailoring technique to follow the shape of the arm. Each sleeve is cut a little longer than a normal sleeve so that when they are on the body they can be bunched up along your arm just slightly or worn slightly over the top of the hand depending on your arm length.
- The sleeves are cut to curve outward from the body of the top with gusseted seams underneath forgoing the traditional arm seams. This means extra steps during the garment assembly that you rarely see anymore outside of Couture.
- The neckline comes down in a shallow V and then the silk is gathered up and into the intricate fold at the front.
- A hand dyed to match snakeskin belt is used to cinch in the waist. The buckle of the belt is finished in deep purple rhinestones.
- The skirt skims over the hips and there is an extra panel of fabric that puddles and drapes down one side. It runs from just below the hip down all the way to the floor.
- Under that extra added panel is an incredibly high slit that goes to the top of the thigh. The skirt flares out as it nears the floor and the hem has a touch of an asymmetrical feel to it with the side with the panel falling longer past the hem than where it starts on the inside portion of the slit.
- On the runway you can see the high slit as the model moves and this skirt has that same detail.
- This is an exceptionally rare set and an outstanding example of his work for this collection.
- The top slips on with a hidden set short zipper at the back of the neck. The belt has a rhinestone encrusted buckle and the skirt closes with a side hidden set zipper. There is a teeny bit of lift on the edges and wear marks on the belt that are minor and if I hold the skirt up to the light I see a tiny bit of vertical thinning marks under the waist and here and there around the ham of the skirt. They do not show through to the front at all and I am being very picky. Both pieces otherwise appear to have been worn very little if at all.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: approx 26-27" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 20.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 49" from waist to the shortest part of the hem, 54" to the longest
Slit: 36.5" from the shortest part of the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5724
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
Fall 1982 Valentino by the Original Mr Valentino Purple Silk Strapless BubbleDress w Rainbow Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 1982 Valentino collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- This is a very rare and unusual dress from the Valentino boutique label.
- Michelle Harper wore its twin in 2011 and you can see it in the foreground of the photo of an exhibit of his work at the Met Museum. Its twin was shot in black that season as well.
- Valentino launched his ready-to-wear label in 1962 just two years after opening his first couture salon in Rome. In 1970 he expanded and opened a boutique in New York.
- His ready-to-wear was done to give everyone access to the Valentino experience. He often based the boutique designs from his main couture label and in the early days pieces were remarkably close in quality and the line between the two labels was often blurred. This is a beautiful example of that.
- The dress is made of a beautiful weight silk in the perfect shade of purple mixed with those rainbow coloured bands at the top of the bust and around the inner hem. The silk has just enough weight to hold the shape that you see, but still feels light on the body.
- I love the unusual lines that this dress has and how despite its bold silhouette it is still easy to wear and very flattering.
- The dress is strapless and the neckline is set in a peak at the front with the four coloured stripes set on angles that slant down and then curve around the back. The silk is seamed to fit around you and really emphasize the shape through the bust and waist.
- It curves over the very top of the hips from there and then the skirt falls out outwards in the most dramatic poof under that.
- The skirt is a masterpiece. It is gathered softly into the waist and then it expands outward in that fantastic shape that you see. At the bottom it is brought in and under and there are four more matching bands of coloured silk in those rainbow colours.
- When this is on and you move you are going to get the most incredible movement of the skirt.
- There is tulle in between the outer layer and the inner silk lining in the skirt that helps to keep the skirt its structure and shape so it does not collapse around you once you are standing still. And it has pockets.
- The dress is fully lined in a light purple silk. Light boning through the bodice and the inner silk portion of the bod closes with a row of hook and eye. The dress zips to close over that. The skirt has a black silk chiffon lining and this closes with its own hook and eye inside at the waist. The rest of the skirt is lined in a black silk organza and there is tulle in between the exterior layer and the organza. I see a tiny bit of change of texture where the silk has been pressed over the inner tulle here and there. It is very minor and just mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 10
- Excellent condition
Bust: has a maximum of 33" available space inside the bodice
Inner waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from side of bodice to side of waist seam
Total length: 55" to the longest point of the back hem and the front is 46" to the shortest point.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5725
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.
What's New





































