I love the graphic feel of this little black and cream shift dress from Geoffrey Beene. The body is a slim column of black silk that is topped by a curved inset is a silk satin to create the bodice. Over this is a simple halter style neckline that is cut inset and square at the front and then changes to two skinny straps at the back to allow for a greater expanse of skin! The edges around the bust line are finished with a metallic flat piped ribbon for the teeniest bit of glitz. Excellent, seemingly unworn condition.
Bust: 18" 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
Length: 40" from neck to hem
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Ribbon finished edges inside
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML
Item# DD1132
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
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SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

SEE MORE FROM GEOFFREY BEENE

I Have a Question
Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy.
This is an incredible set by Beene that is made out of a feather light metallic silk lame. The color of the metallic fabric is a combination of a soft turquoise blue shot through with gold thread. The pattern this creates are a little series of squares and each one has a subtle leopard print worked into them. It is just amazing. Especially when you have it in hand and realize just how light and fine the fabric is. The set is made up of two pieces. The skirt is cinched in at the waist and has a pocket along one side. It widens out as it nears the hem and the lightness of the fabric makes it move wonderfully around you when you move. The matching top wraps around you to close, crossing at the front. I have tied it at the back but you could probably wrap it once more and tie it at the front if and ties at the back. On my dress form it ends up to be quite cropped and depending on how you tie it you can have to sit even higher up or slightly lower to close the gap a bit. Excellent condition
Both piece are unlined and the fabric is incredible. The skirt hooks to close at the waist and the top slips on and ties. You could move the hook on the skirt up or down a 1/2 inch or so in either direction and the top is adjustable with the tie. A pocket on the skirt where it hooks.
Top
Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam and the ties make t adjustable
Length: 16.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3514
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy. When researching this dress I found a dress held by the Metropolitan Museum with a strikingly similar silhouette and also an editorial shot of a dress that uses the same printed fabric.
I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. The body of the dress is made from an ultra soft leopard printed chenille like fabric that is almost a faux fur but far lighter and more refined. It is almost like a long piled velvet. Very unusual and very interesting. This is mixed with a black silk netting that makes up the shoulders and sleeves. The netting is detailed with gold metallic thread and also with fused dots of a flat piled black velvet. The bodice is cut to curve around the bust and I love how the leopard printed fabric angles up the the mid-neck on both sides. The netting takes over at that point and curves over the shoulders and down the long sleeves. The extensive detailing work and the way the design is laid out is amazing. From there the fabric skims over the waist and hips and then narrows down to the hem. It is cut to curve in slightly and the hem is cut on a curve as well and has a high slit running up the center. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Excellent condition.
The fabric is self backed and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set snap at the cuff. Ribbon edge finished for all inner seams. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Tagged a vintage size 6
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to front hem, 58" to the back hem
Slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3484
Reference Photos: (1) Valerie Celis in Geoffrey Beene for Vogue US, 1994. Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth. / (2) Spring 1993 Geoffrey Beene dress from the MET Collection Online.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
As soon as I set my eyes on this dress I knew I had seen it before and after some extensive hunting I found the photo that it had triggered a memory of. A version of this dress was photoed by Irving Penn for the September issue of Vogue in 1967. That dress was by Geoffrey Beene but in a different color way and a version with a higher neckline. They are otherwise identical and the fabric is as good in this color as it is in that shot. Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. This is a wonderful and very early example of his work.
I barely feel the need to describe this dress to you as Vogue description is utter perfection. The text in the editorial states the dress as being a "new cloth of glow... a printed matelasse with clear lacquer colors webbed with silver threads for the beautiful evening proportion of a small covered top and the widest sweep of skirt." Matelasse is French for 'quilted' or 'cushioned' and in usage with fabric, refers to quilted textiles. It is meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched Marseilles type quilts made in France. This gives the dress a slight dimensional quality. The silver thread runs over the fabric for the slightest glint of a metallic feel. The upper bodice is meant to be fitted and the sleeves are long and slim. The skirt sweeps out with the volume created by the fabric choice that helps to hold the shape and by the way it is set in around the waist. Like the reference photo, this version also has pockets hidden along each hip. It is absolutely wonderful in person and I think even better then how it photoed. I am so pleased to have found documentation of this rare and wonderful piece of fashion history. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a silk taffeta in a pale peach color It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a good 4.5" of fabric turned up at the hem if you need more length and 2/5" turned up under each sleeve. Pockets along the seam on the hip
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips" open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3171
Reference photo: Photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue US September 1967
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
I love the stark lines of this Geoffrey Beene dress and the contrast between the deep burgundy panels and the deeper cream parts of the dress. The two colors are set so that they become an integral part of the design and add both interest and length as the eye is pulled from the neck to the floor. The neck is high in a modified turtleneck that has a more sleek then slouched feel. The sleeves are long and lean and the bodice skims over the bust into the seamed waist where it softly, and just slightly, poufs over the seam there. The skirt flares out in a widening line from the waist to fall to the floor. The back is all the one burgundy color but the front has inset jersey panels done in a soft taupe cream color. These swoop down in a V on the top and are set as an inset panel of fabric in the skirt. This helps to add to the volume of the skirt and creates an interesting visual effect. The way it closes is fascinating with three different zippers layered and placed so that no bulk is created but that each element of the dress stays perfectly in place. Excellent condition
The top is lined with a inner taupe layer of the jersey and the skirt is unlined. It closes with three zippers, one that closes the inner jersey lining, a second long on that runs from the outside neck down inside the skirt and the last on the outer skirt. A zipper is also set at the end of each sleeve. The fabric has some stretch but the waist measurement is set and will not stretch further
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3141
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
This Geoffrey Beene wrapped coat is fabulous with its bright contrast of that hot pink silk satin against the heavy black silk base. The collar, cuffs and the inner edge of the coat are finished with a vivid pink and that shot of bright color combined with the dramatic lines of the coat are wonderful. The coat wraps to close and is cinched in at the waist. The skirting below the waist flares out to an extreme fullness that is very flattering on. The collar is cut to be oversized and the color draws the eye to create a strong focal point. I love that each cuff is finished with that same pink fabric. Both the collar and cuffs are top stitched in rows for a little extra detail. It is cut so that you could get away with wearing this on its own as a dress, but if you do layer it over something else, you will love the unexpected pop of color that runs down the inner edges on both sides at the front. It is just gorgeous and a wonderful example of his earlier work. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes along the waist with hook & eye. Hand finished through out and extremely well made. It presents as being in great condition but has some tiny things to note. There is a touch of wear to each cuff where the fabric folds (see photos) and there is a touch of fading/discoloration along the top of the collar from improper storage (photoed) and where each cuff folds. Otherwise excellent. Priced accordingly. Note the pink is ore a Barbie pink in person and better then how it photoed.
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# C473
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy.
This is an incredible set by Beene that is made out of a feather light metallic silk lame. The color of the metallic fabric is a combination of a soft turquoise blue shot through with gold thread. The pattern this creates are a little series of squares and each one has a subtle leopard print worked into them. It is just amazing. Especially when you have it in hand and realize just how light and fine the fabric is. The set is made up of two pieces. The skirt is cinched in at the waist and has a pocket along one side. It widens out as it nears the hem and the lightness of the fabric makes it move wonderfully around you when you move. The matching top wraps around you to close, crossing at the front. I have tied it at the back but you could probably wrap it once more and tie it at the front if and ties at the back. On my dress form it ends up to be quite cropped and depending on how you tie it you can have to sit even higher up or slightly lower to close the gap a bit. Excellent condition
Both piece are unlined and the fabric is incredible. The skirt hooks to close at the waist and the top slips on and ties. You could move the hook on the skirt up or down a 1/2 inch or so in either direction and the top is adjustable with the tie. A pocket on the skirt where it hooks.
Top
Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam and the ties make t adjustable
Length: 16.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3514
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy. When researching this dress I found a dress held by the Metropolitan Museum with a strikingly similar silhouette and also an editorial shot of a dress that uses the same printed fabric.
I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. The body of the dress is made from an ultra soft leopard printed chenille like fabric that is almost a faux fur but far lighter and more refined. It is almost like a long piled velvet. Very unusual and very interesting. This is mixed with a black silk netting that makes up the shoulders and sleeves. The netting is detailed with gold metallic thread and also with fused dots of a flat piled black velvet. The bodice is cut to curve around the bust and I love how the leopard printed fabric angles up the the mid-neck on both sides. The netting takes over at that point and curves over the shoulders and down the long sleeves. The extensive detailing work and the way the design is laid out is amazing. From there the fabric skims over the waist and hips and then narrows down to the hem. It is cut to curve in slightly and the hem is cut on a curve as well and has a high slit running up the center. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Excellent condition.
The fabric is self backed and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set snap at the cuff. Ribbon edge finished for all inner seams. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Tagged a vintage size 6
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to front hem, 58" to the back hem
Slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3484
Reference Photos: (1) Valerie Celis in Geoffrey Beene for Vogue US, 1994. Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth. / (2) Spring 1993 Geoffrey Beene dress from the MET Collection Online.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
As soon as I set my eyes on this dress I knew I had seen it before and after some extensive hunting I found the photo that it had triggered a memory of. A version of this dress was photoed by Irving Penn for the September issue of Vogue in 1967. That dress was by Geoffrey Beene but in a different color way and a version with a higher neckline. They are otherwise identical and the fabric is as good in this color as it is in that shot. Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. This is a wonderful and very early example of his work.
I barely feel the need to describe this dress to you as Vogue description is utter perfection. The text in the editorial states the dress as being a "new cloth of glow... a printed matelasse with clear lacquer colors webbed with silver threads for the beautiful evening proportion of a small covered top and the widest sweep of skirt." Matelasse is French for 'quilted' or 'cushioned' and in usage with fabric, refers to quilted textiles. It is meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched Marseilles type quilts made in France. This gives the dress a slight dimensional quality. The silver thread runs over the fabric for the slightest glint of a metallic feel. The upper bodice is meant to be fitted and the sleeves are long and slim. The skirt sweeps out with the volume created by the fabric choice that helps to hold the shape and by the way it is set in around the waist. Like the reference photo, this version also has pockets hidden along each hip. It is absolutely wonderful in person and I think even better then how it photoed. I am so pleased to have found documentation of this rare and wonderful piece of fashion history. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a silk taffeta in a pale peach color It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a good 4.5" of fabric turned up at the hem if you need more length and 2/5" turned up under each sleeve. Pockets along the seam on the hip
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips" open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3171
Reference photo: Photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue US September 1967
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
I love the stark lines of this Geoffrey Beene dress and the contrast between the deep burgundy panels and the deeper cream parts of the dress. The two colors are set so that they become an integral part of the design and add both interest and length as the eye is pulled from the neck to the floor. The neck is high in a modified turtleneck that has a more sleek then slouched feel. The sleeves are long and lean and the bodice skims over the bust into the seamed waist where it softly, and just slightly, poufs over the seam there. The skirt flares out in a widening line from the waist to fall to the floor. The back is all the one burgundy color but the front has inset jersey panels done in a soft taupe cream color. These swoop down in a V on the top and are set as an inset panel of fabric in the skirt. This helps to add to the volume of the skirt and creates an interesting visual effect. The way it closes is fascinating with three different zippers layered and placed so that no bulk is created but that each element of the dress stays perfectly in place. Excellent condition
The top is lined with a inner taupe layer of the jersey and the skirt is unlined. It closes with three zippers, one that closes the inner jersey lining, a second long on that runs from the outside neck down inside the skirt and the last on the outer skirt. A zipper is also set at the end of each sleeve. The fabric has some stretch but the waist measurement is set and will not stretch further
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3141
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
This Geoffrey Beene wrapped coat is fabulous with its bright contrast of that hot pink silk satin against the heavy black silk base. The collar, cuffs and the inner edge of the coat are finished with a vivid pink and that shot of bright color combined with the dramatic lines of the coat are wonderful. The coat wraps to close and is cinched in at the waist. The skirting below the waist flares out to an extreme fullness that is very flattering on. The collar is cut to be oversized and the color draws the eye to create a strong focal point. I love that each cuff is finished with that same pink fabric. Both the collar and cuffs are top stitched in rows for a little extra detail. It is cut so that you could get away with wearing this on its own as a dress, but if you do layer it over something else, you will love the unexpected pop of color that runs down the inner edges on both sides at the front. It is just gorgeous and a wonderful example of his earlier work. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes along the waist with hook & eye. Hand finished through out and extremely well made. It presents as being in great condition but has some tiny things to note. There is a touch of wear to each cuff where the fabric folds (see photos) and there is a touch of fading/discoloration along the top of the collar from improper storage (photoed) and where each cuff folds. Otherwise excellent. Priced accordingly. Note the pink is ore a Barbie pink in person and better then how it photoed.
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# C473
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.