• This beautiful and rare coat is from the Fall 1952 Lanvin Collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Antonio Castillo.
• True Couture examples from this era are extremely rare and this is a fantastic piece showcasing the Haute Couture work being done by the house of Lanvin during the years that Antonio Castillo headed the atelier.
• Castillo started off his career at the houses of Paquin and Piquet. He also designed accessories for Chanel. He quickly became known as one of the most promising designers to emerge after WWII and that reputation was part of why he was chosen in 1950 to become the head designer at the House of Lanvin.
• The press at the time lauded him, along with Balmain, Dior and Balenciaga, as the new generation of the Paris Couture designers. During his time at Lanvin the house was known for simple and elegant lines that women bought in droves. 
• I love the reference photo of its near twin styled with a belt, gloves and matching hat to show you how it can be worn belted as well. 
• The coat would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• It is beautifully tailored with a double row of buttons at the front and a curving cut.
  
• The simple cut hides precise seams and a masterfully tailored cut. It is constructed with the absolute minimal seam work to create the curves that fall over the body.
• It skims over the upper bodice and then comes in slightly at the waist. From there is flares out over the hips and is quite wide by the time it gets to the hem.
• The collar is neat with a notched front and each sleeve ends in a turned up cuff with a row of button detailing.
• The front bodice has an inset and detailed seam design with a double row of blue buttons set inside that areas that run down the front to the waist.
• A half belt is attached at the back and you could add a belt over it to emphasize the shape even more.
• The fabric is amazing with an ultra soft finish to it. I believe it is an Alpaca or perhaps a type of cashmere and it is extremely luxurious. The fact that it is dyed that amazing blue makes it that much more brilliant.
• It is even better in person and the fabric has to be seen and felt to truly be appreciated. This fabric choice allowed Castillo to be able to sculpt the exact shape that he desired.
  
• I love the sculptural effect the coat has once on and that beautifully full lower skirting. The construction is exquisite. It is an outstanding piece of fashion history in every possible way and the colour is exceptional.
• The coat is fully lined in a hand set black silk taffeta and closes with the buttons down the front. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. The Haute Couture numbered tape label is present under the main label and is numbered 15.418. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements list listed below.
• Excellent condition.

Sleeves: 22" and are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5823

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.

• The twin of this dress was a part of the presentation for the Resort 2012 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
• The dress is made of an ivory cotton lace with silk net edging that falls beautifully over the body. 
• The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The shoulders are wide and curve into a shallow scoop at the front. I love how he chose to edge the neckline and openings for the arms with that little bit of silk for a pretty contrast.
• The lace skims over the bust and is cut more generously around the waist. This helps to keep the silhouette soft and pretty. If you did want a more defined shape you could easily add a belt or silk ribbon around the waist that could be as elaborate as or simple as you wished it to be.
• The lace skims past the waist and then the skirt is set over top of the lace of the bodice in a very deliberate way that makes the seam there a part of the design. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet and I love how the fabric of the skirt has been gathered into little ruffles that curve all the way around you.
• From there it falls over the hips and down to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace. The fabric is light and soft and there is an additional layer of silk chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. 
• All of the fabric that was gathered in around the top of the hips is allowed to expand and give you the fullness of the skirt so that you get this pretty sweep of fabric around you when you move.
• It is extremely pretty and romantic in feel.
• The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon. It closes with an exposed bronze colour zipper at the side. It is in its original length. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
• Tagged a Lanvin size 38
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-seam at top of hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5646

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.

• This is a gorgeous Demi-Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
• 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 Lanvin label is numbered and the dress has been made to demi-couture standards.
• This dress is made from a fine blue silk tulle that has a floral pattern embroidered over its surface in the same blue. The lining is done with a deep purple silk and this gives it this very unusual colour that lies somewhere between a deep blue and a deep purple.
• Onto the top silk net there is an exquisite floral design done with a metallic gold thread. That same gold thread also circles around the lower skirt in two horizontal panels done in a open chain link design. More of the floral netting separates those panels.
• The result is even better on person as the gold feel more prominent. I love how the gold catches the light from every angle.
• The bodice skims over you and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve has a bit of puff above the elastic cuff.
• The waist is cut more generously and you could add a ribbon or a belt to cinch it in.
• The skirt skims over the hips to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. The added panels of gold on the skirt help to give the skirt support and help hold its shape.
• Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon through the top and a purple silk through the skirt. It closes with a back hand set zipper and there is elastic in each cuff. Hand finishes and hand finished inner seams.
• The label is numbered.
• There is no size tag present and the bias cut of the lining and the net give it a little give so I have put the comfortable range of measurements where it will give a bit. 
  
• Excellent condition 
  

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3925

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.

• This beautiful and rare coat is from the Fall 1952 Lanvin Collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Antonio Castillo.
• True Couture examples from this era are extremely rare and this is a fantastic piece showcasing the Haute Couture work being done by the house of Lanvin during the years that Antonio Castillo headed the atelier.
• Castillo started off his career at the houses of Paquin and Piquet. He also designed accessories for Chanel. He quickly became known as one of the most promising designers to emerge after WWII and that reputation was part of why he was chosen in 1950 to become the head designer at the House of Lanvin.
• The press at the time lauded him, along with Balmain, Dior and Balenciaga, as the new generation of the Paris Couture designers. During his time at Lanvin the house was known for simple and elegant lines that women bought in droves. 
• I love the reference photo of its near twin styled with a belt, gloves and matching hat to show you how it can be worn belted as well. 
• The coat would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• It is beautifully tailored with a double row of buttons at the front and a curving cut.
  
• The simple cut hides precise seams and a masterfully tailored cut. It is constructed with the absolute minimal seam work to create the curves that fall over the body.
• It skims over the upper bodice and then comes in slightly at the waist. From there is flares out over the hips and is quite wide by the time it gets to the hem.
• The collar is neat with a notched front and each sleeve ends in a turned up cuff with a row of button detailing.
• The front bodice has an inset and detailed seam design with a double row of blue buttons set inside that areas that run down the front to the waist.
• A half belt is attached at the back and you could add a belt over it to emphasize the shape even more.
• The fabric is amazing with an ultra soft finish to it. I believe it is an Alpaca or perhaps a type of cashmere and it is extremely luxurious. The fact that it is dyed that amazing blue makes it that much more brilliant.
• It is even better in person and the fabric has to be seen and felt to truly be appreciated. This fabric choice allowed Castillo to be able to sculpt the exact shape that he desired.
  
• I love the sculptural effect the coat has once on and that beautifully full lower skirting. The construction is exquisite. It is an outstanding piece of fashion history in every possible way and the colour is exceptional.
• The coat is fully lined in a hand set black silk taffeta and closes with the buttons down the front. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. The Haute Couture numbered tape label is present under the main label and is numbered 15.418. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements list listed below.
• Excellent condition.

Sleeves: 22" and are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5823

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.

• Philip Hulitar designed from 1949 to his retirement in 1964 so his pieces fall in a very defined period of time. He was known for his sophisticated dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label a journalist gushed that; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to the launch of his label he was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years.
  
• I had this dress completely restored and it is absolutely gorgeous.
• The dress is made out of a rich ivory champagne coloured silk.
• The bodice is strapless and it is lightly boned to help to hold the shape once it is on the body.
• I love the little bow detail that sits on one side of the bodice to add pretty detail. 
• The waist nips in and then the skirt curves out and over the hips. It widens from there to the floor in a stunning expanse of silk.
• Running down the centre of the front and also down the back are inset panels made out of the same silk. The silk has been hand gathered inside of each of those panels.
• I love how they add to the hourglass shape the dress has and it also adds an incredible detail to the dress.
• The back is cut slightly longer for a beautiful sweep of fabric as you walk.
• It is a beautiful and rare piece of 1950s couture.
• The dress is fully lined in a matching silk organza that has darkened to have a tea dyed feel to it for most of it. It closes at the back with a hand set metal zipper. Light boning through the interior bodice. I see a tiny foxing mark on one side of the outer skirt and there are minor areas of the teeniest bit of along the edges under each arm. Hand finishes throughout. 
• There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below. 
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with room to a C cup at the front
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 53" from top of bodice to front hem and 62" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5645

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.

• This is an incredible and rare true Haute Couture dress whose pattern remarkably resembles a sketch we found from his 1953 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of couturier Jaques Fath.
• Jacques Fath showed his first collection of just twenty garments in the spring of 1937. It was well received and he steadily built a strong clientele to become of of the busiest ateliers in Paris.
• Fath is considered to be part of the 'big three' post-war Parisian designers, along with Dior and Balmain. The Fath label was shuttered in 1957 after Fath's death three years earlier. One of his signature looks was a strapless hourglass silhouette. The dress is gorgeous and a beautiful and rare example of his work during this time period. 
• It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The fabric is a stunning silk that has a pattern suggested of an animal print running over its entire surface. This has been done in an ivory with shades of charcoal grey. Worked into the pattern is a subtle muted gold metallic thread.
• The dress is strapless and curves up on the bodice. There is a black silk inner panel that is set behind the front panels that you see here. This let those front panels sit slightly off of the body and create the illusion of more bust.
  
• The fabric is gathered in along an angled seam under that to a wide band that defines the waist. I love how there is a bit of the same black silk that peeks out along one edge to tie all of the elements of the bodice together.
• The waist is cinched in and to achieve that beautiful hour glass silhouette there is a full built-in boned couture corset attached to the inside of the bodice. I have taken photos so you can see how beautifully and intricately this is constructed.
• From there the skirt expands outward over the hips and curves beautifully down to the floor. The front has a slightly more sleek feel to it and then the back has added fabric built into it down the centre so that you get a beautiful soft fullness there. It is cut slightly longer at the back to help to add to that feel of more fullness there. If you really wanted the skirt to be very full you could add an underskirt. There is more than enough room.
• It is an absolute extraordinarily beautiful early Couture peace from the most magical era of Couture.
• The skirt is backed with a netting and there is a built-in boned corset. It closes with a back zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. There is light discolouration to the inner corset. At some point, someone added fabric tape over some small holes in the netting of the interior skirt and I see some tiny ones without tape. None of this shows on the exterior. There is light fraying on part of the front hem. Please see the photos after the label shot. All of the interior work is done completely by hand to Couture standards.
  
• No size tag is present so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent overall condition
  

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to bottom seam of the 3.25" waist band
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to front hem and the back hand extends another 6" past that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5531

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.

• This is an exceptional and very rare example of a Heim Haute Couture work from the late 1940s early 1950s.
• It was made under the creative direction of Jacques Heim.
• Jacques Heim began his career working at his parents fur business. In 1923 he took that business over and made it into his own vision. Heim began designing a line of made to order, in-house couture pieces that used original fabrics most notably those of Sonia Delauney. In 1930 his label became an official member of Haute Couture and his self-named label, Jacques Heim, was born. Jacques remained at the helm of his business until his death in 1967. The label closed in 1969.
• This era of Couture was known as the golden era in part because of its excellence in every aspect to the art of Couture. This dress is everything you look for in an Haute Couture dress from this time period.
• The dress is a phenomenal example of Couture and is made out of a hand dyed net and hand dyed, handmade lace.
• The dress is completely made by hand and would have been made in his Paris atelier.
• Wide straps curve up and over each shoulder and then the front neck and back are both scooped with a more shallow version at the front in a deeper one at the back. The opening across the shoulders is cut wider across so that you can wear this dress more on the outside of your shoulders and expose the collarbones.
• It skims over the bust and is shaped and meant to be slightly more fitted. From there it nips in at the waist. The dress comes with its original matching belt that is also made by hand and covered in the same net and silk as the dress. The belt is slim in its cut and highlights the waist even more.
• The skirt is truly outstanding. It is the perfect rendition of that 1950s full "New Look" feeling skirt that has come to be so associated with that era. The skirt is made from five layers of tulle that are hand dyed to this incredible soft taupey grey that has a hint of purple in its undertone. These five layers sit on top of multiple layers of inner skirting. All of the volume that you see here is created from the stocking of all those layers. I have added nothing extra underneath for these photos, though I think you could make it even fuller if you took the time to starch out every single layer.
• Onto the very top layer of netting are hand applied strips of handmade lace that have been added in vertical rows. Fees stand down and over the bodice to the waist. From there they trail down the skirt to end in various lengths. This has been done all the way around you and the final effect this creates is beautiful. It is hard to imagine the length of time this all would have taken by hand.
• The dress closes with a back metal zipper and the belt buckles to close. The inner bodice is boned for structure and all the hand work is done to Couture standards. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The skirt is made from multiple layers of netting as described above. I see a tiny bit of wear near one grommet of the buckle, one tiny repair in the netting and a faint mark on the skirt. These are all extremely minor but mentioned for accuracy.
• There is no size tag present since it is true Couture so please go by the measurements below.
• Excellent condition.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 45" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED 

Item# DD5296

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.