This is the runway piece from 2005 and the bead work on it was entirely done by hand by one of the same European ateliers who did beading for many of the Couture houses for this time period. It's modern Providence includes being worn by supermodel Daria Strokous to the 30th amfAR Gala, which also lets you see how gorgeous this is once on the body. In 1972 John won the Coty Award and then he won it again in 1976. Striking evening wear like this became his signature. His work is very expensive and beaded pieces like this sold for over $20,000 and more during this time period. This comes directly from his archives and is a dress that you will never see again since it is the only one that exists.

This dress is absolutely stunning. The fabric is completely covered in thousand of tiny deep silver seed beads and iridescent aqua coloured sequins. This gives the dress some weight - we weighed it and it is just over 6 pounds - but it is so beautifully made that it balances and glides over the body perfectly once on. The front plunges right to the waist with two long triangles curving up towards the neck and hooking at the back. A ruffle from the same fabric follows the plunging neckline all the way to the waist to soften the feel of that plunge. The back is left completely open for a bare expanse of skin to show when you turn around. I love the the way the sides curved down to the back. The waist is brought in and then it curls back out over the hips. From there the skirt falls to the floor widening out as it near the hem. This give it beautiful movement when you walk and move. The colour is this magical deep aqua and silver mix and the way the beads and sequins are set give it a stunning pattern over you. No matter what angle you see the dress from it catches the light fantastically. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a low set side zipper at the back and hooks to close behind the neck. Hand finished throughout with hand, applied beads and sequins. Silk chiffon panel finished hem and edges. Made to Couture standards.

Bust: no true side seams
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15-16" from neck to waist
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4399

Reference Photos: Daria Strokous at the 30th amfAR Gala, Cannes, May 2024.

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 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 a beautiful amount of detailing on it. 

I love this dress with its amazing use of that gorgeous pale turquoise silk chiffon. These super light silk chiffons are always an incredibly difficult fabric to work with and Mr Valentino and his team were masters at it. The silk is so light that if not for the belt that dress would be almost weightless. The front panels of the dress are vertically pleated from the top of the neck line to the waist to give it a bit of a bib/ tuxedo front feel. It curves down at the sides and goes around to the low back. This leaves the entire back bare and open. At the front the fabric is split from the neckline all the way to the waist so you get this flash of skin. The fabric drapes over the waist line on my dress form a bit and I think that depending on how long you are through the body it might not do that once on because my dress form is a bit short through the body. The shape though the waist is created by a seam that sits across the front of the pleating. I love that it comes with a matching belt. The buckle of the belt is a bronze toned metal and it depicts snakes twining around each other in an open circle. Under the waist seam at the front, a little bit of a peplum extends over the front of the skirt. This little panel has that same pleated technique as the panels above it. I love how he only used this at the front and the back stays sleek and simple. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. At the front it falls in a fairly sleek column that widen out as near the hem. Then at the back there is an inset panel of gathered fabric in the same colour that creates a sweeping train behind you. This panel extends out past the floor and it is fantastic. This is a stunning dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a matching silk chiffon and closes with hidden set back zipper. There is one small darkened area on the back and the belt shows some darkening along the edges. Please see the photos after the label shot. Tagged a vintage Valentino 40/4

Bust: each panel of the halter covers up to 9" flat across from side to side 
Waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in with the belt
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to seam at the front waist
Total length: 65" from waist to hem 75"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML that's enough

Item# DD4989

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 Roberto Cavalli dress is from the Spring 2006 collection and is gorgeous. Its twin walked the runway that season and I am happy to have the runway shots of it and video so you can see how spectacular this dress moves when on the body. This was Look 36 and I think it was one of the most beautiful dresses of that collection. And it was certainly one of the most daring. You don't realize at first glance but the front plunges down and the back has a second unexpected opening that is quite low and exposes a flash of bare skin. It is exceptional and very sensual.

The dress is made out of a bias cut silk chiffon that has a gorgeous print work through it surface to create flowers. This is done in a combination of pale turquoise and a soft greens on an ivory backdrop. The front plunges quite low but the severity of the plunge is completely softened by the mass of ruffles that cascades around the neckline. The plunge is caught up by a large flower in the paler blue and then it is open a little bit more under that. When it is on the body, the lower opening is barely apparent because of the way the dress sits on the body, but it is there. The little capped sleeves are lovely and very full. They fall over the upper arm and are soft and wide cut. The dress skims over the body and is brought in just a touch around the waist by a combination of that flower and how it is seamed. At the back there is another long opening that begins at the back of the neck and runs to the very low back. You can see on the runway how this curves a bit once it is on the body. At the base of that opening there are attached ties that extend out to create a pretty little bow. You could also leave them untied and let them just cascade behind you. The skirt falls down from there to the floor and it is cut a little longer at the back so that you get a sweeping bit of a train that extends past the hem. I love how the layers in the skirt create this pretty ruffled feel. It also gives the skirt tremendous movement around you. When you move the entire dress seems to float perfectly around you. All of the silk is bias cut which allows the dress to fall like an absolute dream over the body. It is spectacular. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with a hidden snap behind the flower at the front. The dress lost its label during the cleaning process but the fabric is signed throughout. The bias cut will allow for a lot of give in the measurements and I have put the comfortable range below.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from neck to front hem and 73" to the back hem. The length will come up a bit once on because of the bias cut.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4988

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2006 Roberto Cavalli, Look 36 Model Emina Cunmulaj.

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 in a different colour walked the Fall 1990 runway and we have included the reference photos of that so that you can see just how fabulous this one is on the body. This dress is extra special as it  includes the incredible brooches on both the front and back of the dress just like the runway piece. It is unlabeled but came to me directly from the original couture client from whom many of the other Haute Couture pieces I have had in the shop. She was fitted by Christian himself for the dress which makes it that much more special. It is a stunning example of his Couture work during this time period. 

The dress is made out of an iridescent silk taffeta. I love how the colour changes depending on how the light hits it. It can go from a deep bronze to a more iridescent blue / purple tone. The  sleeves are long and there is a row of five silk covered buttons at each wrist. It is gathered at one side at the front with the first of two incredible jewelled brooches the dress came with. The brooch is hand made from a gold toned metal with large golden topaz glass crystals mixed with brilliant blue crystals. The neckline angles down and across your shoulder to leave one shoulder bare and exposed. At the back, the neckline dips dramatically down into a deep open V that leaves your skin bare and exposed. The second huge jewelled brooch sits at the base of that. A panel of silk flares out to one side to create a half bow, half bustle feel. The interior of that panel has extra structure so that it stays perfectly in place. The skirt falls below that and depending in your height will sit at about the knee or just above. It is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with an elaborate mix of a zipper, snaps and hooks at the back with one panel looping through the other over the inner closures. There is a fused strip of rubber ribbon along the inner neckline to help hold it in place and this has degraded a touch here and there. One stone is missing at the bottom of the front brooch. The brooches are tacked into place at present but are removable. You can see little marks on the fabric under them where the pin has been pushed through in different places. There are a couple teeny pinhead snags on the fabric where the brooches have caught on the silk near the brooches. These are all very minor and mentioned for accuracy. Sourced from the original couture client and Christian Lacroix told me through instagram that he remembers fitting her. 

Sleeves: 19.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3602

Reference Photos: Fall/Winter 1990 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Runway.

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 dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who 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 hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. He mainly used this type of fabric for his 1971-1972 collections. This is the second time I have had a version of this dress and I love it even more this time.

This Lanvin dress is gorgeous and is from the main label. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a gorgeous colour and print combination. It is made from mixing two fabrics and both hold colour exceptionally well so the colours are still crisp bright and true. The top portion of the dress is an easy silk jersey and then the skirt is one of his signature waffle weave cottons. The sleeves are long and simple. The neckline is scooped with a slightly wide cut. The top skims over you and the back goes down in a scoop to leave a bare expanse of skin showing. The waist is seamed and I love how the skirt is set into the waist in soft gathers so that it puffs out slightly around the waist. It also has a bit of a wrap effect where one side is open down the full length, but it is fully wrapped underneath so that you are completely covered. From there the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. The fabric change on the skirt gives it a touch of weight so that it holds the shape well. The pattern is the same on both fabrics and yet they look slightly different because of the change in texture. It is brilliant. This full on pattern from head to toe makes the dress instantly recognizable as a piece of his work. Excellent condition with a note below.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a white silky rayon. It closes with a back zipper. I see what looks like remnants of a lining here and there along the seams of the top. I see a mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes. The fabric of the top has some stretch. 

Sleeves: 25" and are up to 11" around the upper arm
Inset shoulders: to 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hip: 13"
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19" from top of shoulder to seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4941

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 Resort 2018 collection was Carolina's last collection that she designed before handing things over to Wes Gordon. In the Vogue review they talked abut the inspiration for the pieces saying, "Herrera said she looked to the gardens at her home in her native Venezuela for her flower motifs, and the exuberant colours she pulled from them for other pieces." This dress was Look One of the presentation. Brie Larson wore one on the Today Show that year, Grace Gummer wore hers to the Emmys awards HBO party and we found a photo of Helena Bourdon in one. It feels as fresh today as it did then. 

The dress is made out of a feather light silk crepe chiffon in a beautiful soft blue. A pretty floral print runs over the entire piece. The front plunges to the waist for a startling contrast to the romantic feel of the dress. A tiny ruffle runs over each shoulder and the sleeves slim down a touch as they reach their cuffs. The waist is seamed and buttons to close. A slit at the front runs up to meet the buttons and lets a flash of bare leg show when you move. The skirt is cut to feel soft and full as it nears the hem. This gives it a romantic feel and pretty movement when you move. This is the actual sample dress from the brand and has its original sample tag. Which means it very well may be the dress that was worn by some of the people that we have included here for reference. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale blue silk chiffon and buttons down the front. Buttons on each cuff. Original hang tag and sample label attached.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" 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
Slit: 21.5 from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4749

Reference Photos: (1-2) Resort 2018 Carolina Herrera Lookbook.  /  (3) Brie Larson on 'The Today Show' 2017.  /  (4) Grace Gummer at the 70th  Emmy Awards’ HBO Party, September 17, 2018.  /  (5) Helena Bordon in Carolina Herrera.  

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 began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2006 season and it is gorgeous. This dress was a piece made for production for retail but it has all the things we love about his work presented in a beautifully chic and minimalist package. We believe that some of the detailing is based on / loosely inspired by the opening look of the Couture 2006 collection. We have included a photo of that dress for you and you can see similar bead work through the skirt of that dress that has similarity to the pattern of the beads on this dress.

The dress is made out of the deepest possible blue silk crepe chiffon that has a slight bit of texture to it and more opaqueness than a standard chiffon would have. It is completely cut on the bias which is one of his signatures that we all love. The dress falls from the shoulders and then drapes down and over the body to the floor. It is very beautiful. The signature bias cut that he often did allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties which became another of John's signatures. The fabric has been pieced together with both curved and angled seams through the bodice and lower skirt especially to create the fantastic lines of the dress that you see. Wide straps extend out from the bust to curve over your shoulders. The front is set in a V and the fabric is gathered across the front of the shoulders. I love the angled cut of the front bodice where he has piece the two side of it together. These are set into a high curving seam that highlights the waist but still stays easy in cut. That seam curves around the back curving upwards there as well. The back is scooped into a low curved open expanse. The straps become smaller and run down the back to join into each side of the lowest part of that curve. An attached panel of silk drapes beautifully down the back in reference to the best of Old Hollywood. The dress glides over the body from there and flares out as it reaches the hem. The widening and length of the back hem is created with angled silk chiffon panels inset into the back skirt. It is an incredible feat of patterning. This creates a longer bit of a train at the back for a bit of a sweeping feel behind you. There is an incredible amount of fabric through the lower skirt which gives you so much movement when you walk. It is stunning. The entire dress to just past the knee is beaded with silver beads mixed with the tiniest  silver sequins. These are laid out vertically over the dress in beautiful curving lines that cover the dress. They catch the light from every angle and take the dress to another level. His signature row of tightly spaced buttons run up one side. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

It has a matching silk inner slip dress that loop through a stitch so that they are attached at the top of the inner shoulders. You could easily remove this to get more room if needed. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and we have provided the comfortable range of measurements for both it and the outer dress below. It closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. Tagged a FR42, GB14, IT46, US10. 

Dress
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam 
Waist: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 59" from the top of the shoulder to the front hem and approx 74" to the back

Inner slip
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4884

Reference Photo: Fall 2006 Dior Couture, Look 1.

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 dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who 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 hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress is from the early part of the 1970s and it is incredible. 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. The dress is wonderfully light in weight once on the body. Gorgeous. Excellent condition 

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. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. 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. 

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.

The Richilene label was launched around 1970 and lasted to about 1990 or so from what I understand. It was a New York based label and was designed by Ilene Pacun and her husband Richard. The name came by combining their two first names which I only found out recently, and I thought was a cute little detail. They focused on party dresses for the most part and had a pretty wide range of options price wise. By the mid-1980s their prices ranged from about $200-$2000 and the higher and pieces were very well made. I can't help but think that this is a more attainable version of the famous 1986 Chanel with its removable sleeves. It has that same kind of vibe.

I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a beautiful deep blue netting that has little dots worked through the tulle. The choice of this particular fabric gives it the structure to hold the shape but still keeps it fairly light in weight once on the body. The bodice is strapless and the neckline is cut fairly straight across all around you. There's inner boning for support and the boning continues down the sides on either side to help hold the dress in place. The waist curves in a bit and then the skirt is set in just at the top of the hip. I love how this gives the illusion of extra length through the body. The entire bodice has been heavily detailed with iridescent, deep blue sequence that are sat in a curving swirling pattern. They are heavily set so that they overlap each other and this allows them to catch the light in different ways to create a really pretty effect. Onto this are embroidered and beaded flowers that have petals set up and off the dress for a slight 3-D effect. These go all the way around the upper bodice. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of that beautiful daughter in and there are five layers making up the skirt. The top two layers are the blue netting and then there is a organza layer under that that has a shimmering finish to it. Under that is a black layer of stiffen netting and then there is a final blue layer inside and under that. The very top layer has an edging of stiffen netting all the way around it, and that helps hold the shape and give it a pretty finish all of the volume you see in these photos are from the skirt and all of these built in under skirts. The final touch is of course those incredible removable half sleeves that you just slip on and wear high on the upper arm. They have stiff and tool inside, which helps to give them that puff, and then there is elastic at each end for an easy fit. I have pushed them up so they're very full, but you could also wear them a little more stretched out if you wished. The dress has a bit of a fantasy princess feel that I love. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a deep blue muslin feeling fabric and the skirt is lined as described above. It closes with a back set zipper. The sleeves have a stiffen tool interior and elastic on each end so they just slip onto the arm. 

Sleeves: each sleeve is up to 14 inches long and can be worn to be up to half that size in length. The elastic at each end stretches up to approximately 20"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist:12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 24"flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from top of the bodice to the seam at the bottom of the bodice
Total length: 53" from top of the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4879

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.

James Galanos was just 27 years old when he launched his first label called Galanos Originals in 1951. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. when you convert that to modern dollars and realize that it would be just under 30k for his upper range pieces. Part of the reason for those high price tags was that his ready-to-wear was made to couture standards. Galanos pieces were all produced in very limited quantities in his workshops and his work was as close to couture construction that you could find outside of Paris. Grace Kelly was an early fan and other couturiers looked to his work as inspiration. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. 

This is one of my favourite pieces I have seen by Galanos and it is incredibly beautiful in person. The dress is made from a feather light silk and that choice of fabric is what gives it that bit of volume that you see through the skirt. I did not add any underskirts, the shape that you see is all created by the way the skirt is set in and around the waist and the lightness of the silk. Two piped blue silk straps curve up and over the shoulders. The neckline dips in a slight sweetheart at the front with the silk gathered and softly pleated all the way around the top of the bodice for detailing. The silk on the bodice is that same brilliant blue as the straps and it is softly gathered down the sides to the waist. The silk extends out past the waist seam into a edged ruffle that meets a ruffle underneath created by the extension of the silk of the skirt. I love the detailing there that this creates and that underneath the ruffle the waist seam is anchored with a gold braided cording. The skirt has been softly gathered all around the waist and then it open outwards to have the volume and fullness that you see. Four panels of silk have been pieced vertically together to construct the skirt. At the front you see  a deep green panel on one side and a slightly metallic feeling copper brown on the other. At the back both of the panels are the same beautiful blue as the bodice. All of the edges where the panels meet are finished with a hand applied metallic gold cord. Between the green and brown panel at the front the skirt is slit open between the cording so when you walk or move you get a flash of bare leg. The silk is so light  that when you love the skirt billows out around you. Incredible. Excellent condition  

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

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist seam
Total length: 59" from waist to hem
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3736

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.

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this period and we found a reference from the 1971 collection that utilized the same type of beading. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.

This is a killer dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body. The jersey glides over your curves and is so flattering. I hope the photos convey just how fabulous it is because when worn and on an actual body this one will be even better. The neckline plunges in a V at the front and then it has elaborate border with a thick application of beads, sequins and paillettes. These start at the back  of the neck and wrap around to follow the plunge at the front. From there it expands into a wide panel that ends in a almost medallion feeling embellishment that sits at the waist. The beads are densely applied to sit up and off the dress and it is quite incredible to see. The sleeves are long and each one expands on a curve to poof out just above the cuff. Then each cuff has the same incredible beaded detailing that you see at the front. The deep turquoise silk jersey glides over the bust and comes in at the waist for shaping. The skirt falls under that, skimming over the hips and then widening out to fall beautifully to the floor. It is the perfect combination of feeling covered yet sexy and the dress is incredibly easy and comfortable to wear. It is stupendous once on. Excellent condition with a small note below

Unlined and the dress closes with a hand set back set zipper. Each cuff snaps to close. I see a light bit of colour change to the fabric here and there. It is something that you noticed only when looking really close at the dress and it presents perfectly once on the body. It is there however, and it is priced accordingly. Please see the photos after the label shot for examples. The jersey does have some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range when laying flat. The colour is a touch brighter turquoise then how it photoed. Hand finishes throughout

Sleeves: 26" and are 10-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem with 1.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4737

Reference Photo: Michèle Morgan in Azzaro at his workshop, April 1971.

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 walked the runway for the Fall 1987 show and we have included reference photos of it from the runway for you so that you can see how fabulous it is on the body. We even found one where you can see the model walking back down the runway so you can see how gorgeous it is from the back as well. It is an easy to wear and very chic little YSL.

This is a really gorgeous dress. It is made from a lace fabric that has an unusual blue-purple colour running through it. Metallic thread runs through the lace and then over that are thousands of glossy black sequins that follow the pattern of the lace. The sequins catch the light from every angle but in a subtle way that I love. The lace has an open cut that is lined it with a deep blue silk chiffon. It has a touch of transparency to it but its wearable. This combination also keeps it light so that it feels amazing once on the body. The dress sits off the shoulder to leave a bare expanse of skin across the top. The neckline wraps around the shoulders and it is finished with a pretty black silk organza ruffle. The silk of the ruffles has just enough structure so that it holds its shape perfectly. The sleeves fall to just past the elbow and each is also finished with a ruffle. From there the dress skims over you, running over the bust and past the waist, with no seaming there to break the line. At the top of the hip there is a seam that has another ruffled detailing. The skirt falls under that and widens out as it nears the hem. A final ruffle goes all the way around the edge of the skirt. The back of the skirt is set to hang a touch longer than the front. This gives you a beautiful curve from the side  and adds a touch of pretty volume. It is a gorgeous dress and really showcases Yves' innovative eye and design genius. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a dark blue silk chiffon. It closes at the side with a zipper. Tagged a YSL 42.

Sleeves: approx 18" from the drop and 12" around the upper arm
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam across the top of the hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and open under that
Length: 30" from top of centre neckline to front hem and 36" to back hem including top and bottom ruffle

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4271

Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.

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 stunning and extremely rare example of 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 did a stint designing 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 the simple and elegant lines. This is a very rare and early Haute Couture coat and we found a reference photo of its near twin that was styled with a belt, dramatic gloves and matching hat added. It is very beautiful and the colour is exceptional.

This coat is beautifully tailored. The double row of buttons at the front and curving cut makes it feel as chic and wearable now as it was when first made. It is entirely finished by hand and has its numbered couture tape under the label. It is so chic and a very important and rare piece. This is truly a vintage gem. It has a deceptively simple cut that hides the precise seams and masterfully tailored cut. It is constructed with the absolute minimal seam work to create the curves of the coat that you see. It is more fitted through the upper bodice and then skims over the waist and flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The collar is neat with a notched front and each sleeve ends in a turned up cuff. 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 a 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. The front has detailed seaming that becomes part of the actual design and inside that is a double row of blue buttons that run down the front to the waist. You can wear this one open or do it up right to the neck like the reference photo. I love the sculptural effect the coat has once on and that beautifully full lower skirting. No shortcut was taken in the construction of this lovely coat and it is an outstanding piece of fashion history in every possible way. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set black silk taffeta and closes with the button 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. This is a medium to heavy weight coat 

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4489

Reference Photo: Model in Lanvin, 1952.

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 set walked the runway and was worn by none other then Carla Bruni. Which makes this suit that much more special. It also still has all three of its original pieces and I love that as well. Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and his work was an instant worldwide sensation with the press declaring him to be the King of Couture. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections were always exotic and lavish affairs. He drew his inspirations from across the decades and I doubt there was ever a more high glamour couturier. This suit with its supermodel tie-in is very special and a stunning example of his work during this time period. His couture pieces rarely come to market and I love having them in the shop when I can get them.

I love that this still has all three original pieces. It came to me with the jacket, skirt and the inner silk top that matches the lining of the jacket. Which is a very traditional Haute Couture detail. Having all three pieces makes it that much more versatile since you can mix and match all of pieces and wear them in so many different ways. The inner top is made of a silk with a abstract vertical wavy pattern in ivory, pale blue and pastel lavender. That exact same silk is used to line the jacket so when you wear the jacket open you get that incredible continuation of design. The skirt and the jacket are both made from a textured wool boucle with the skirt being a two-tone aqua and pale blue and the jacket picking up the lavender in the silk top. Unusual colour and pattern mixing was a forte of Lacroix and we see that beautifully in the suit. The jacket is stunning and every seam has been meticulously executed. The sleeves are long and the rounded shoulders have soft padding inside for a touch of structure. The seaming is set in curving lines to create the shape that you see and there are little boned Silk satin inserts at the front for shaping. That same silk details the inside of the collar runs across the top of the shoulder and along part of the edge of the split cuff sleeves. At the back he used that same fabric to gather and bring in the back of the jacket for shaping and add a pretty romantic detail with the bow. It snaps to close down the front with silk covered hidden set snaps. Buttons are sewn on the outside and each is a stunning jewel. Gold tone metal has been set with rhinestones crystals and turquoise. So even if you wear the jacket on its own or closed you get this stunning jewel detail there. The skirt is precisely and simply cut with that slight flare as it reaches the hem. The front panel wraps over which as a touch of detail and also leaves a hidden opening underneath so that when you sit or walk you get a tiny flash of leg. It is lined in an extremely high-quality pale blue silk. This is a stunning example of his work that will never go out of style and it is exceptional. The fact that it is true Haute Couture just makes it better and the workmanship is out of this world. Excellent condition.

Both the dress and the jacket are fully lined in silk described above. The top is made of a single layer of silk. Top closes with a hidden setbacks zipper and has ribbon finishing at the hem. The skirt closes with a side zipper and couture hook and eye at the waist. The jacket has hidden set snaps down the front. All three pieces are completely made by hand and have their proper Haute Couture tags present with sequential couture numbers under the tag.

Jacket
Sleeve: 21"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to back hem, 22" the longest points of the front hem

Top
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4391

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 1996 Christian Lacroix Runway, Look 4. Model Carla Bruni.

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.