Item# A145
This garment is in clean, as found condition, was steamed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
This lame lace on metallic netting gown from the turn of the century is jaw dropping. It is is in utterly pristine condition†- something that is becoming more and more of a rarity as time goes by. This piece is one long sheath, drawn in at the lower skirt and caught up with a metallic thread floral detail. All that embroidery work is even more amazing when you realize that the metallic lace tulle is hand embroidered with real gold thread! And that all that hand work is in mint condition. The dress is an overdress and has a heavy Oriental influence a la Paul Poiret with it's loose, simple shape, high waist, kimono sleeves and slight hobble skirt. †The slip is silk charmeuse twenties with ribbon embroidery -included as bonus but not original to the dress. Puffed netting sleeves add a delicate, feminine touch and the belt is a strip of tightly woven metal thread lame. The condition is superb. Its completely wearable (with care of course - its still over a 100 years old so should be handled with much care, love and respect) and its really a work of art, not just a piece of clothing. I could gaze at the back alone for hours! The lucky girl who gets this will be very pleased indeed! It is truly a special piece
Fine & rare vintage 18K yellow gold jumbo "bean" pendant necklace. Signed Elsa Peretti item for Tiffany & Co. Large sliding "bean" pendant on long signed Peretti link chain.
Bean 1.5" x 1.25" Chain 29"
17.2g
Item #DS042
"Mariano Fortuny created a number of variations of his pleated silk gowns. In this model, he combined elements of the classical chiton and the peplos. A "tunic" is attached along its neckline to a long sleeveless underdress, suggesting the apoptygma of the classical peplos. This effect is further emphasized by the handkerchief points at either hip, which would have been seen on the sides of an authentic apoptygma. In the ancient Grecian peplos, the arm openings were positioned along the neckline edge rather than the sideseam edges. This resulted in a dipping hemline at either side of the garment when worn. Fortuny took this structural attribute and achieved the similar, purely decorative effect by cutting away at the tunic's front and back hem. Further, he interpreted the buttoned or pinned closings characteristic of a chiton's shoulder seams by connecting the topline seam of the tunic's sleeves with Venetian glass beads interlaced with silk "rat tail" cording. Fortuny was noted for his antiquarian intentions and scholarly treatment of classical dress, yet in the end, he invented rather than replicated a Hellenic style."
This peach version is a very fine Fortuny Peplos gown, circa 1907-1920. Hand dyed to an Apricot, the pleated silk has a corded silk drawstring at the neck, short kimono style sleeves and an attached tunic with pointed side panels all of which are weighted with clear, Venetian white striped beads. The gown is in very good condition. The silk is strong and wearable with no splits in the pleats. The pleats are intact throughout, with just the slightest of softening in the arm areas - please super size the photos to view. There is a slighte fading of the color in the upper arm area as well. Even the one from the MET seems to have the same softening of the pleats and color through the arm area and I believe this occurs partly from age and partly as a result of the pleats being moved more in this area when worn. All the beads are present. The color, style of sleeve and type of beads used place this in the very early years of Fortuny's career. There is no label present (this was not uncommon in the earlier pieces) but I have had it verified by the senior curator at the Royal Ontario Museum and guarantee it to be a Fortuny.
It is 56" long from the mid neck at the back to the hem and does not appear to be altered or changed in any way from its original condition.
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Item# DD216
This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
This is from the 1910s if not before and and is on remarkable condition for its age. Made of a purple dyed cotton velvet it is a stunning testament to the workmanship of this period. The applique panel that runs down the front and is picked up at the back is all backed in a fine tissue silk. This would have been constructed by hand and then placed and sewn by hand onto the base of the dress. It cleverly hides all the closures - behind the front panel lies an series of snaps and hooks that close the dress. That panel is hand embroidered on velvet with silk cording laid into place by hand as well. Around the very top portion of the collar is a inlay of metallic thread and tiny seed beads. I love the austere shape of the dress and how those elaborate panels completely offset that. It is exquisite and remarkable. Excellent, museum quality condition.
The fabric is self backed and the protons of the applique that are not attached to the dress itself but act as closures are lined in purple tissue silk. It closes with hook & eye and snaps under the front as described above.
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 48" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
(the Judy is a 6 and it JUST fit so you should be smaller then this or a collector only)
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Item# E529
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
This is a rare example of a Borsalino Roll up hat in a deep navy felt. What is remarkable about this one is that it is in as new condition - in fact it still retains it's original sticker inside! Established in 1857, Guiseppe Borsalino was the first artisan workshop for the production of felt hats in the world. These where the epitome of chic and where a departure form the structured hats of the day. I have included a snapshot of the hats being made from a previously unpublished and restored version of a documentary film "Borsalino Industrial Company" in 1912 made by Luca Comerio. The brim can be rolled or flipped and the felt is as plush and soft and true of color as the day it was made. The box shows normal patina only and is also sound and clean.
Item# A129
The hat is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
This is a rare Agnes adaptation piece from the 20s. Its also a day dress that is in excellent condition making it even rarer, good examples of day dresses are always the hardest to find as they were worn. The girl that owned this one must have had a closet full of frocks, as this on is in deliciously good shape. The amount of work in this dress is astounding - those pink scalloped bits at the collar and cuffs and all around the hemline are all made from hand by piping silk, flattening into perfectly even flatted tubes of fabric and then those were hand sewn into place to create that amazing design! I love the panel of soft pink silk that peeps out under one sid eof the apronned over skirt. Under neath are weights so it drapes perfectly and the entire piece is all hand done. Adaptation dresses where done in the US and based on or where straight copies of the Parisian design house that issued them. I could fill this page with the small details this dress has. Needless to say it is a beauty!† A superb, rare and early flapper day dress and in excellent condition.
Stunning and unusual this is a late 20s, early 30s silk embroidered Asian jacket that would have been made specifically for the tourist market. It is very unusual in that it is all black stitch - normally you see these in a myriad of colors and to find a black stitch one is pretty amazing! Machine stitched embroidery covers the jacket in a design of beautiful birds that flit amongst black flowers and vines. Both the outside and inner lining are a slightly off-white tissue silk that is very light weight. It is in excellent shape and looks to have been worn little. Wonderful, rare and unusual piece.
My photos do nothing to convey how special this dress is. It looks so shockingly modern and fresh that it will literally blow you over when you see it in person and realize this is a sublime little fancy day dress from the twenties! The workmanship is extraordinary - the bead work is amazing and the constraint used with only the white on the black silk chiffon is wonderful. Teeny tiny white seed beads are hand applied in the tightest possible way to one another and form bands that circle the scalloped skirt hem and emphasize the poet sleeves. Each sleeve ties with a silk at the wrist and the sleeve billows above it and the weight of the seed beads make that shape emphasized. The bodice drapes - quite low actually but a girls modesty is saved by a heavily beaded scarf like cowl that is attached on either side of the neck and slightly curves. The skirt appears to wrap around you and the bead work goes form the side of the waist and around the scalloped hem. It feel amazing on and the weight of the bead work is shocking against the silk chiffon. Truly amazing - if you love it in the pictures you will be extraordinarily happy when it arrives. No label but if someone told me it was a Chanel or the equivilant I would not be surprised at all! It is strong and wearable with care - it is after all almost 100 years old. A true collectors piece and a true work of art.
Exquisite 1920s dress in a remarkable and unusual shade of soft green. The silk chiffon is finished with mind boggling tiny stitches and that amazing pointed hem that follows the design in the dress. The bead work is amazing. Entirely hand done and very tightly stitched! Primarily the design is comprised of bead work but the outline of the diamonds on the skirting are bead edged rows of iridescent sequins. The beading that form the main design are a mix of the fine glass tube beads in clear and silk painted interiors. The flowers - which are gorgeous - are a myriad of pinks, tangerines and lavenders highlighted by green leaf outlines. The back and front are scooped as is each arm opening. The skirting has extra panels set into each side so you get even more movement! There are no closures - you just slip it over an under dress and go. Strong and wearable with the care and love it deserves to be shown - this is a remarkable twenties textile. The level of work in this piece would only be found in the highest couture of today! Museum quality.
Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. This one is a robe that would have been made for the tourist market and is really an exceptional piece. Besides the stunning embroidery work and fringing details it has added panels of black glossy glass beads circling the hem of each sleeve and a wide panel of intricate beadwork that follows the collar and goes down the front on each side. I have not seen one of these with bead work before and it is really special! The silk is strong and the cut will fit a variety of sizes. The embroidery is that of roses and it is well done and appears to have been machine stitched. The fringe is hand knotted silk and in excellent condition. Though this would have been meant for the boudoir it can be mixed into a modern day girl's wardrobe quite easily. Excellent condition!
Dropped shoulders: 21î from seam to seam
Bust: 24î from side seam to side seam, and continuing to bottom hem
Total length: 48î mid-back of the neck to bottom hem
Sleeves: 12î from dropped shoulder seam to longest point
The robe is unlined and has no closures. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no major flaws other then some separation of the backing to the fabric behind the rows of beading on one sleeve. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absoutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All
Item# S215
This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Bergdorf's salon in the twenties was one of the epi-center of New York fashion and the place that well-heeled women flocked to for the best of Paris fashion. This is a rare and stunning example of the high deco period and would have originated in France. The exterior is one of the best example of lame from that period that I have ever seen. Real gold metallic threading make up the floral relief but it is the subtle shots of blue that are woven through the design that is just extraordinary. It was most likely done by hand and specifically for this coat. The mutton sleeves are exaggerated and full and the cut and combination of lame and velvet is quite beautiful. And attached collar again blends the velvet and lame and is cut so a small attached scarf can be swung jauntily around the neck. I would have loved to have known the woman who purchased this coat. She must have been extraordinary. Its in excellent condition and truly one of the most wonderful things I have had.
Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. This one is a stunning late teens, early twenties dress in silk chiffon over a matte silk sating base - this gives it a wonderful contrast of textures. Onto the silk chiffon are green and black bead accents and detail work The neckline is low and give the illusion of a plunge though a modesty panel, also beaded, saves it from scandal. Each sleeve is left unlined and has a stunning deco design in jet and green. The top layer of the skirt is shaped in large tear drops and also has that same stunning design in green and black. A sash encircles the waist ad ties with long looped beaded fringe for an accent!It is a true beauty and in excellent condition - strong and wearable - far more stunning in person as the camera does not quite capture the lushness of the fabric. The silk is strong and the cut will fit a variety of sizes - I have sized it as a Med-Lrg, but will present well on a smaller girl - it will just drape more. All the bead work is by hand. Excellent, museum quality condition!
Bust: 19-20î from side seam to side seam, and continuing to bottom hemTotal length: 51î mid-back of the neck to bottom hem
The dress has a full silk matte satin underskirt and the bodice is lined in silk as well. It closes with combination of snaps and hook and eye at one side and a row of snaps at the top of one shoulder, and the sash ties into place at the side. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no flaws to note and pretty much appears to not have been worn much if it all. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG (8-12)
Item# E391
This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. This one is a really really beautiful late teens, early twenties dress in cut silk velvet on a chiffon base that drapes absolutely beautifully! The colors are divine - a china blue silk chiffon base is covered head to toe with a deco pattern in applied silk velvet† that is a golden taupe shade. The top of the shoulder is a black silk chiffon that has a hand beaded applique in jet over a deep blue silk chiffon backdrop! This beading goes around and under the arm and the "sleeve" is not connected to the main prtion of the dress - a really unusual feature but is meant to be that way! A soft panelled sash drapes down from one hip and the edges are beaded in the same manner - all by hand. The front has gathers and ruching for extra detail. It is a true beauty and in excellent condition - strong and wearable - far more stunning in person as the camera does not quite capture the lushness of the fabric. The silk is strong and the cut will fit a variety of sizes - I have sized it as a Med, but will present just as well on a girl in the 4-6 range - it will just drape more. All the bead work is by hand. Excellent, museum quality condition!
A stunning, original, 1920s Brass tone Metal Flapper Deco Headpiece with emerald green enamel art deco drops and glass faux pearl loops that end in an amber colored stone (lucite? glass?) The pearl loop is actually attached to a metal rod that moved freely in a circle so in theory as you move your head they will stay draped properly since the can move with you while the rest of the head piece stays in place. † These pieces were very popular in the twenties and where the crowing jewel for any flapper. - they fit perfectly atop a bobbed head or could be worked in and around the most elaborate of up-dos.† Sliding, adjustable slightly hammered textured gold or brass tone metal bands at the top to fit anyone. Can be slightly bent by hand to match your head shape and then hammered down to keep that shape. Will even fit an extra large head so extremely versatile. It has a nice weight to it and these are very hard to find in such wonderful condition as this one is in
The Western world in the twenties had a great fascination with all things art deco and oriental and places like Japan began to export pieces made specifically for the tourist market. These pieces combined classic design elements of the Japanese culture with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. These embroidered jackets where amongst the most prized and this one is a stunning black silk one embroidered with absolutely brilliant colors. Solidly embroidered, the pattern and design are exquisite. Vibrant and beautiful birds flit over enormous colorful flowers. Excellent condition and extremely wearable!
Shoulder: 17" (slightly dropped)
Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from mid back at the neck to bottom of the jacket hem
Sleeve length: 20" from dropped seam
Fully lined in a bright pink silk, it closes an embroidered off set large button and fabric loop. I suspect that the lining was a later addition but it is well done and of excellent quality so is left as found.
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Approximate modern size equivalent: SML (6-8)
Item# S230
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
This cape is utterly amazing and a true work of art. Heavy, luxurious bronze silk drapes to perfection The collar, and the entire circumference of the cape is covered in stunning crewel work embroidery. The thread used is a hick embroidery thread in a muted palette of bronzes, coppers, greens and golds with splashes of pinks and blues. Its stunning! Set into each side is a turned up triangle edged with gold metallic lace and set with glass venetian painted beads! They add the perfect bit of weight so the cape hangs just so. Inside the cape is lined in a muted dusky pink silk and a gold metal ball and gold metal thread act as the closure at the neck. Its photoed over a gold netting flapper dress from the same time period and they were received together (also available)! Note that it is much more of a copper bronze color then what is pictured. Its stunning and a true gem!
Wonderful and rare cream silk net flapper day dress. It has a fantastic design that includes open cut work lace, phenomenal embroidery work on panels of silk chiffon and all has a subtle 3D quality! People think of the sixties as the era of hippie chic but you can see where it originated when you see dresses like these (I have a few just in so if you love these make sure to check the others!). There is a definite bohemian slant to them that seems very fresh and modern - amazing when you think this is almost 100 years old! The lace work runs around the hem† and through the panels that are intersected by silk netting and the embroidery work is stunning - its 3D in some places with a raised pattern created. The embroidery work is quite extensive - its done by hand so is labour intensive so a piece like this would have been very high quality! I love the even on the seam that runs under each arm - a place were you would not really see it when work - the time has been taken to run a tiny vine of embroidered flowers down it! Amazing! In fabulous condition this one is strong and wearable!
Beautiful, rare example of a 1920s day wear that is still shockingly fresh and modern feeling. Constructed of a stiffened, crisp feeling fine woven cotton voile it has pretty lines and a pretty and romantic print. The sleeves are two layers of fabric to make those wonderful flutter cap sleeves. The bodice is kept demure with a simple scoop neck and little detailing of fabric at the neck. Curved seaming defines the waist from which the skirt flows out in a gentle A-line. In person the color is slightly more of a pink with pops of a pastel green and yellow in the semi-sheer fabric. The waist can be defined with the original fabric belt. It looks to have been worn very little and came through cleaning wonderfully. Extremely pretty and feminine. Excellent condition. Item# D406
Bust: to 18î from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Total length: 21î from shoulder to back hem, the front hangs 2" more
Sleeves: 22î
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Item# A146
This garment is in clean, as found condition, was steamed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. This one is a robe that would have been made for the tourist market and is really an exceptional piece. It has stunning embroidery work and fringing details on a beautiful weight black silk. The silk is strong and the cut will fit a variety of sizes. The embroidery is that of large pastel roses in frames made of smaller roses circling around the larger. The workmanship is well done and appears to have been machine stitched. The fringe is hand knotted silk and in excellent condition. Though this would have been meant for the boudoir it can be mixed into a modern day girl's wardrobe quite easily. Excellent condition!
Dropped shoulders: 25î from seam to seam
Bust: 26î from side seam to side seam, and continuing to bottom hem
Total length: 48î mid-back of the neck to bottom hem
Sleeves: 17î from dropped shoulder seam to longest point
The robe is unlined and has a snap that you can partially close it with if you wish. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no major flaws. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All
Item# S216
This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Silk and netting have been hand beaded on this delicious 1920s Cocoon evening coat. Unlabeled but so exceedingly well done that it could perhaps be one pf the greats of that time period. The base is black silk netting on a black tissue silk lining and the netting has been meticulously hand beaded on every square inch! To this is a 3" border of iridescent white glass tube beading that forms a striking contrast to the black base. As it nears the bottom hem and the upper back collar, this border gently widens to a full 8" in width! A stylized black art deco pattern in black seed beads add extra detailing to this dramatic trim! This is a shape that would have been the height of fashion in the twenties and infamous designers like Paul Poiret and Chanel were particularly adept at this silhouette. Though this piece is unlabelled it is surely a couture piece! It wraps and encircles the wearer in a light cloud of fabric and beads. The draping is exquisite. Note how the outer back layer of netting is set into the lower hem to create a gentle pouf - there is actually more fabric on the exterior layer and it is caught up, hand draped and stitched into place to create that extra bit of fullness. Each sleeve ends in the same patterned glass bead detailing. The large beaded button at the front, held by a twisted loop of silk braiding is the perfect finishing detail on this extraordinary piece. Excellent, museum quality condition. Item# C157
This is a very pretty flapper cloche or skull cap. The main body of the cap is made from gold lame lace that sits over a semi sheer layer of gold lame. This has oxidized over time to a deep bronze color. Ringing this pretty top portion is a wide band of hand embroidered real metallic thread in a copper and gold- it is tightly done so the effect is that the band is fully covered. A pretty gold cord is worked around the edge and through the band to complement the design and little sequins dance across the band in swirls. All hand done this is a pretty reminder of the decadence and attention to detail paid back then! Priced according to condition, it is still extremely wearable and for me the patina these early pieces gain add to their shabby chic allure!
There are no markings that I can find on this bag but it very well may be a very early Whiting and Davis piece. The mesh that tops the front and the back looks to have been done by hand and they were making bags as early as 1907. The photos do not convey the fluidity of the mesh - holding this bag is an experience in itself - the metal almost feels alive under the hand. Inside is everything a flapper would have needed - a tiny tube of lipstick sits in its own special slot and the remnants of a bright peach color still remain. A hinged gold compact opens to reveal pink talc powder - again still there after all this time and a money clip and mirror finish that side. The other hinges side opens to reveal a more open area that a girl would have tucked her cards into and perhaps a lovers note and picture. What more does a girl need? A modern girl will add a credit card and go! A terrific little evening bag that is in remarkable condition and an amazing glimpse into the past!
3" W x .75" D x 5.5" H. The strap adds 5.5"
There is one gold casing missing over a hinge along the back and perhaps a slight tarnishing/fading to the gold color on the strap in some areas - but it is very slight and this is natural patina - it is after all almost 100 years old!
Item# B115
A very unusual twenties boudoir cap or cloche is all hand formed from gold metallic ribbon applied in circles and then stitched down. The edges that result are all scalloped. The inside stitching is somewhat crude. I suspect a girl made this for herself to wear back then. I cant really figure out what the front or the back is - it can be worn just about anyway. Was packed & stored and looks unworn. Really neat piece in great condition.
Exceptional late twenties flapper coat made of a lame silk brocade combined with a stunning pale yellow velvet. If that was not enough the collar and cuffs are accented with snow white ermine!The body of the coat is a textured almost 3D fabric with large Asian feel medallions woven into the silk base, Those medallions are formed form real gold metallic lame thread. The upper portion of the coat has soft, rounded seamless shoulders and they curve gracefully to the ermine cuffs. The collar is high and also detailed with ermine and under that are three huge knotted loops that each end with over-sized fabric covered buttons! Amazing! Inside the coat has been hand lined with a blush pink silk. I huge and wonderful pocket adorned with pretty silk ribbons on each side sits prettily at an angle. The coat is labeled Ogden gowns which leads me to believe that this was once part of a set - I can only wistfully imagine the matching gown that went with it. Extraordinarily rare and in museum quality. A stunning heirloom quality find.
Shoulders: no defined seams
Sleeves: approz 20" long
Bust: 22" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
The coat widens as it reaches the bottom hem so waist and hips are open
Total length: 39" from mid-back at the neck to bottom of fringing
Fully lined in blush pink silk. It has hidden hook and eye along the front edges and those large velvet loops and brocade covered buttons at the neck. The fabric is wonderfully clean and strong. There are no real flaws to note other a tiny bit of shattering to the silk at the inside neck above the label and another area on the lining under one loop - neither of these show when the coat is work and the fabric is still strong and wearable. The exterior has no flaws to note and the condition is excellent but is a garment that is nearing 100 years old and should be treated with love and care when worn and stored please. Hand finished throughout.
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern size equivalent: XS- SML-MED (4-10)
Item# C160
This garment has been professionally, specialty cleaned and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. It is a really really beautiful late teens, early twenties dress in cut silk velvet on a chiffon base that drapes absolutely beautifully! The colors are divine - a muted taupe silk chiffon base is covered head to toe with a deco pattern in applied silk velvet† that is a golden taupe shade. The combination is stunning! A soft panel drapes around the hip and is connected by a large beaded medallion. A wide sash drapes down from there and the end is heavily beaded - all by hand. A portion of the skirt has this same beaded deco pattern and the neckline is also beaded with this design. It is a true beauty and in excellent condition - strong and wearable - far more stunning in person as the camera does not quite capture the lushness of the fabric. The silk is strong and the cut will fit a variety of sizes - I have sized it as a Med large but will present just as well on a girl in the 6-8 range - it will just drape more. All the bead work is by hand. Excellent, museum quality condition!
I have done some research on this label and have some to the conclusion that this is a dress made by the makers of what was to become the infamous Lucille de Paris handbag line. The duo behind that label began in France and the labels are very close to each other in feel and style. It is my firm belief that Luci de Paris started as a dressmaker in the twenties and went on to become the more "grown up" Lucille de Paris and focus solely on handbags starting in the thirties. That makes this a rare and exciting piece not only to the collector of fine twenties pieces but to hand bag collectors as well! The dress is extraordinary and captures that fantastic hippie, bohemian spirit that ran rampant during the time. The embroidery is exquitite and it is uite daring with it's wide set neckline that can slip down to bare a shoulder. The skirt is pleated and has a lot of movement. The fabric is especially fine and the entire dress is, as the label states, completely hand made. Exquisite and in excellent condition! A rare find! Item# DD761
Showstopping, highly collectible 1920s cut silk devore shawl is a masterpiece and really a work of art and has the added decadence of multi colored silk fringing giving it a ombre effect - I have never seen this before and it is amazing! Completely covered with silk velvet roses applied over a silk chiffon base, the entire surface is an explosion of changing color on this beautiful piece. Marvel at the close up shots and yet it is still 100% more in person! The colors are all strong and true, there are no flaws or holes. This was lovingly stored properly and looks new almost 100 years later. It is edged all the way around with a 19 inch hand knotted silk fringe border. The fringe is in excellent condition. Many of the twenties pieces I will be listing over the next week or so came from the same estate that† an important labelled Worth cape was found. All of the pieces were carefully stored and are in extraordinary condition. The fabrics are strong and wearable and all are high end, excellently constructed garments. This is of museum quality and very rare.
I Have a Question
This is a wonderful little jacket made from a combination of assuit and black velvet. The technique used to make the assuit part of the jacket has been done for a very long time and is still done today but not to the same degree and quality of the pieces done in the twenties. I suspect that this was assembled sometime in the late 1920s or early thirties from an earlier assuit shawl - this was often done to get more life out of earlier pieces. It is cut to sit loose and easy on the body and the front neckline has a long black velvet scarf attachment that you can drape it around your neck in many different ways. The same black velvet edges the bottom hem and again ties at the front. The exterior is a fine cotton mesh with squares of real silver hammered and folded into the mesh - in essence the metal is wrapped around the mesh to form that fantastic design. The main body of the piece is is literally covered with these little silver squares. It is lined in a cream tissue silk. It is a thing of beauty and a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship and care put into garments during this time period.
The garment is fully lined in cream tissue silk - note that this inner lining feels newer and may have been a replacement at some point - and it ties to close at the neck and low front. There are small areas of oxidation here and there but I do not consider these to be a flaw - its a natural evolution of the material used. The inside is clean and the silk strong. Some extremely minor breaks on the netting along the shoulder seam and one spot as photoed. The velvet shows 'crushing' where is has been tied over the years. There are no real outstanding flaws to note otherwise. Note that the color of the assuit is a slightly deeper tone then how it photoed. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old. The loose and easy cut will allow it to fit a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 18"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# S798
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
This is an interesting piece. My client purchased it from a woman who collected antique costumes. She was told this was a tiara that had been used in the Ziegfeld Follies Productions around 1924-25. The Follies, where of course famous for their elaborate "flapper" productions in New York from 1907 to 1931. They where famous for their chorus girls and were quite risque for the times - my client is a long time collector so I feel assured this is most likely true, though of course I have no written proof so have priced it on its own merit. It has a decidedly costume, arts and crafts feel to it - the frame is a thick steel wire that is twisted into shape and the rhinestone are paste and prong set. It's not a glitzy, blingy piece like some are but in a way that is exactly what what makes it more appealing. It's spectacular and a real work of art.
Wonderful and rare silk & lace flapper day dress. Suitable for the collector or twenties enthusiast this little beauty is no longer perfect but still wearable and an excellent and rare example of day wear form the period. It has fantastic tea colored silk lace and netted bodice, sleeves and color that top a hand dyed robins egg blue body. The lace work through the upper portion of the dress is quite extensive - several patterns are pieced together and a pretty blue silk tie sits at the neck. To combine lace and silk like this is very labour intensive so a piece like this would have been very high quality! The body is classic tubular twenties in cut and the hem has a circle of ruffles at its bottom. A wonderful example of this time period!
Interesting and regal rhinestone Tiara from approximately the 1920s though it might be a little earlier or a little later. It has a silver metal base with big rhinestones that are prong set and five large faux pearls along the front. No missing or darkened stones. Fabulous & fit for the princess in you!
The color of this dress is outstanding and exceedingly rare to find on a twenties piece! It is that perfect shade of pink with tiny shots of silver glass beads worked into the design to gve al little extra pop to the color! This is a classic art deco, tubular flapper dress that has been hand-done from top to bottom in elaborate rows of pink sequins and pink and silver tube beads. The skirt of the piece is remarkable - it has elaborate and perfect rows of teardrop paillettes, each hand placed and attached. These add tremendous movement and glitz to the piece. They also make an astonishingly beautiful sound when you move - like the wind rustling through tree tops on a perfect summer day. I don't think I have ever fallen so utterly in love with a dress before this one. It makes me happy just to look at it. The dress is in excellent, wearable condition with proper care and the love it deserves. It is not just a dress but a work of art and the pictures do not come close to doing it justice - if you even remotely fell in love with it - you will faint from happiness to see and hear it in real life. Excellent, museum quality.
This gown is insanely gorgeous and in person it is even more so. The depth of the rich glossy black silk velvet and how it feels as it skims over the skin is amazing. It is completely cut on the bias so the dress seems to simply fall into place and the closure is a simple set of hooks set on the base of the low back with another hook at the top of the neck. The emphasis is all on the back with it left almost completely bare. More weights are set into little pouches about the back cascade of silk chiffon ruffles. This hold the silk in place and allows the ruffles to kick and flow as you move. A very clever placement of the weights as it causes an amazing effect when you walk away. Little silk bows sit at the small of the back and conceal the hooks. Because the hooks are spaced you almost get a glimpse of skin between them making the dress almost scandalous. You get the distinct impression that with a simple undoing of a hook or two the dress would slither to the floor and leave a very bare girl! It is heartbreaking and truly beautiful! Excellent condition
Bust: variable because of the open back
Waist: will fit 12"-15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam because of the bias cut
Hips: 18-20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam (cut on the bias so you may have a bit of room here if needed
Length: 58" from neck to the lowest part of the hem
The dip at the back: plunges to 17" from the neck
The dress is unlined and closes with a series of hook & eye under the bows at the low back. The silk velvet is bias cut. The rhinestones and beads are hand set on the collar. little silk pockets are sewn into the edge of the collar and along the edge of the hem where the silk chiffon cascades out at the back - these have metal disks inside to weight the dress properly so it sits on the body perfectly. It came with a black silk chiffon shawl that is not pictured but will be included - this piece is sound and wearable as well. Remarkable condition with no outstanding flaws to note other then the natural patina of time. For a piece that is almost 100 years old is it to be considered in outstanding, museum quality condition.
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
†
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (2-6)
Item# E450
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
What a pretty bias cut, hand screened silk chiffon flapper dress this one is. The colors are a pretty mix of brown with the florals done in brighter colors that really pop off the background. It is constructed from almost weightless silk chiffon that allows the entire dress to have a very light and airy feel. This one is seamed so that the shape and seams create a tubular feel with an almost "sack" style looseness to it. A belt that is original to the dress gives just a hint of shape - it would have been meant to be worn loose and low on the hip during the period but could be cinched now if you wish. It is extraordinarily lovely and wearable with care. These where meant to float over a smaller frame so keep that in mind and allow a little extra in the measurements. A truly beautiful dress and wonderful example of the textiles from this era. Excellent condition. The dress is unlined and slips over the head. Hand finished. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no real flaws to note. The silk appears sound and wearable. The belt is a simple slip buckle so can be adjusted to any size. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!
Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 18"
Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 48" from shoulder to hem
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D535
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Sleeves: 24"
Bust: approx 23" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: approx 51" from mid neck at the back to bottom hem
The dress is unlined and slips over the head. Hand rolled edges and hand finished. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no real flaws to note. There was an area or two where the threading had weakened and it has been re-stitched at some point - it is sent as found. The silk appears sound but I have a feeling you may have to reinforce the seams here and there down the road - thread tends to go faster then the silk in pieces of this age Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (6-10)
Item# D368
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 few really fantastic twenties and earlier pieces coming over the next few weeks to share with you. One of my clients is a long term collector who has decided to edit their collection and I am the lucky girl who gets to have first pick! They have been collecting for years and years so the pieces are ones you rarely, if ever even get to see anymore! This is an early Japanese, made for the tourist market, boudoir tissue silk kimono. It is utterly stunningly and hauntingly beautiful! These were made to be soft and romantic and were stylized, pretty versions of the traditional kimono. Hand dyed and hand screened, this is a stunning and still vibrant palette of greens, vivid coral and oft blues. Parrots are the center piece of the design and I love the bright floral contrasts and edgings! It literally weighs mere ounces. There are fantastic to wear at home, as a light evening topper or even as a dress if you add a silk slip under it! Excellent condition and a real treat to have.
Day dresses from the twenties are a little harder to find and its surprising that sometime a fabulous day dress can be as valuable and collectible as their over the top, extravagant, evening counterparts! It boils down tot he simple fact that a girl would have worn her day dresses to pieces back then! This was probably a dress that fell in-between the two - it is so beautiful and finely done that it would have been for special day events. Can you not just picture a girl with her flapper bob, kitten heels. little silk clutch and the perfect hat topping her curls, wearing this piece to a Sunday picnic in town? It's really extraordinary. Its slightly more of a tangerine peachy color that what has photoed and the silk is that nice weight creped twill. Strong and still highly wearable! A darling Peter Pan collar tops a row of silk covered peach and black buttons on a cream striping. The body of the dress is classic 20s - almost tubular in design. There is an amazing band of fabric applique all stitched into place with a border of hooked embroidery work. I love that front flat pleated "apron" that entire panel of pleating is actually a separate piece that is attached at the waist so swings and adds extra movement. Excellent condition and just stunning!
Interesting and unusual shape rhinestone Tiara from approximately the 1920s though it might be a little earlier or a little later. It has a silver metal base and I love that the inside of the head band is finished with etched in scroll work. The Rhinestones are prong set with the very peak welded and fixed into place but with the strands connecting to the band left so that they have some movement. No missing or darkened stones. Fabulous!
This is a pretty flapper cloche or skull cap made by Shorewood. It is rare to find a labelled piece from this time period so when you do you know it was special! The exterior has held up well. It is a pretty combination of gold metallic thread crocheted in rows emulating from the center. Blue cording adds detail and clear glass tube beads swirl around the edges and in towards the center mimicking feathers. The gold has oxidized and settled into a deep bronze color. The inside is lined in gold hued silk that has started to shatter. It could easily be removed and the hat will be just as stable and wearable, however the label is stamped in the upper inside crown so i have left it as found. Priced according to condition, it is still extremely wearable and for me the patina these early pieces gain add to their shabby chic allure!