Very fine, high end silk was used to create this stunning and gorgeous dress & coat set from the late 1950s. The silk has an exotic, sari inspired feel to it and I love the gold metal lame thread used to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface and the more elaborate borders. During this time period India held a great fascination as it opened to the Western world. Pieces made specifically for the Western market began to be brought back by tourists and these were made of beautiful, traditional silks crafted into more Western cuts like this dress and coat. The pink is vibrant and rich, much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is richer and more true. The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The neckline and front inner pleat of the dress are done in a band of gold with a more dense pattern. The dress itself is pure bombshell with a shaped bodice and pretty capped sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out. The jacket is cut with a looser, more boxy shape - this contrast of shapes between the coat and dress are pure fifties. It too is made of that wonderful fine silk and the same golden detailing run down the front of the jacket and ring the cuffs and collar. Both are beautifully made and very light. Plus you have the added versatility of the two pieces. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in a tangerine toned silky rayon. The dress closes with back painted metal zipper and the jacket has no closures. Hand finished and beautifully made

Evening Coat
Sleeves: 16.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E607

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Simple and perfect little black dress from the fifties is the perfect basic over which you can style and change it up to suit any mood. I love the boat neck that gives the shoulders such a flattering line. Simple sleeves end at the elbow and the bodice is fitted and nips in at the waist. The seam there is pointed and the seaming through the bodice angles down into the front yoke to give the illusion of a small waistline and length.† This is mirrored at the back and the it has a sexy V exposure at the back as well. The skirt flares out and is quite full. I have put a crinoline under it so you can see the fullness, or you can wear it without! Its is very pretty and a great little dress. Excellent condition.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 19î flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14î flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. It was styled over a light crinoline that is not included.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6)

Item# D439

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

An amazing cotton floral print halter dress with a skin baring bodice and a wonderfully full skirt! These are so hard to find - girls literally hoard them and to find one in such brilliant colors and in excellent condition is a joy! It is made of a hand screened cotton with a brilliant purple floral print. The skirt is marvelously full for that classic fifties vixen look. A gathered band at the waist clips into place at the back and cinches the waistline. The bodice crosses with a matching fabric to the waist band halter that goes up and around the neck. This leaves the back fairly bare. Wonderful! Excellent condition!

The designer behind this label was British couturier Gaby Young-MacKinnon. Gaby started off as one of Christian Dior's muse and house models and later started her own atelier in Mallorca Spain. The gown is tremendously beautiful and has all the hallmarks of Haute Couture. It is entirely made by hand and the fabric is a rich, heavy weight, pale pink silk satin. It is strapless with curved seams over the bodice and is highly embellished by hand. It is cut to fit around the bodice to just the top of the hips. It is a little large for my mannequin and I do not like to over pin garments so on the right size girl this will fit like a glove and the sweep of the skirt from the fitted bodice will be more pronounced. Inside is a boned bodice that closes with a series of inner hooks to hold the dress in place. The work on the bodice is beautiful with a dense application of hand set beads and rhinestones and you can easily see the influence of Dior in this one. The spray of rhinestone and glass tube bead clusters continues down and over the entirety of the skirt. It comes with its original pink silk satin trained "jacket" that sits over the shoulder and trails down each side. Good condition with some items to note below

There is a boned inner foundation garment and a series of hooked stays that run down and behind the zipper. Stiffening fabric through the hips. The dress and shawl are both sound and sturdy but there is "grubbiness" to the fabric of both wit the most showing along the hem of both. I have photoed the worst areas. Surface scuffs to the fabric here and there but nothing that stands out as a large flaw. It looks like the side seams of the bodice were let out at some point. There are some beads missing but enough overall that some could be moved form other areas to fill. Inside I see some shattering to the silk near the top edge of the bodice and at the top of the boning pockets. Completely made by hand as Haute Couture demands and remarkable construction. This is a stunning gown that is still wearable with care and a little TLC.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam, with generous room for probably  up to a C cup
Inner waist stay: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10 " from top of bodice to true inner waist
Skirt: 44" from inner waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# E646

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

A fantastic late 1950s Galanos that shows the level of control and excellent he had when it came to form and structure. A textured black wool is cut almost architecturally to make this classic little black dress. You can see the influence of other houses - Balenciaga for example - in the rounded shoulders and strong A-line skirt. A single deep inverted pleat is built into each side of the skirt which helps to hold the shape and give ease for movement. The bodice is simple, with a rounded silhouette and huge buttons down the front that offer a wonderful contrast to the texture of the fabric. The little notch at the top of where the slightly off set buttons finish give it a subtle bit of refined sexiness. I love it! Excellent condition

Sleeves:approx 19"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of shoulder to bottom hem

Fully lined in fine black tissue silk and it closes with the front buttons. Hand finished, customs buttons

Item# DD758

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 amazing little dress in a gold hued cream brocade with a matching jacket. The classic late fifties cocktail suit, it is really two outfits in one. The dress is a pretty dramatically cut A-line skirted party dress. The skirt is cut on a wide angle and has horsehair though the hem and built in tulle to give it an almost sculptural quality. The bodice is kept simple and fitted with the prettiest matte satin double straps, that meet on the top of each shoulder. Over this is a classic little jacket that does up with hidden closures so the effect is very lady-like and polished. It has a wide matte satin ribbon detail that runs around the waist - so pretty! The sleeve are short and the neckline simple. It is gorgeous! Excellent condition. Item# E428

Whiting and Davis patented machine made mesh in 1912 and the Whiting and Davis mesh bags went from being made one by one to being a phenomenon due to the reduced resulting cost of the bag. This is an early 1950s version that was probably made a few years after the end of the war. It is remarkable in that it looks so sixties or seventies but the label and lining all point to an earlier dating. The photos do not convey the fluidity of the mesh - holding a Whiting and Davis bag is an experience in itself, The metal almost feels alive under the hand. I love the double row of fringe on this one - it gives it such movement! A terrific little evening bag that is in remarkable condition!

7" W x .25" D x 7" H + a 2" fringe on the bottom.
The strap can be worn single and add 14" or worn doubled to add 7"

The bag is completely lined in a grosgrain ribbon textured rayon in a soft peach color. There is a slip pocket on one side.

Item# B114

There is soon to be a Met exhibit featuring Elsa Schiaperelli so you pretty much guarantee that her pieces will increase in value. So the time to snatch up great pieces is now! This is a fabulous little beret styled hat that would be a keeper with or without its label. Emerald green velvet is shaped into a beret meant to sit higher on the head rather then pulled down as its later counterparts. I love the floppy little bow that though meant to be worn in the back can be styled to sit just about anywhere. Little faceted black beads dangle all over the cap. The inside is lined in black grosgrain looking fabric and you can see some of the hand stitching of the beads.

A fine Hammerman Bros. ten strand cultured pearl (4-4.5mm) bracelet.

Signed locking clasp features approx. .20ctw diamonds.

Item #DS152

Stunning hand beaded over silk gown in a wonderful combination of lemon and a deep, rich green. The skirt of this gown is made of that perfect silk satin - the type that is astonishingly soft to the touch. The color is deep and rich. It falls to the floor from the nipped in waist with just a touch of fullness. The bodice is sleek and simple and I love the contrasting shade of pale yellow the silk was dyed to. Over this it is entirely hand beaded in silver, gold and copper beads with little pops of yellow and green, around† the front and back and on each strap. A darling flat bow sits at the small of the back for the perfect finish. Refined and elegant it is a beauty! Excellent condition. Item# E420

This British Crown Colony silk gown is absolutely stunning. The fabric is a silk dupioni in a beautiful cream color that has a touch of a gold hue to it! It has an air of refinement and elegance to it through the combination of the silk and the thick panels of beading. The dress itself is a simple cut - a scooped collar is set on both the front and the back. The body of the dress is a simple sheath that skims the body to the ground with a slight A-line. Vertical seaming allows the waist to curve in without breaking the line with an actual seam across the waistline. Beautiful trails of gold vines run over the dress in vertical panels with flowers adoring the vines and coral and red beads highlighting the entire pattern! These are extremely well done and all glass beads - it not only adds a wonderful glint and sparkle to the dress but it also gives the weight that rich, heavy feel that you only get with vintage beaded pieces! Wonderful piece and in excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a fine grade cream tissue silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. The inside seams are finished with a ribbon edging and are hand done. There is a small amount of beads missing off the top of each shoulder but it does not deter from the overall look and is only mentioned for accuracy. Each hip has been let out slightly and you can faintly see the stitch line.

Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to natural waist (no defined waist seam)
Skirt length: approx 39" from natural waist to hem (no defined waist seam)

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED

Item# E448

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 wonderful 1950s hand painted circle skirt has a bright and pretty abstract floral design that runs over its entire surface. The skirt is on a white cotton base with a swooping deigns that suggest bog bold blooms and leafs over the entire skirt. The waist is defined with a narrow band to cinch on the shape and the skirt has a tremendous amount of fabric. It is all hand painted and beautifully done. It has the older, original Spiegel label in it which suggests to me that the company imported it in to catch the fever of the 1950s tourist market when these were all the rage. A very unusual piece and highly collectible too. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a metal zipper and a button at the waist. I believe the zipper has been replaced and the waist and a small portion of fabric has been added to give extra room. Shown over a crinoline that is not included

Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S686

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

A spectacular 1950s hand painted Mexican circle skirt. It is on a cream cotton base and the scenes circle the entire skirt. The series of painting depict an couple dancing with there village and scenery painted all the way around the skirt behind them! It is all hand painted and very well done - the faces are fabulous on the couple. It ties at the waist from both front and back as was typical of these so the waist size can be adjusted so it sits exactly right on you once you receive it! A very unusual piece and highly collectible too! Excellent condition and really an excellent example of these pieces!

These lovely little hand embroidered cotton Mexican dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example. These were made by hand by local artisans for the tourist market. This one is one of the prettiest I have ever seen and I think I will be sad to see it go once it sells. The base fabric is a soft white cotton that has the same feel as a treasured and cotton tea towel that has been washed and cared for and softened over the years. The edges of the neckline, hem and sleeves are embroidered in a yellow yarn in a simple little pattern. Around the neckline and the hem are beautiful flowers that are all hand embroidered. The ones at the hem work their way up into the lower skirt and add such a lovely spray of color. Each sleeve is cut into a little pouf of a cap and here the yarn extends out to tassels that tie and bring them in. Another set of tassels hang down at the front. The body of the dress is loose and easy, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. Everything about this dress is beautiful and it’s rare to find one so long. Excellent condition with one note below

Unlined and closes with a metal zipper at the back and hook and eye above where the zipper ends. One tassel is missing on one sleeve. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# D517

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 incredible gown that is completely covered in silver sequins, beading and rhinestones. The base of the dress is a cream cashmere knit over which ever square inch has been covered, by hand, with silver sequins, The overall effect is amazing. The knit allows it to move and be completely fluid so there is no restraint when you are wearing it. It follows every curve without being overtly tight ot garish. In addition to the heavy coverage of sequins, large, glass cut square rhinestones and silver beading make for an intricate detailing along the collar. A wider band that incorporates a floral designs circles and gives definition to the slightly empire waist. Structurally sound, there is the added detail of a waist stay that sits just under the bust to give support and to ensure the garment sits properly when worn The garment is very high quality and in excellent condition. It is the best sequin gown from this time period that I have had.

Bust: stretches between 17-19" from side seam to side seam
Waist: stretches between 16-18" from side seam to side seam
Hips: stretches between 18-20" from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 38" from waist seam to bottom hem

The dress is unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. All the work is hand done on the cashmere knit base which you can clearly see on the reverse side. It has some stretch. A waist stay made of elastic sits inside just above the waist

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# 2-E258

This garment has been professionally, specialty cleaned and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

This is a fantastic little dress. It is constructed from a printed cotton that has that great crisp feel only vintage cotton seems to have. It is custom screened with a fantastic bow print - the entire dress seems to be wrapped in bows from top to bottom! It is cut to follow every curve and the simple, yet defined cut allow full focus to go on the print of the dress and the girl filling it out! The skirt is long and lean with a kick pleat at the back so you can walk. The bodice is fitted and simple with a sexy V at the back. The flat bow at the waist mimics the print and is the perfect finish. Gorgeous, well made and a dress fit for a pin up girl! Excellent condition. Item# D411

Helena Barbieri pieces are as rare as rare can be and this one is so beautiful it takes my breathe away. A rich, luxurious, cream silk base has a flat cut-velvet design set directly into the fabric. The skirt is a slight bubble silhouette and the waist is constructed with a slight gather of soft flat pleats. The bodice is strapless and is beaded using pink rhinestones, beads, crystals & sequins! The bead work goes all around the front and across the back. A romantic half tie sits at the front center - a pretty, couture feeling touch - and the bodice is set so it drapes softly. I think the detail I love the most is the pale pink edging in silk that goes all the way around the bodice and is picked up at the very ends of each of those front half bows at the waist. Barbieri specialized in evening wear and it is easy to see why her pieces are so highly prized. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is drop dead gorgeous and in excellent condition!

I am always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as they are a rare label to find and each is very special. She designed evening and formal wear through the 1940s and into the late 1950s. Her work was always very feminine, with simple lines and using only the best fabrics. She then often added elaborate embellishments and detailing that took her dresses to a higher level and really gave them a touch of a Hollywood feel. This one is no exception and has beautifully tailored lines and a touch of extravagance with that large front bow detail despite its simple "little black dress" lines. The skirt is long and cut lean with a slight widening at the hem. The waist is details with that beautiful satin banding and the bodice fitted with short sleeves. The bow is set to wind and wrap around the front panels of fabric and the effect is wonderful and flattering. A fine dress that is easy to wear and timeless. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a black silky rayon and ribbon finished inner hem. Hand finishes. Closes with a back painted metal zipper.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2622

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 gown is insanely gorgeous and in person it is even more so. The color was very hard to photo - it has a definite pink undertone and is that magical color that lands squarely between red and pink and is partly dependent on the light in deciding. It makes me thing of cherry Popsicles - because of the layers of silk there is that same depth and translucent perception while being opaque. The only tag is from the exclusive Tribout Shop that was found in the John Wanamaker department store based in Philadelphia. This boutique within the shop sold heavy hitting lines like Madame Gres, Ben Reig, Mainbocher, Bill Blass - the list goes on and on. Maddening, this gown has no other label besides that one,† and yet it has all the hallmarks of a very expensive, custom, high end couture piece. The work and finishes are hand done and the design and fabric are of the best possible quality. Three tiny silk straps suspend the gown from each shoulder, The bodice is shaped and gathered by hand with a nod to the Grecian Goddess. The inner silk chiffon and silk skirt hugs the body while the top chiffon layer has yards and yards of silk that flow from the waist and into an expansive skirt with a series of trumpet pleats. It is heartbreaking and truly beautiful! Excellent condition

This is an amazing piece. My heart did a little skip when I pulled it from the box! Pale blue silk brocade (much prettier color then the photos even) has a floral design woven directly into it. To each flower a raised gold metallic thread work has been applied around their edges so you get this marvelous raised brocade effect. The skirt is cut slim and lean with a back vent built in so a girl can actually walk. This leads to that extraordinary waist detailing - a five inch band sits over the waist seam and is gathered and cinched at the front and caught up by a row of flat bows done from the same fabric. The dress underneath continues up with a simple bodice with tiny straps. Over this are two sweeping slightly off shoulder swatches of fabric that sweep up from the center waist, over each shoulder and join into the band at the back Stunning! Surely a custom, one of a kind piece. Her work is in several museums and this dress could easily be as well! I can't go on enough about this piece - it really is extraordinary and I know I will regret listing it once it goes - the pictures do not come close to doing it justice. Immaculate condition.

An amazing late forties, early fifties dress makes a pretty yet dramatic statement. Black silk taffeta is the base upon which a second layer of lace is applied that follows the body of the dress except for the straps and edge of the top and around the hem. All the edges of the lace are cut and left so you really see the beauty of the edges. The waist nips in and the skirt is classically full full full! I love the notched collar and low V back. To make the back even more spectacular the lace straps on either side of a row of silk covered buttons that run all down the center!The final perfect finish is the spray of hand set rhinestones that run across the front collar. It is gorgeous! Excellent condition. Item# D432

Hard to find larger sized fifties cocktail dress has a strong hint of the burlesque and saloon girls to it. The is a certain sauciness to it don't you agree? The bodice is cut in a style reminiscent of that corseted Maid Marion style with fabric covered buttons running down the front an a pretty curved neckline. Teeny single black sequins are scattered over this on the front and back. The skirt is really the masterpiece of this dress and I am glad they kept the bodice fairly simple so it does not detract form the skirt's glory! Its five full layers of fabric and the middle layer is a shocking Schiaparelli pink silk satin! This gets muted and turns to an undertone after three layers of tulle but shows in full strength when you dance or sit! The top layer is just stunning. Black silk taffeta is fashioned into bowed ribbons that circle the entire skirt and run in rows from top to bottom. Each row is edged and highlighted with glossy black sequins. What a fantastic piece!

This is one of those fantastic basic little black dresses that never go out of style and that you will pull out to wear over and over. It's a great size with a nice shape that is very flattering. I love that is still has it's original belt so you can cinch it in if needed or adjust for more room. The bodice is simple and sweet with a square neckline and nice seaming details. The skirt flares out reminiscent of a 40s swing piece and I absolutely love the slant pockets that are cut to sit out form the skirt a bit and further emphasized by top stitching. Wonderful condition.

Dorothy O'Hara pieces have one thing in common - seaming, sexiness and they are all about highlight a girls assets. This little black beauty is no exception with clever draping and seaming details designed to give you curves or the illusion of them whether you have them or not! A long lean pencil skirt is cinched by a 4" band at the waist. This sits just under the bust and the draping and gathers on the top and bottom of this band are killer. The bust line is a study in deliberate sculptural draping with a built in under bust that lifts and shapes and then fabric draping over it from the shoulders. The back is as simple as can be and it is a inky black crepe. Wonderful piece and in mint condition!

Fine & rare Margaret de Patta 14K & smokey quartz ring. Authentic signed item features a mounted custom cut stone & 1/4" wide band. Stone face measures 13/16" X 3/8" wide. Ring size 6.5.

H: 0.88in x W: 0.75in x D: 0.25in

Item #DS141

I highly suspect that this is an early Bill Blass design. It has that feel and look of his early work. He joined the maurice label in 1958 and there was a short time where the label was still being produced without his name on it. I beleiev that this is from that time. In any case it is a startingly beautiul dress that is exquisitely constrcuted and unusual as well . It retains only its Maurice Retner Original label and is made of a beautiful rich silk satin that has been custom screened with a blue floral print that has a soft romantic feel. Deep olive leaves are mixed into the pattern and the effect against the black is beautiful. The neckline is cut square with capped high sleeves and a simple fitted bodice. The skirt is actually quite fitted but has a swagged and draped overlay that are deceptive to the underlying shape. From a flat discreet bow at one side swaths of fabric drape down each side of the skirt to create the illusion of fullness. In the back this is gathered at the center beck hem in a seond bow. It is refined glamour mixed with the touch of the avant garde and very beautiful!† Excellent condition!

Bust: 17.5î flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5î flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19î flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from shoulder to hem

Fully lined in a fine black tissue silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes and beautiful construction. There is the very slightest of wear to the fold along the bust. It is stable and does not deter so has been left - please super size the close up photo of the bust to see. It was cleaned and that caused no further issues so it should be fine for quite a while still!

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# E454

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 fantastic little dress. It is constructed from a light silk brocade in shades of pink and red with a subtle bit of green worked through to create the feel of a lovely watercolor of flowers. A gold thread is worked through the fabric so it has a wonderful sheen to it. The skirt is not too full nor too slim, I have put a very light crinoline under it to show you the fullness it does have (not included). The top is fitted and has the prettiest rounded cap sleeves. A pretty flat bow sits daintily at the small of the back. A really lovely dress! Excellent condition. Item# E430

I am shocked that this has no label as it is a superbly constructed dress and has all the details and styling of a very high end piece. The fabric is sublime - a metallic coral pink is mixed with a silver and gold thread to form a floral inspired design that runs through the fabric. There is a hint of gold in the undertone of the fabric and the dress has a subtle glow - very beautiful. The bodice is fitted and the front hand folded & stitched into place to create the perfect flat pleat detailing. The waist nips in and the skirt is wonderfully full! It has a built in layer of tulle under the inner lining. No extra crinolines where used in the styling shown here. The back skirting is constructed so that a small panel of fabric snaps into place to hide the zipper so the the visual line of the skirt is not broken. Stunning! Excellent condition! Item# 2-E249

Beautiful candy color printed cotton voile dress from the infamous Ceil Chapman. Pops of bright color collide in the most charming way on this pretty little day dress. Hand screened color explodes over the dress from top to bottom. The exterior is a feather light cotton mix voile and this is placed over a pale pink interior. The bodice is hand placed and then flat pleated into place. This pleating is then picked up in the skirt - it is attached to the waist by tiny, fine flat pleats which give the skirt its fullness. The neckline is gently scooped while the back dips into a shallow V. The skirt swings out from the nipped in waist. Extremely pretty and bright. Excellent condition.

Absolutely gorgeous 1950s dress with superb detailing and construction! From designer Nathon Strong it is a classic fifties cocktail or dinner dress and has that subtle sexiness that pieces from this time are renowned for. The front is all chic elegance - the skirt is fitted and to just below the knee. A wide silk hand gathered band cinches in the waist. The top is a lady like lace with rounded shoulders and to the elbow sleeves. Under that is a full bodice with tiny straps. The back is just delicious with a low, skin baring back and that waist band is swept up and gathered into a large bow that sits in the small of the back! Lovely lines, well made and a stunning details - all add up to† really wonderful example of how fabulous dresses were from this era! It is a beautiful, classic dress, that is wonderfully made and in excellent condition.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17î flat across from side seam to side seam of the inside bodice
Waist: 12.5î flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5î flat across from side seam to side seam of the lining
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to top of waist band
Waist band: 4"
Skirt: 24" from bottom of waist band to hem

Fully lined through the skirt in a fine black silk organza and through the bodice in the same silk as the exterior of the skirt. It closes with a low back painted metal zipper and has hook and eye to keep the back silk bow in place. The color of the lace has a touch more of a taupe hue then shown - the photo of the close-up of the bodice is closest to the true color.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS (2-4, maybe small 6 as it did zip on my mannequin)

Item# DD1043

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

An extremely rare Jean Desses, numbered and labeled emsemble. This is an "ÈxÈcutÈ par Maria Carine sur autorization spÈciale" (made by Maria Carine with special authorization).

This is a special garment and needs a bit more explanation - it is best explained by this excerpt from the Vintage Fashion Guild: Maria Carine was owned by Maria Moutet-Chenu. She worked with four couturiers: Heim, Desses, LaRoche, and Lanvin. After the couture showings, each couturier would give her sketches based upon the garments they had just shown. Moutet-Chenu made the toiles which were approved by the designers. Then each ready-to-wear garment was cut individually by hand in the Maria Carine workrooms in Paris using the same fabrics that were used for the couture garment. Maria employed hundreds of seamstresses, many of whom worked in their own homes. They sewed each garment individually to exacting standards. This was the highest of early high-end ready-to-wear.

In other words - this is a hand sewn, authorized piece, that would have been completely overseen by the house of† Desses and is how "ready to wear" pieces were produced for† clients. These were only produced for a small window of time before more mass market production methods took over. The quality is that of couture and this is perhaps the rarest of labels to find of this ilk. I love the classic cut of this set with it's box coat and chic and flattering sheath dress. The fabric is unbelievable - it is a very lightweight fine gold lame silk† brocade woven with bits of yarn worked in. It is extremely supple and is the perfect balance of being able to move and have structure. The dress is a† simple shift that is cut to skim over your curves. I love the inset V panel at the front and the seamed bust. It has the original tie belt that ends in velvet so that you can cinch in the waist or wear over the jacket. The jacket has a pretty velvet collar and tie at the neckline. It is simplicity mixed with a masterful seaming and cutting and extraordinary fabric. This is really the equivalent of a made to order, one step under couture, garment. Hand finishes and extra detail throughout. Excellent condition and a chic, rare set!

Jacket:
Shoulders: 16î from seam to seam
Bust: 22î flat across the inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21î flat across the inside from side seam to side seam
Length: 21î from mid-neck to bottom hem
Sleeves: 19î from shoulder seam to longest point

Dress:
Bust: 20î flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17î flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20î flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40î from top of shoulder to bottom hem

The jacket is lined in a taupe silky rayon and dress is lined in a cream tissue silk. The jacket closes with the gold metal buttons as pictured. The tie at the neck is attached. The dress closes with a hand set back painted metal† zipper. All hand finished. Note the gold is more muted then shown - truer tot he close up photo of the label. The tie belt is original and in excellent condition. Both pieces are labeled and the dress has an addition hand written label.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (8-12)

Item# DD833

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

A spectacular 1950s hand painted Mexican circle skirt. The skirt is on a cream cotton base with the most amazing scenes that circle the entire skirt. The series of painting depict a festival of some sort in full swing - girls in full costumes dance their way around the skirt to the music of painted musicians Brilliant flowers, grand trees and the village all reside in the background. The scenes are then highlighted with hand placed and sewn translucent different colored sequins. It is all hand painted and beautifully done.† It ties at the waist and one set has hook and eyes to secure. Note that these can be moved so it sits exactly right on you once you receive it! A very unusual piece and highly collectible too!

Very unusual hand made and hand painted Mexican set that would have been made for the tourist market. All hand painted using metallic tinted paints and then hand applied with sequins in various metallic colors to pick up the painted colors used. Scenes depict sombrero bedecked men dancing with stunning girls in full pageantry. The skirt is short and quite full and it is important to note that it does not appear to have been shortened but that this is its original intended length! The top is a wild explosion of painted design and sequins. All on a cotton velvet. Very good condition and a really exceptional example of this genre. The word Jarana is written within one of the paintings on the skirt.

An exceptional 1950s skirt that is made of a woven fabric spotted through out with intricate little cut outs. The fabric is actually white base upon which the most detailed, extraordinary design has been painted or screened over in a black! Abstract stripes and waves flow towards the hem and circling the entire skirt is a painted ring of bows! I have had a similar dress in the past and was equally blown away! It almost looks like its made of paper upon first glance. I styled it over a deep red crinoline to that accounts for the color - it will show any color you put under it! The waist is finished with a silk check. It's a rare little gem indeed! A very unusual piece!

This is one of those amazing 1950s pieces that make you wonder why more designers are not doing this type of silhouette now! The under-dress is a simple, chic sheath with a nipped in waist. The front bodice has an inset triangle that is set to make that high inverted, curved neck that was so in vogue at the time. The shoulders are rounded and the sleeves to the elbow. The sleekness of the top carries down and through to the slim pencil skirt. Snaps are set all around the waistline and that fantastic full, almost bubble shaped over-skirt snaps into place. The shape this makes has a sculptural feel and in reminiscent of what Balenciaga was doing at the time. Because the over skirt comes off you could add a slim belt to cover the snaps and end up with two dresses in one! Excellent condition

This is a very rare piece that is extremely hard to find Couture Pierre Balmain piece. This is a full underdress/ foundation garment meant to wear under an exterior dress. Its base is constructed and made as well as you would expect from a proper cocktail dress! The inner layer of fabric is a ribbed grosgrain like silk and this is covered in the layers of netting - all in the perfect off white. It is strapless and boned through the bodice and the tulle at the bottom is finished with horsehair ribbon to give it structure. This would be the perfect "something old" under a cocktail length wedding dress and to the collector is invaluable. Excellent condition. Item# DD840

This is a beautifully constructed and shockingly pretty late 1940s, early 1950s dress done in a brilliant and vivid pink color. The print is a washed bouquet of roses that blend romantically together over the vivid pink back drop. Bits of greenery add contrast and a pop of color. The skirt is backed with proper dressmakers paper so that the skirt has a bit of stiffening and holds its shape. I have styled it here over a light crinoline (not included) but it also stays full without one. The bodice is a stunner! The shoulders sit slightly off to create an almost portrait neckline and allow the collarbones to show. Clever pleating creates a front panel that curves down to the waist. This combined with the vertical seaming gives the illusion of leanness and height. Really stunning and in excellent condition

Stunning light weight silk day dress with lots of texture to the silk to create an extra bit of glamour. This is also a nice wearable size and will be extremely flattering on! The dress does up at the front with those silk covered buttons. The skirt is long and lean and is topped by a loose fitting top with a pretty notched front and easy to wear below the elbows, slightly wider sleeve. I love that the waist has a bit of a gathered fabric detail and that pretty silk fabric rose sits in the middle to highlight it - it also cleverly conceals any bits and curves you don't want to highlight! Excellent condition and a really terrific piece!