This Emma Domb dress is just so pretty and gorgeous I am in love! It is really a beautiful and early example of the kind of dreamy dresses the company made. The print on the silky rayon is a lovely mix of roses and greenery that covers the entire surface. I love how the pink and greens pop off the backdrop and parts of the fabric look to have been hand painted. The bodice is very pretty with a simple curved and crossed cut that is fitted to the bust and shows off and creates curves. The waist is defined and the seamed there is set on a pretty curve. The skirt is amazing and quite full with lots and lots of fabric and a layer of tulle underneath to give it that shape. I used no extra crinolines! To finish there are two pretty bows that sit atop each hip at the waist. This little extra touch is so pretty and feminine - I love it. Really a pretty and wonderful fifties dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a white silky rayon through the bodice with an attached tulle inner skirt. Hand finished. Closes with a painted metal zipper.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2122

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 gorgeous cocktail dress that is a pretty combination of lace and a unique design through the sleeves detail. A beautiful black lace covers an interior dress made of a silver grey silk. This combination is stunning and really highlight the lace's design. The skirt is full with that fullness created by a series of pleats set around the waist. I styled it over a light crinoline (not included) but it does have volume even without as it has a light tulle underskirt built in. The waist nips in and the bodice is fitted to create that classic fifties silhouette. A lovely scooped back and front are the perfect balance. I love the sleeves - they are so unusual. Soft pleats are gathered up and under each cap sleeve to create a high capped bit of volume. It's an unusual touch and give the dress a very feminine feel. Very chic, unusual and in excellent condition.

The silk layer under the lace acts as the lining. The skirt has an additional layer of an attached tulle underskirt with dressmakers paper in the upper hip area only. The interior hem of the skirt has a stiffening panel within it so it falls perfectly and has a bit more structure. Each cap sleeve has a net lining. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. The belt is original and is in good condition. The backing of the belt has started to deteriorate and the lace is starting to go on the buckle but it still present well.

Shoulders: approx 15" but no true defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to top of the waist band
Skirt: 31" from top of the waist band to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E469

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

Every once in a while in this business you get something that is truly magical. This early 1950s set is just that! I have never seen a better piece by Chapman then this set and I have seen a lot of her designs! This is an early 1950s piece and you can see the heavy Dior New Look influence on it. The coat is cut extremely similar to the couture 1954 Dior I recently sold to a private collector. And the dress is as exquisitely made as some of the couture dress from this time period I have had. Before I even begin to delve into the cut I must talk about the fabric. It s a cut velvet that hose upper most layer has been painted in a deep olive! The base is a pale cream with a green tinge and it has a subtle color changing hue to it! It literally changes tone as you move it! I honestly have never seen a more amazing an unusual fabric in my entire time of dealing in vintage! It is truly special! The coat is a loose cut, voluminous draped affair constructed entirely of that painted and cut velvet and then lined in an olive silk to match the sash of the dress. It has short cuffed sleeves and deep shawl collar. The dress has a sculpted and full skirt that nips into a silk sashed waist. The front is cut high and square across the neck, with a dipped V back, You can see the future infamous draping the Ceil employs through the detailing on the front skirt. Exceptional and in excellent, appears unworn condition.

Jacket:
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open
Waist & Hips: open
Length: 41ÔøΩ from neck to bottom hem

Dress:
Bust: to 18ÔøΩ flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5ÔøΩ flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5ÔøΩ from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

The dress is fully lined in a hand set green silk through the bodice. The skirt is backed with dressmakers paper and then there is an interior lining of cream rayon - parts of which are also backed with dressmakers paper and parts of which have tulle added so it creates and keeps the shape. The coatÔøΩ is lined in the same green silk that also hand finished. The collar has has same dressmakers paper worked inside so it holds its shape. It closes with a large fabric covered button at the neck. The dress closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper. Ribbon edged finished seams inside and high end construction. Only the dress is labeled.

Note that I am loathe to separate this rare set so priced it as acombined piece - Individually each wouldbe priced more then the combined price!

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (2-small waisted and busted6)

Item# DD1077

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

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Utterly fabulous and rare little navy suit from the great Hardy Amies, who is most famous for designing for the queen! The fabric used to construct this little beauty is that perfect blue fine wool suiting that is just is sublime . It is cut to absolute perfection and has that strong late fifties aesthetic. The dress is nipped in at the waist and the skirt cut to hug the wearer. Little side pockets are hidden away at either side along the seams. The bodice is so pretty with big fabric covered buttons and pretty button details on each cap sleeve. All the edges are finished with a navy silk satin piping and that same silk satin is used to highlight the waist with a huge, extravagant bow! So couture fifties! The jacket is cut to sit just above that waist and has delicious rounded shoulders and a fitted cut. An amazing example of the period and a wonderfully made suit as well! Museum quality condition. Item# DD816

Important Jacques Fath late 1940s, early 1950s day dress in a deep navy blue silk. Many Fath devotees say that his designs influenced Dior and the "New Look" silhouette and you can see that in this piece. The skirt is actually very full and the silk cut on the bias so it has a delicious amount of movement to it. The top is cut loose and easy with a nipped in waist. He loved pleating details and you can see that in how the skirt flows from the flat front detail at the lower waist. This little detail gives a flat stomach and adds to a girls hourglass shape with still being comfortable to wear for day. The collar is wide and has a pretty top stitch detail. I love that it notches back and up and behind on itself and then picks up that same button detail on the front of the skirt. You can barely see it when worn but it is there - a testament to the devotion paid to details then! Stunning and rare!

Rare, red lace couture level dress from the infamous Hardy Amies. This dress is absolutely beautiful and the lace work is astounding. It is hand made lace on a fine netting all done to create beautiful, feminine flowers. The lace lies over a second layer of red net and then there is a full under skip built inside as well. The skirt is fairly full and gives the feel of a fuller skirt with it's gently widening A-line silhouette. The bodice has a pretty silk chiffon edging in a sweetheart bust line. I love how the lace finishes in a scallop at the bottom and a delicate and pretty layer of silk chiffon circles under it all the way around the hem. It has it's original belt that finishes the dress with a pretty bow and even that is made of lace! Museum worthy and in great condition! Item# DD930

The fabric on this coat is amazing!† A luxe combination of gold in different tones and textures, has dramatic accents of a rich coral mixed in. Little pops of silver threads and glossy black finish. The cut is very structural and the weight of the fabric keeps it that way. It is not so heavy that it is unwieldy but it of a weight that when on the shape you see is held perfectly. Each sleeve is cut just above the wrist and they are on the wider side. The only closure is at the neck so anything underneath will peep out. It is just spectacular and the simplicity of the cut only further highlights the drama of that rich, bold fabric. Very couture in feel but sadly it has no labels! Excellent condition

Shoulders: 15.5"
Sleeves: 18"
Bust: 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across the back from side to side
Hips: 23" flat across the back from side to side
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Fully lined in black silky rayon and it closes with hidden fabric snaps at the neck. The flat bow at the neck is just tacked on and could be removed for an even cleaner look. Perhaps the very occasional broken metal thread but I am being pretty picky.

Item# C187

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

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Gorgeous little black fifties wiggle dress! Its made out of a silk mix fabric and holds up incredibly well against wrinkling. It has a soft sheen to it adding a nice luxe touch and is cut to follow and show off every curve. No defined waist seam - its vertically seamed to create those curves! The skirt is long and lean and the bodice simple. A really classic cut that is infinitely flattering. Little cap sleeves and a killer inset of three layers of cream colored lace edged white trim sit just inside the low scoop front. A wide flat bow sits just under that. The little touch give the dress a saucy, naughty edge. Mint condition - it appears unworn!

Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 25" from waist seam to bottom hem

Fully lined in black silk, it closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The tie belt is attached and is made of a matching fabric. The inside construction is amazing with a attached grosgrain ribbon that hooks around the waistline inside so the dress sits perfectly.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (4-6)

Item# DD614

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

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This is certainly a high end piece and perhaps a top designer piece that has sadly lost it's label along its journey. It definitely has a Balenciaga, Dior-ish feel to it with its fine attention to details and quality and craftsmanship in the way it is constructed. The dress is gorgeous - a refined shift with a nipped in waist. I love the wide flat pleat detail that crosses over itself on the bodice and carries through the skirt. Even the small V that is formed at the neck seems to have a distinct, studied shape to it. Every line of this dress was carefully thought out and sculpted into place. A side zipper ensures that no line is broken. Most amazing is the little round shouldered short cape that is original to the dress. It sits charmingly on ones shoulders and is absolutely balanced and cut to perfection. The fabric is a fine, silk in jet black with a slight sheen. I can't go one 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.

A spectacular 1950s hand painted Mexican circle skirt. It is on a cream cotton base with a black painted overlay and the scenes circle the entire skirt . The series of painting depict the absolutely most adorable donkey with a wicker basket filled with flowers. Other hige blossoms and braided rope accent that design. The scenes are then highlighted with hand placed and sewn silver sequins. It is all hand painted and the subtle black and whote color palette has added depth with the charcoal grey hoghlighting 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!

This is an extraordinary and early black label Ceil Chapman and is really an exceptional example of his earlier pieces. You mostly see the later fitted versions made infamous by Marilyn Monroe, but this is a true 1950s beauty and is just wonderful. The skirt is very full and made of a good weight underskirt with a very fine, tightly woven netted top skirt that floats over the inner skirt. This top skirt is incredibly full and is gathered at the bottom of the waist band in tightly space pleats that allow the fullness. The waist is nipped in with a 5" band of fabric. Onto the band are hand applied clusters of black sequins. The top of this dress is amazing! It is a tightly sequined and beaded thing of beauty that is all hand done on a fine black silk net. The net is so fine and light the the feel of the sequins is almost liquid. It is a classic fifties silhouette with a high neck, cap sleeves and rounded shoulders. I love the sexy but subtle keyhole at the back. Amazing!

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18.5î flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14î flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from shoulder to waist
Waist band: 5"
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

The upper bodice is backed in a fine black silk net. The remainder of the dress is lined in a thick weighted black silky rayon. It closes with a side metal zipper and has a button at the beck of the neck above the keyhole. It was styled over a light crinoline that is not included. There may be a sequin missing here or there but it looks as if all are present. There are a number of small break areas in the fine net top skirt that have been repaired or left as is. There is so much fabric that I feel these do not detract but I have priced it lower as a result.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (4-6)

Item# DD956

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 gorgeous little dress and it is a bit remarkable as it was never worn! It is as fresh and perfect as the day it was made! Made of a combination of silk and lace done in that perfect ballet slipper pink this is as feminine and gorgeous as a girl can ask for. The cut keeps it classy but sexy. The top portion is a pink lace that is fitted and sleek. I love how all the edges of the laces are left scalloped - the effect against the skin is amazing. It nips into a banded waist and then hugs the hips in a sleek pencil skirt. The back is equally amazing - the bodice scoops to a V and the back skirt is gathered in soft pleats along the dipped waist banding. The skirt extends slightly below the rest of the skirt giving the illusion of length and curves. Fit for a bombshell, it is absolutely gorgeous! Excellent, unworn condition. Item# DD891

A wonderful and sexy 1950s cocktail dress that is really a thing of beauty! The fabric is the star here and and the dress is made of a luxurious silk satin in a deep, rich cream. Onto this is a washed floral design, whose blossoms are further emphasized by an applied velvet layer that adds texture and dimension to the fabric. It is just amazing - the silk velvet follows the colors of the flowers and gives the dress a rich and decadent feel. The cut is all bombshell vavoom. It is fitted and cut to follow every curve. It cinches in at the waist, curves over the hips and then narrows to a pencil skirt silhouette.† The bodice has a beautiful peaked sculptural detail at the neckline. Gorgeous and in excellent condition. Item# D452

I absolutely love the color of this piece - it's a rich combination of a silk peach base with a swirling design of gold and silver delicately woven through the fabric. The cut is fairly simple with no sleeves and a scooped neckline. The waist nips in and the† skirt is set with spaced inverted pleating so you don't get any bulk around the middle but the skirt is still allowed to widen as it reaches to the floor in one beautiful sweep. A wide, long sash of the same fabric is still with the gown and I have shown it wrapped around the waist. The dress has a fantastic romantic, pretty and light feel, but is still regal and beautiful. Excellent condition.

Helena Barbieri pieces are as rare as rare can be and I am blessed to have had some wonderful examples on the site and now this stunning dress & jacket set! This piece is a cocktail length version and is constructed from a rich, luxurious, green tinged gold silk brocade that is shot through with a wonderful gold thread design. The cut is very simple, the skirt is a long and lean pencil silhouette with the most subtle of pleats set in at the sides of the waist so that is has just a touch of fullness through the hips. A pretty inverted V detail contours the nipped in waist. The bodice has high neck, simple lines and is a scooped V at the back, mimicking the V detail on the front waist. The jacket is a study in constraint with a simple box cut and† hidden closures. Only on simple tie at the neck adds any decoration. Barbieri specialized in evening & cocktail wear and its easy to see why her pieces are so highly prized. The construction of this set is impeccable. Stunning and in excellent condition!

I think this might be my favorite wiggle dress listed on the site right now. It is a masterpiece and tribute to what a really well made dress should look like and how it should be constructed. The entire shape has been created through the careful placement & cut of the vertical seams though the body of the dress. The waist is created by wide panels of fabric, mixed with seaming at the front and the back - all curving in to make that wonderful hourglass shape. The front has a row of fabric covered buttons all the way from the base of the V neck-line to the hem. A flat edge sits beside this row of buttons so you have the illusion of being able to completely unbutton it - so sexy! The collar is wide and flat with a fantastic flat fabric detail and a mile long flat ribbon tie sit at the neck for a bit of naughty secretary feel. The fabric is a light silk crepe in jet black. I can't go one 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. Item# DD545

An amazing late forties, early fifties dress that makes a pretty, yet dramatic statement. The top is made from a slinky black silk jersey that is gathered and softly pleated to really show off the bodice. The seams are cut so that you get that pin up, cinch waist feel. I love it and I love the sexy plunge on both the front and back. The skirt is wonderful - it is made of three layers over top each other. The innermost layer is a nude silky rayon taffeta. This is topped with a layer of tulle net and then the top layer is a black chiffon. What is remarkable is that the "lace" is actually fine bits of a chenille velvet fused onto the chiffon and creating the illusion of lace. The skirt is cut classically full full full and I have photoed it over a crinoline so you really get the beauty of it (crinoline not included). It is gorgeous! Excellent overall condition.

The bodice is lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt in a nude rayon. It closes with a back metal zipper. There is slight wear to to the chenille fused on the skirt here and there but nothing that detracts - this is normal aging and I don't feel it's a flaw.

Shoulders: approx. 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E553

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 dress is amazing! It has almost an Edwardian Pannier feel to it and I am crushed that there is no longer a label present as I am certain it would be a piece made by a well known design house. It is very, very well made and of high quality. The bodice has a square cut neckline and this cleverly allows that trail of bead work that goes from hem to shoulder and around to stay the same width and fullness the entire span of its application. The back scoops and this draws the eye to the abundance and fullness of the skirting just below the lower back. The bead work expands to either side when it nears the hem and is planned to perfection to work with the folding and pleating of the skirt. Flat wide pleats are worked into each side and soft rounded pleats sit at the back but the front is left flat - this really keeps it form being overwhelming when worn. It is hand finshed and the inner skirts are of the old dressmakers paper - another sign of high quality. This would stand head to head with any of the fifties inpired runway pieces of this season! Excellent condition

The exterior of this stunning Mollie Parnis dress is fashioned out of black silk taffeta which helps give it a bit of structure and allows it to hold its gorgeous shape. The cut of this dress is absolutely gorgeous! It has a high neckline with an exaggerated and ruffled collar. Those same ruffles are mirrored at each cuff and as a swooping finish to the skirt. The top skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. From there the skirt skims over the hips to a wide ruffled flare that ends just below the knees. It has that perfect, chic late fifties, early sixties feel and looks to have never been worn. A superb and early example of the label and in excellent, unworn condition.

Shoulders: 14.5" across
Sleeves: 23" to end of ruffle
Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 25" from the waist to bottom hem

Fully lined in black silk - a silk crepe through the bodice and silk organza through the skirt. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper.

Item# DD799

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

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Made of a stunning combination of deep blues and brilliant greens on silk this Suzy Perette dress is a beauty! The front is is simple with vertical seaming so the bodice is nicely fitted to the body. The waist nips in and a bow sits just above one hip. More vertical seaming sits at the very top of the full skirt and then gently open to give the volume the skirt has. This seaming and use of the bow cleverly draws the eye into the waist and gives the illusion of an even greater nipped in waist and hourglass silhouette. I love the little capped sleeves and scooped neck. The back is scooped slightly lower then the front and gives the feeling of a barer back then what it actually is! The skirt has the perfect amount of fullness that allows you wear it with or without a crinoline and not be too overwhelmed by volume. Amazing and in excellent condition. Item# DD873

This is one of those simple little dresses that you end up wearing whenever you need a dress that has pretty details and makes a statement but will work for just about any occasion except full on evening glamour! Made of a good weighted navy silk it feels really exceptional when on. The silk drapes wonderfully and falls well. The skirt is long and lean, the waist nips in and the entire shoulder area is made of a stunning lace. The lace is is left so all the edges that are next to your skin have little filaments and follow the design of the lace. Your upper bodice and shoulders peek through so prettily! A wonderful piece and in excellent condition.

There never was an actual 'Suzy' behind the Suzy Perette label. Rather, the company that created the line relied heavily on the designs coming out of Paris and the interpretations of the Couture looks, in particular Dior's 'New Look'. Designs were interpreted and done in-house and the result was well-made, beautifully executed pieces.

This example is made of a light weight silk that has a slight 'raw texture to it. Onto the black base there is the most incredible graphic diamond check pattern in a vivid red that covers the entire dress. The pattern is over-sized and makes a wonderful statement. I have not found a really great Perette dress in ages and am so pleased to have such a fine example of her work in the shop today. It has such pretty lines that you can't help but swoon at the sight of it. The top has an easy cut with a wide cut neck at the front, a V cut at the back and capped sleeves. It nips in at the waist and then the skirt flares out under that lots of fabric in it. I styled it over a very light crinoline so you could get an idea of the fullness. It could be worn over an even fuller crinoline if you wanted it to be more dramatic. The skirt is set into the waist with a series of perfectly spaced, crisp pleats at the top that open out to give the volume you sees. The colors are lovely, the fabric of very good quality and the lines and cut are wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a black silky rayon through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back painted metal zipper.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3308

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 Suzy Perette dress is a beauty! It is made of soft cotton that has a stunning combination of deep blues flowers with pops of greens screened onto it. The bodice is kept simple and fitted to the body with a wide shoulder for a hint of collarbone. The waist nips in and then flows into a beautiful full skirt that is attached tot he waist in a series of perfect, small, flat pleats. I love the little to-the-elbow sleeves and scooped neck. The back is scooped slightly lower then the front for a bit of added sexiness! The skirt has the perfect amount of fullness that allows you wear it with or without a crinoline and not be too overwhelmed by volume. Amazing, pretty and in excellent condition. Item# DD1001

This little beautiful Suzy Perette dress is made of a beautiful light weight fabric with a floral pattern in an array of citrus hues. I have not found a really great Perette dress in ages and am so pleased to have such a fine example of her work in the shop today. There never was an actual "Suzy" behind the label but the company that created the line relied heavily on the designs coming out of Paris and the interpretations of the Couture looks, in particular Dior's "New Look", were spot on. This gorgeous little dress dates from the 1950s and has such pretty colors and pretty lines that you can't help but swoon at the sight of it. The top is a simple sleeveless affair with a wide boat neck cut. It is seamed to hug the body and then this flares out and tops a full skirt that has lots of fabric in it and could be worn over a crinoline if you wanted it even fuller. The entire skirt is made from a series of perfectly spaced, crisp knife pleats so it has a lot of movement. The original, matching fabric belt cinches in the waist even more and I love the large flat belt that adorns the belt. The colors are lovely, the cotton voile fabric of very good quality and the lines and cut are wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The belt is in excellent shape as well.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2810

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

The exterior of the dress is fashioned out of black ribbon and crocheted rosettes. Every one of those rosettes has been hand applied into place and the ribbons woven and crossed through to form that beautiful exterior. The base is a block heavy grade silk and the inner construction is as close to couture as you can get. This would be a early piece from her and the rarer example of her crochet work. The pure hours it would have taken to construct this dress and make this fabric by hand are astounding.

I have had this in my possession for quite some time and I acquired and was told that it had been custom made by Sybil for its original owner and had never had a label put in as a result - common practice then. You can see this exact construction technique used in a sleeveless verion of this Connolly dress sold at Christies in 2009:

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5280927

The lot notes there state:

Typical of Sybil Connolly's innovative use of Irish traditional handcrafts in her couture, the hand-crocheted rosettes are both charmingly old fashioned and very elegant.

I can not help but agree with that staement - it is really astounding to see the craftsmanship put into this piece! I would consider the dress I have listed here to be in mint condition - it appears to have been unworn. Truly a piece of history and a work of art. A superb example of her work.

Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 26" from waist to bottom hem

The dress is fully lined in black silky rayon with silk banding applied to all the inner edges by hand for comfort and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. It also has a inner grosgrain ribbon hand set at the waist with hooks to close. All the applique work is done by hand - you can see the stitching on the reverse side. The rosettes are also hand crocheted. and the ribbon hand woven over the fabric and around the rosettes. Many couture level finishes.

Note that it does do up at the back but is too small to be able to do this on my mannequin. It closes at the back to the top of the neck and there are no issues with closing it! It is also pure black - the slightly purplish tones are caused by lighting only - the dress is black and perfect.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (2-6)

Item# DD687

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

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Fine 1950s Tiffany & Co. 18k gold & diamond 'starburst' brooch. Rare mid century modern design features 7 brilliant cut mounted diamonds (approx. .15tcw).

Outstanding design & execution.

1/2" D x 1 3/4 diameter

32.9g

Item #DS026

This is one of the prettiest dresses I have seen in a while and I think that it might even work as a bridal piece for someone looking for something non-traditional. It just has the prettiest lines and the print is gorgeous. It has a fairly simple cut that really allows the floral print to shine. The bodice is cut in a simple halter style at the front with straps that curve up and around the shoulder and then drops at the back in a way that leaves the entire back bare. The front is plunged but not so low that you feel scandalous wearing it. The waist nips in and the dress has its original tie belt in a matching fabric to cinch the waist in as much as you wish. The skirt is very full through the hips and there is inner stiffening through the hip area to help retain the shape that you see. It curves down and inwards from there as it falls to the floor. This gives it such a pretty and romantic shape. The fabric is a light weight satin finish with a pink and green rose print. Some of the flowers have been hand painted over the underlying rose print and this gives them a slightly denser pop of color and a different texture. It is so pretty in person and just a really wonderful find. Excellent condition.

Unlined through the bodice and fully lined through the skirt with dressmakers paper through the hips to help hold the shape. Closes with a back panted metal zipper. Has a home seamstress feel to it and is well made. Original matching belt. It looks like the bottom was let down so that it is at its maximum skirt length and then it was hand tacked all the way around. I have left it as found.

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 47" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E679

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 1950s lambswool & angora pin up sweater done is a soft palette of pastels. The amazing beaded detail that upon closer glance is actually representative of the sea make this one a stunner indeed! Dangling strung fringes of beads edge the front, neckline and cuffs. The entire rest of the sweater is beaded with little scattered seed beads giving the idea of "bubbles" and then sea horses and starfish flit across the front and back! Amazingly this is all hand done - you can see the thread work on the reverse side! Its a stunning and versatile separate that is perfect for the lady like look showing so strongly at the moment!

I am a little sad that this can only be viewed in the picture as the photos do not fully capture the lushness of the black velvet and the level of construction and beauty of the piece. An amazing set form Peggy Hunt, this is impeccably made and really sits well on the body. The dress is a simple sheath, nipped in slightly at the waist for shape but otherwise cut very simply so the body in the dress is really highlighted. The front has a scooped neck and no sleeves and the back a deep V for a bit f sexiness. The jacket is box cut and has no closures so is easy to wear. The rich look of the velvet is further emphasized with heavy jet look faceted beads, worked into elaborate looped flat braiding. These are used around the waistline and all around the edges of the jacket. As a final and lovely detail the jacket is lined in an unexpected cream silk satin so you get that little flash when you wear it! The workmanship of this set is impeccable. Stunning and in excellent condition!

Mexican wedding dresses are works of art in my opinion and this is a beauty and a rare find in pristine white! Every inch of the base fabric has been stitched into even perfect little pin tuck pleats and they each line up perfectly with each other at every seam! Can you imagine the care to do that? Separating each row of that are bands of white lace through which you get the faintest glimpse of skin. The front is cut into a low V and the wide bell lace sleeves add grace. This one has attached ties at the waist so you can conch it further if you wish. Everything about this dress is beautiful and it is unremarkable, seemingly unworn condition!

Shoulders: 14.5"
Sleeves: 21" long
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist seam
Skirt: 33" from waist to hem

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper and has attached ties at the waist.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (4-6)

Item# D443

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 stunner! This is that holy grail type dress for my fifties and sixties vixens! Made by Emma An An exceptional 1950s sun dress in a lovely bright summer yellow. The fabric is very unusual - it seems to be an early synthetic - almost a nylon type fabric that has open cut work eyelets from top to bottom! The skirt is lovely and full with a built in tulle underskirt already in place to add a touch of fullness. The top is darling - I love the simple cut and the inset satin ribbon detailing with its little satin button. It is utterly gorgeous and in fabulous condition - like new! The color is slightly brighter - a truer lemon yellow than how it photoed. You also get a rich extra bit of texture due to that gorgeous eyelet fabric that is not properly conveyed in my photos either - if you love the pictures you will love it more in person! An exceptional vintage dress. Excellent condition. Item# D410

Mexican pin tuck and lace dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example of one! Every inch of the base fabric has been stitched into even perfect little pin tuck pleats to create that wonderful ribbed effect! Can you imagine the care, effort and time to do that to the fabric before you even start the construction of the garment? Bands of lace are worked into the design at the lower skirt and to define and highlight those amazing lantern sleeve. I have styled them so you can see them at their maximum dimensions but of course they sit a touch flatter as you move and wear the piece. The lace inset allow for the faintest glimpse of skin through where it sits. The front is cut so the buttons curve all the way to the neck but are meant to be left partially undone and open. Everything about this dress is beautiful. It even has its original tie sash to cinch in the waist as you wish. It is a touch more of a lemon yellow - prettier in person! Excellent condition! Item# D388

In 1941 Normal Norell partnered with Anthony Traina and his work from then until 1958 appears under the Traina-Norell label. That makes this dress a wonderful and early example of his work from this time period. He was a master tailor and he was known for his love of fabrics and in exploring shape and volume. In October of 1953, another version of a dress that uses a very similar fabric in its construction appeared in Harper's Bazaar on Evelyn Tripp.

The dress I have available today feature that same exotic felling metallic detailed silk fabric is the reference photo. The silk on this one however, is dyed to a beautiful deep marigold color that is absolutely spectacular in person. On to this is a fine, real metal thread in a deep burnished gold that is meticulously hand embroidered onto the fabric. You can easily see the hand work on the inner side of the silk. It runs in a wide panel down the front and then little leaf medallions are scattered over the entire dress. The bodice is cut to skim over the body with a notched front neckline that has little ties at the top of the neck. The sleeves are kept simple and capped. The waist is cinched and detailed with a wide banding of the same fabric and really gives you shape. Under that, the skirt is set into the waist in a series of small pleats beginning on either side of the front band of metallic embroidery. This pleating detail gives it the volume that you see. It's a long midi length and depending on how tall you are it should fall to ankle length or just above. It is a stunning dress and meticulously made with all hand finishes inside. This is an important piece of American fashion history. It presents as excellent but does have some minor flaws that are noted below.

Fully lined in an ivory silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. Hand finished throughout. Pockets on each hip and it closes with a painted metal side zipper. There is some foxing along each shoulder and on part of the waist and a tiny bit on the hip on one side. I see one pinhole tot he fabric at the hip and there is a tear just above the hem. Slight fraying to the piping/ties around the neckline. All minor. Please review the photos provided after the label shot. In person the color is a slightly deeper yellow.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to top of the waist band, 17" to the bottom
Skirt: 35.5" from bottom of waist banding to hem
Total length: 52.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3477

Reference Photo: Evelyn Tripp in Traina Norell, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe for Harper's Bazaar, October 1953.

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 rare, museum quality, Christian Dior (1905 to 1957), silk faille taffeta coat with Christian Dior, Paris, Automne-Hiver, 1954 label, numbered 45970. Constructed in deep raspberry silk, lined in silk to match the exterior, it is a voluminous, draped evening coat with three-quarter length sleeves and deep shawl collar.

Throughout the 1950s Christian Dior was the biggest and best-run haute couture house in Paris and his label accounted for half of Franceís haute couture exports. In the fall of 1954, Christian Dior showed the "H-Line" collection based on the silhouette of a young girl and an exploration of volume. This was an important departure form his earlier "New Look" and it was this collection that set the tone for the next decade of fashion and once again changed the way women viewed fashion and defined the silhouette.

The coat is well documented with the green version appearing in the September 1954 issue of Life Magazine with Christian Dior, and in editorials in the September 1954 issues of both Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. Item # DD839

These are absolutely amazing, unusual and one of a kind with the most unusual design. The begin as beautifully rhinestone & faux pearl encrusted curves that follow the delicate shape of the ear before cascading into a full 4" drop of multiple pearl chains that each end in a stunning translucent green glass drop.

6" from top to bottom. 1'5" wide. The back is a bronze toned metal and you can clearly see the welding of the posts and ear cuff. It has a post and then top of the back earring has a loop of metal that sits over the top of the ear to hold the top portion in place. No missing stones, no markings. Very well made and solid feeling without being uncomfortably heavy. Comfortable on once you adjust that back top loop that goes over the ear to fit your individual ear - it really balances the weight and distributes it† so there is no pull on the ear like a normal dangle earrign would have. Excellent condition.

A150

A rare one-off Alexander Kower bypass bracelet. Signed hand constructed yellow gold hinged item features a pear shaped prong set Ceylon sapphire (approx. 3ctw), deep blue keystone baguette sapphires (2.5 ctw) and pave set diamonds (approx. 1.25ctw G-H VS).

A fine mid-century modern/Southwest studio item (Scottsdale AZ) fits a 7" wrist.

Item #DS130

Drop dead gorgeous screened print dress by Alix of Miami. The cotton is polished and is a beautifully screened floral print that is still extremely vibrant and true - in fact this dress looks like it has never been worn! The braided piping detail that runs around the waist and adds to the illusion of a nipped in waistline is utterly fantastic. The interior construction is very well done - it has its own built in bra area so no additional underpinning is required there. I love the faux crossover bodice - it really is flattering and the dress is in beautiful condition.

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 14" from top of shoulder to piping at the side of the waist
Skirt: approx 26" from piping on the side of the waist to bottom hem

The dress is fully lined in an off white cotton muslin. The bust has a built in cup area that is similar in construction to a swimsuit of this era. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Note the inside bust sits a bit high as some of these 1950s pieces do - you could remove the interior cup if necessary.

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED

Item# D372

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

Killer pink feather hat that will add a bright and quirky pop of color to any outfit. Almost cap or helmet in style it can completely cover the head if you wish or you can wear it higher up. The feathers are hand dyed to the brightest hot pink hue and set in over-lapping layer. It scoops up at the front and the interior is a stiff netted fabric so it holds its rounded shape! Excellent condition!

Size: 22" diameter

Item# A130

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

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Absolutely stunning pale yellow chiffon full length dress by Mollie Parnis, one of my favorite American designers! The dress is slightly paler then how it has photoed - a very soft and romantic shade of whipped lemon. The outermost layer of chiffon has a pale silk layer under it and an additional layer of organza under that - this really gives the fabric depth an texture and a floating romantic feel. The floral applique is heat set directly onto the chiffon - so each floral was individually cut and set into place and fused with the chiffon - you can actually see the edgings of each - amazing! The belt is done in the darker fabric so it picks up the depth of color at the bottom of the skirt. It is a beautiful, dramatic piece and in excellent condition.