gucci
Stunning 2017 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Metallic Copper Gold Lame Dress w Attached Pink Bow
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This gorgeous little dress is from the Alessandro Michele era at Gucci and it was from the 2017 collection. It was a piece produced for the shops and its twin was worn on the red carpet by Danube R Hermosillo. This is a gorgeous example of his work for the label and I am very pleased to have it in the shop. It is so pretty and a very easy dress to wear with lots of impact.
This is a stunning dress. It is entirely cut on the bias and is tremendously flattering to the body. It is also insanely sexy while still being extremely comfortable to wear. The fabric is a beautiful metallic lame that moves and drapes beautifully. This one is especially interesting because he has mixed in that vibrant pink lame with the bright copper gold base. The front is made in a halter that curves down into that front plunge. There is pleating on the front triangles that follow the sweep of the fabric. The panels cross over each other where they meet at the waist so that it stays perfectly in place once on. The sides curve down and around to the back with the the entire back above that left completely bare and exposed. The waist is nipped in and then the skirt flares out at it reaches the floor. There are softened pleats worked through the entire skirt to give it a bit of an antiqued feel. There is also a hidden high slit for a flash of bare skin. Between the slit and the lightness of the fabric you get a ton of movement when you move. He added a giant bow in a metallic pink that is attached to the dress and drapes around the waist and down the hips. The trailing ends of the bow are all attached as well so the effect remains perfect no matter how you move. It is spectacular. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a nude silk mix and closes with a hidden set back zipper. In its original length and appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a modern Gucci 42
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 63.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4972
Reference Photos: Danube R Hermosillo in Gucci at the Everything, Everything Premiere, May 2017.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. This has a similar feel to a dress I had in the shop a few years back that dated to 1971 and I suspect that this is from that same time period. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. Even when the dress was as extravagant as this one is, he knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is the type of piece that you are only ever going to find in vintage.
This very early piece of his work and with its glamorous fabric and that dramatic feather collar I think it is some of his very best work ever. The dress is stunning and besides the actual beauty of it as a dress, the fabric is one of the best textiles I have ever seen. It is a soft light weight wool or wool mix and it is printed with a tremendously beautiful lion print that runs across its entire surface. Where the print sits on the front bodice it has been beaded to follow the print underneath. It is a subtle addition that you noticed the closer you get, but it is there and gives the dress the most amazing added tactile sensation. To offset the texture and extravagance of the print on that fabric, the actual lines of the dress are fairy simple. The bodice skims over the bust to the seamed waist that is slightly high. the sleeves are long and straight with a little notch at the end of each cuff. The neckline is high and scooped. The skirt falls from the waist to the floor in a gentle widening line. The neck is, of course where all of the true drama of the peace resides. Here we see that gorgeous feathered collar in all its glory. The collar is attached and the feathers on the collar have been hand dyed to match the colours of the dress. The effect is amazing and it is even better on person and on an actual body as all the elements really come to life. It is really one of the most dramatic pieces ever done by him. A true collectors piece. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a creamy silky rayon and closes with the back zipper. The feathers are stable and show no shedding. The bead work on the front is all done by hand. Ribbon edge inner hem and hand finishing throughout.
Sleeves: 22" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Total length: 57" from neck to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4973
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christian dior
Spectacular Spring 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Look 86 Gold Thread & Silk Dress
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The twin of this spectacular dress walked the runway for the Spring 2019 show and was Look 86 in the show. It was the second to last look on the runway and one of the bext dresses shown. Ironically I think it may have been inspired by a dress that I have had in the shop - this Spring 1977 Jean Patou. When they show originally debuted I had shared this in my stories and now I have this modern Dior version for you. A true full circle moment. I think it was one of the most beautiful pieces in the entire show and it is absolute magical in person.
The dress is beautiful to see in real life. It is made out of a light in weight printed silk that is covered in a gold metallic thread. The gold has been applied onto the silk in its own pattern that suggest leaves trailing over the entire dress. The pattern allows the fabric to catch the light from any angle and gives it this wonderful added extra texture. I also love how the gold part softens and disappears as it near the hem so you get this anchoring feel of the silk without the gold all the way around the lower portion of the skirt. It is a very pretty effect. The dress had been softly pleated and the pleating adds yet another layer of texture to the dress. It is suspended from the shoulders by straps that are made out of the same fabric and have been twisted. These curve over the shoulder and cross over each other at the back. The front plunges into a V and the back is left bare underneath the crossed straps. I love the curving angle of the sides and how the twisted straps let them sit up and off of your back a touch as you can see in the side shot of the dress. The waist nips in and then the skirt falls to the floor under that in a sweep of silk and gold thread. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt. The fabric is feather light and so fine that when you stand still it falls in a column but moves around you with your slightest movement. No matter how great the photos look it is that much better in person. The fabric is stunning and every line of the dress is perfection. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Original uncut length. Tagged an FR36, GB8, IT40, US4.
Bust: the front will cover approx 14-18" flat across from side to side
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 14" from top of natural shoulders to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4974
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2019 Christian Dior, Look 86. Model Fran Summers. / (4-5) Spring 2019 Dior Ad Campaign photographed by Harley Weir.
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chanel
Exceptional Pre-Fall 2015 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 83 Metiers d'Art Black Lace Dress
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This gorgeous Chanel has an amazing provenance. Its twin walked the runway for Look 83 that season, Julianne Moore wore one to Cannes that year, and Elle Fanning also wore one from us to Cannes just this year. We are so pleased to have another and this one even has its original hang tag in place. The Metiers d'Art presentations are always a celebration of the amazing craftsmanship and talent of the Chanel Artisans. Vogue stated that "The lace and ribbons and elaborate sleeve details of Winterhalter's portraits of Sissi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria), became part of the Chanel vocabulary in this collection." You can see that tribute to lace on this dress. On the runway an additional ribbon with a diamante crusted buckle was wrapped around the waist and I love that this shows you that you could add something around the waist to make it even more glamorous, or keep it perfectly minimalist and wear it as it was sold in the shops like Julianne and Elle did.
Everything about this dress has that chic Chanel feel that makes many of Karl's designs feel like forever classics. Even without the fact that it is so well documented the dress feels very Chanel. It is beautiful in person and the simple lines and cut make it the kind of dress that you can wear multiple times while the styling and accessories you choose to add can make it feel different each time. It is made of black silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It has enough weight to hold the intended shape beautifully. Wide straps curve up and over each shoulder and then extend to sit on each side of the low squared off opening that exposes your entire upper back. This is so unexpected and insanely sexy. The neckline is cut straight across. The waist is seamed and brought in with a wide silk satin black ribbon that ties in a bow at the front. The ends of the bow trail down the front of the skirt to add extra detailing. The ribbon also holds in place the panel of lace that runs down the entire front. The panel is made up of tiers of black lace that sit in horizontal bands. These start at the top of the neckline, run in and behind the band around the waist and then fall like an apron over the front of the skirt. The dress curves over the hips with little pockets hidden along the seams. Depending on your height, the skirt will fall to just above the ankle or the floor. It is an exceptional piece of Chanel and has its original shop tag. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper tag a Chanel 40. The original tag is attached which it's original price of $11,900 which is just over $16,000 in today's dollars, not even counting Chanel's rise in pricing that is well over the actual inflation value. Pockets on each hip.
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to shoulder top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4969
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Pre-Fall 2015 Chanel, Look 83. Model Caroline Brasch Nielsen. / (3-4) Julianne Moore in Chanel at the Chopard Trophy Party in Cannes, May 2015. / (5-7) Elle Fanning wearing this dress in Cannes, May 2024.
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The twin of the dress walk the Fall 2009 runway for Look 55. Karl titled the Fall 2009 collection Belle Brummell inspired by Beau Brummell, a British Regency dandy who started a trend with how men wore caveats. Vogue noted that Karl similarly managed to translate the trends of the season in his own way. And did it in a way that perfectly balanced being grown-up and youthful. They went on to say that "That formula transmitted some of the loveliness of Karl Lagerfeld's sublime origami-paper Spring Couture collection into super-feminine white collar and cuff treatments—frothy plissé ruffs, chiffon camellias, and French maid frills encircled the neck or sleeves on soft, fitted black silhouettes." Many of the pieces focused on the shoulder and this dress is no exception. My photos don't come close to doing it justice. You can see in the reference photos how beautifully it is on the body and I love that Princess Charlotte Casiragh chose one to wear to Karl Lagerfeld “Karl For Ever” Tribute in 2019.
I'm so happy that we have reference photos because I do not think that this dress really shows off in the best light on my dress form. It is one of those pieces that is cut to move and sit best on a body. The dress is made out of a light black silk with a squared off neckline. A soft black silk chiffon bow sits at the centre for detail. All of the seaming on the dress is done vertically. It skims over the bust and is brought in at the waist by that seaming and then curves back out over the hips. It flares out from there and the entire bottom of the skirt has angled black silk chiffon insets all the way around it. These are triangular in shape and widen out as they near the hem so that the lower skirt is quite full. I also love that they are not backed with any lining so as you move, you get a touch of transparency through each panel. You can see by how much in the reference photos. The sleeves are amazing. They are more of a capelet really that wraps all the way around the back. It creates the prettiest movement as it catches the air. Seaming holds the caplet in place just below the shoulders and the fabric that runs over each shoulder has light padding inside. Is tremendously beautiful. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk with silk chiffon insets around the skirt that have some transparency to them. It closes with a hidden set back zipper with hook and eye above that. It appears to have been worn very little at all. Each shoulder is lightly shaped and padded. Tagged a Chanel 36.
Sleeves: approx 13"
Shoulders: approx 15" with the padding sitting slightly off the edge of the shoulder to create the shape you see
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of shoulders to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4970
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2009 Chanel, Look 55. Model Sasha Pivovarova. / (3-4) Princess Charlotte Casiraghi, in Chanel, for the Karl Lagerfeld “Karl For Ever” Tribute in 2019.
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louis feraud
Unusual 1990s Louis Feraud Partial Wrap Black Jersey Dress w Cut Out Stacked Circle Hem
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Louis Feraud opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made his first official couture presentation. Ready-to-wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984.
I love this pretty and unusual dress. It is made out of a black jersey that has an inner dress that you step into and zip to close at one side. At the front there is an attached panel that runs down the full side of the dress and you wrap this over that inner dress and two long attached ties hold it in place at the waist. I love that you can just tie them at one side as I have or you can also wrap them around your waist if you want a really cinched in feel. The dress is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over your shoulders and drop into a V at the front. The back is scooped and you can control how loose or cinched it is at the waist. It skims over the hips and down to that very unusual hemline. The entire bottom of the skirt is made up of cut out circles that have been strung on long strings at different lengths all the way around you. This gives it tremendous movement as you move and is a very unusual treatment. I love how unique the dress is and how it is so easy to wear. Excellent condition.
The inner dress that the panel wraps over is lined with its black own silk chiffon lining. It zips to close with a hidden set zipper at the side and then the panel wraps over and ties into place that with attached ties at the waist. Tagged a FR38, D36.
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and then you can cinch it with the ties
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to the longest point that the detailing piece is dangle.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4971
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yves saint laurent
Prettiest Spring 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Printed One Shoulder Easy to Wear Dress
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The twin of this walked the runway for Spring 1991 and we found just a second of footage of it as the model walks back down the catwalk. We have included that little bit of film along with a couple of stills taken from the clip for you to see. They are not the best photos ever, but we were still very happy to have confirmation that this was a runway piece. Marie Claire shot a different piece from the show done in the same fabric and that is also here for you to see. The dress is gorgeous and its looks like it was never worn. Truly a time capsule piece.
The dress is made from a lightweight cotton voile that that has just enough weight so that it falls and drape perfectly over you. I love the bold use of all those brilliant colours in the print. There is an angled strap made out of the same fabric that curves over one shoulder. Inside the bust there is a built in, lightly boned bodice, with its own zipper that holds the dress in place over you. The dress drapes over the inner bodice and wraps around you almost like a sarong. Part of it wraps around the waist and snaps in the place for a touch of shape. It falls over the body in a loose and easy-to-wear way. The entire skirt wraps over itself and the wrapping of the fabric gives the hem an asymmetrical feel with one side hanging lower than the rest for a beautiful trailing feel. The wrap lets the slightest bit of air catch the fabric and lets it billow out around you when you walk and move. It is fantastic once on the body and really showcases his genius at both print and cut. Excellent condition
The inner bodice acts as the lining there and the rest is unlined. The built in, lightly boned bodice, closes with a zipper and flat hook and eye. The waist snaps and hooks in place. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage YSL 40.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to inner hooked waist
Total length: approx 50" from top of shoulder to shortest part of from hem and approx 67" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4411
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Runway. / (5) Yves Saint Laurent Editorial, Marie Claire, June 1991
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I just had this set in the shop and I was very happy to find another one so soon. This one is a touch larger than the last. The twin of the set walked the runway for the 2008 Resort collection for Look 12. Vogue said that the collection was done "in an electric-bright palette.. and channelled Barbara Hutton's sixties—a glittery, lame, paisley, and leopard-print world of muumuus, bikinis, capri pants, trapeze dresses, cat-eye sunglasses, and scarf-wrapped hats. It bordered on camp... and Kitschy or not, there was no denying the workmanship that went into crafting the large collection." I love having the photos that show you how fantastic this is on the body and if its runway provenance was not enough, Lady Gaga also wore the twin of the top as part of an outfit in 2007.
The print that covers the entire surface of both pieces is fabulous. It is a leopard print but done in green, taupe and ivory instead of browns. I love the boldness that this creates. The pants have a flat banded waist that is meant to sit slightly low on the hips and then the legs are cropped. Two little decorative flap pockets sit on the front just below the waistband and there are slip pockets at the back that are mainly decorative as they are very shallow in depth. I love the nod to the sixties that this gives the pants. The top is also a nod to the sixties with its little baby doll cut. It is sleeveless and then it wraps and snaps in place at the front. This creates a low plunge at the front. It is defined under its empire waist with a wide grosgrain ribbon that is stiffened and done in a bright green. A peplum falls under that and it expands out and over the hips to add volume and shape. It has the perfect kitschy, camp, sixties baby doll feel and I love it. You can wear the pieces together for a strong statement or break up the set and wear them as separates with other pieces in your closet for lots of styling options. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Both pieces are unlined. The pants have a flat waist and close with a hook and a zipper. Decorative flap pockets at the front under the waist and slit pockets at the back of the pants. The top snaps and hooks to close at the front. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all. The middle seam that runs down the back of the top looks like it may have been redone at some point. The top is tagged a FR44, GB16, IT48, US12 and the pants are tagged a FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
Top
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Empire waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to the top of the green ribbon
Total length: 25" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam with no give
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from waist to hem
Inseam: 25.5"
Rise: 15" from the top of the back waist to the inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4967
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Resort 2008 Dior, Look 12. Model Tanya Chubko. / (4) Lady Gaga by Katherine Wolkoff, 2007.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress dates to the Spring 1972 collection and I am very pleased to have found a reference photo for a version of the dress in slightly different print. This dress has the extra modern provenance of its twin being worn by the character Samantha in the 2008 Sex and The City movie. I love it.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. The dress has a gorgeous bright colour and print combination. The crisp cotton fabric it is made of is holds colour exceptionally well so the colours are still crisp, bright and true. It has a waffle weave texture woven through it and that just contrasts and brings out the pattern on the dress even more. The dress a single shoulder that angles across the neckline at the front and the back. The fabric has been gathered into an open ring at the top of the shoulder. It is cut to be more loose and easy to skim over the bodice and then it cinches in more under the bust to the waist. You can see how that sits in the editorial shot that we have included here. You could also add a belt if you wanted to add even more definition around the waist. From there the skirt falls to the floor and it widens substantially as it nears the hem. The skirt has yards of fabric in it. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and I love how he played with the angles of the stripe so the eye is brought in at the waist. The final finishing touch on the dress is that big oversized silver zipper with its giant silver loop at the top that acts as it's zipper pull. A very avant-garde detail for this time period. It is an amazing dress and it is one that is instantly recognizable piece of his work. Excellent condition
The bodice is unlined and the skirt is lined in a black silk. Ribbon finished hem. It zips to close at the side with a hook and eye above the zipper.
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item#DD4968
Reference Photos: (1) Model in Lanvin photographed by Kourken Pakchanian, US Vogue April 1972. / (2-3) Kim Cattrall wearing Vintage Lanvin in Sex and the City: The Movie, 2008.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This stunning little McQueen dress is a beauty. This is a dress that was made for the shops that season and I think it is the perfect holiday piece with its wrapped bow front. As we all know, Sarah Burton departed from the McQueen label with her Spring 2024 collection and we love her time at the label. It is a joy to have such a great piece of her work today.
The dress is stunning and it is made out of the perfect clear red silk that is a colour that is flattering on most skin tones. It is cut with an almost sculptural line. The bodice is strapless and it is shaped to curve over the body to create an hourglass shape. Wide panels of silk have been added over the the bodice to wrap around, down and across you. They are crossed and shaped over the bust to create a bow effect and I love how they give the dress a bit of an Old Hollywood 1950s feel. The waist is nipped in underneath the bow detailing and then the hips curve out with a bias cut to create a very classic and signature McQueen feel. The silk skims over the hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem for one final beautiful curve. There is extra fabric set into the back of the skirt and it flares out to create a stunning shape. No matter what angle you see this dress from there is an interesting angle, curve or flare to show your shape off beautifully. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a matching red silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Built in inner corset that is lightly boned and cupped. Tagged a McQueen 38
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of the bodice to waist and the ribbon panels extend past the top
Total length: 59" from the top of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4965
Reference Photos: Credits unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 53 Red Silk Strapless Dress
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This is without a doubt, one of my favourite dresses from the Spring 2008 collection. Its twin walk the runway for Look 53. This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also Johns 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide. This dress was also produced in a black for the shops and both versions were produced in very limited quantities. It has also being a favourite on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
The dress is made out of a luxurious red silk. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do. It is all cut on the bias. The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place. Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front. At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist. From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel of the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a touch of a sweeping feel behind you as you walk. It is an incredible feat of patterning. A row of signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side. John's pieces only truly come to life when worn and as good as this looks on the dress form, it is better once on the body. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a red silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I've given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below. I see a teeny tiny darkened spot near the hem. Hand finishes.
Inner bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 55" from top of the bodice to front hem, 60" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4772
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled. / (5) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008. / (6) Lucy at the People's Choice Awards, 2024.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This is a beautiful skirt by Adolfo. Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969. I love his work and am very pleased to have this exceptional skirt in the shop today.
The skirt is made out of a beautiful back chiffon that is has a second layer of black silk floating underneath it. The waist is banded for shape and then two layers of silk fall from there to float over you. It will fall all the way to the floor or just above depending on your height. Onto the top layer of chiffon he added a geometric pattern that combines black eyelash velvet and gold metallic eyelash fabric. This pattern covers the entire skirt. The bottom hem of both the outer and inner layer are both finished with a band of metallic gold lame. I love the effect that the touch of metallic gives to the skirt. It is fabulous and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a second layer of black silk as described above. It closes with a zipper and a hidden set snap and a hook and eye at the waist.
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4962
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christian dior
Fall 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Black Net Bead & Sequin Over Skirt
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The twin of this overlay skirt walked the runway for the Fall 2019 season for Look 36. This was the show where Maria took a look to the past for her inspiration for the collection. Vogue's Sally Singer noted that; "Chiuri sought inspiration for this collection from Britain’s postwar Teddy Girls, those working-class, rock ’n’ roll–loving beehived vixens who hit the clubs in a mix of men’s Edwardian jackets, full skirts, blue jeans, leather, velvet, and eyeliner galore. She was struck by the similarity in silhouette and the optimistic excess that characterized Christian Dior’s designs of the same period. She was also moved by Yves Saint Laurent’s addition to the Dior pantheon of a men’s black leather jacket for women in the late 1950s. So, heritage, hipsters, and herstory" This skirt is one of the ones that felt most like a heritage piece from that show while still having a modern flare. It is just absolutely lovely.
The skirt is made out of a beautiful black silk net and the fabric choice is what allows it to hold the shape that you see. It is also the perfect fabric to have been able to add the extensive bead and sequin work that have been applied to it. At the waist there is a thin band that cinches it in. The skirt is full under that and will fall to about mid-calf to the ankle depending on your height. There are two layers of the net that make up the skirt and it is fully split and open at the front. It wraps over itself just a touch at the front and there is a little flat bow for added detail. I love that this gives you a piece that you can layer over existing pieces in your wardrobe. You can take a simplest little dress that you have, pop this over it and all of a sudden you have an amazing and elaborate look. The entire skirt has been appliqued with little floral sprigs that are made of hand set metal coils, tiny seed beads, sequins and what look to be mother of pearl finished paillettes. All of the work is done by hand and it is extraordinary. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a very little special piece that has a huge array of styling options. Excellent condition.
It is made out of two layers of the black netting and meant to have a slight transparency since you layer it over other pieces. It closes with snap and hook an eye at the waist and is fully open down the front.
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 36" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4963
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Look 36. Model Hyun Ji Shin.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. These pants are so unusual and I absolutely love them. This is the type of piece that you are only going to find in vintage.
These are based on the classic harem pant that you see in many cultures around the world. You have to wonder if he travelled somewhere and was inspired to make a version for the western market. They are made out of a beautiful black silk chiffon with another layer of chiffon inside acting as the lining. Onto the chiffon is an amazing pattern of flowers and vines done in metallic gold, red, green and purple. This gorgeous design completely covers the pants from top to bottom. As they near the hem of the pants the pattern changes to horizontal stripes that anchor the entire design. They have no closure. Instead there is elastic around the waist so you just pull them on and go. The bottom of the pants also have elastic and this lets them blouse and balloon up around the ankles. It is an extremely simple design that is easy to wear. The gold and metallic colours are so striking. These would be fantastic to travel with and you can easily dress them up or down. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black chiffon with elastic at the waist and cuffs. They appear to have been worn very little if at all. The elastic at the waist does give them flexibility in measurements. I have given the approximate range of measurements and I think if you were smaller you could have the elastic at the waist tightened. They are very easy to fit.
Elastic waist: 12.5-21" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 43" from waist to hem
Inseam: 29"
Gusset: 16" from back waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4964
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oscar de la renta
Amazing 1971 Oscar de la Renta Bandana Handkerchief Dress w Elastic Off Shoulder Bodice
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The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967. His boutique label is important as it is know for being the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning examples of his work during these early days of his career. I am certain that this dress is from Spring 1971. I have had dresses in other colours with the same bodice treatment and that is the only collection that I am aware of that he did under this label with this type of treatment through the top.
I love this dress. It is not only so easy to wear and so cute, but I don't think it was ever worn. The cotton is as crisp and bright as if it had just come off a rack. It is light in weight and feels exactly what it looks like - an early rendition of the bandana. The lightness of the fabric mixed with its crisp finish is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk, the fabric of the skirt and that fabulous handkerchief hem catch the air and move around you. The colour is a beautiful true red and the print layers white and black on top of the red cotton in a classic bandana design. The top is fully finished with horizontal elastics that give it the stretch and feel of a tube top. He has left a bit of a ruffle around the neckline. The sleeves have the same elastic treatment with another ruffle at their ends. I have photoed the dress with it sitting fully off of the shoulder, but you could also wear it higher up on the shoulder if you wished. The gathering goes to the top of the hip so you get an amazing shape through the body. The skirt falls from there skimming over the hips. Depending on your height the skirt falls from just below the knee to mid-calf. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric through the bodice where it is finished with elastic has a lot of stretch. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below when laying flat.
Sleeves: approx 8.5" and the upper arm will stretch from 12-20" around
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 15-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to where the elastic ends
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to longest points of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4959
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This amazing and so very easy to wear a dress is a production piece from the Valentino 2019 Resort collection. His inspiration for this collection was Rome in the 1970s. In Vogue's review, they noted that Pierpaolo's goal for pre-collections was always to create clothes that women could wear and really live in. I love that. One of the things that made this particular collection a stand out was his reworking of the Valentino logo. He told the press that he called these 'bootlegged logos' and I love the swirling way that he worked the logo in to create the print that covers this dress.
The dress is so cute and chic. It is made from a light jersey that is super easy to just slip on. It also holds colour fantastically. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their simple cuffs and this adds to the easy feel the dress has. The entire upper bodice of the dress is finished with an elastic so you can wear it fully off the shoulder. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show. The jersey fall over the bodice in an easy manner to the waist. The waist is finished with an elastic and there is a little ruffle just underneath that elastic. This makes fitting the dress extremely easy as it will move with you. If you wanted more of a cinched in look, you could easily add a belt, but it works perfectly well without one. The skirt falls to the just below the knee or a little longer depending on your height. The jersey has been pleated into soft pleats that open out as they near the hem. This gives it beautiful movement as you move. It is killer. The dress looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and waist. Each cuff buttons to close with a single button. The elastic at the waist and shoulders give it some room in the measurements. I have listed the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a modern Valentino small.
Sleeves: 24.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 52" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4961
Reference Photos: (1-3) Resort 2019 Valentino Look 22 & 23
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There is very little information on the Roger Freres label out there but from what I can gather, he was an independent dressmaker that made clothes from the early 1960s to the 1970s. His work was well made and hard to find. This little dress by him is phenomenal. It is made from a lightweight silk organza that has a touch of the most subtle shimmer to it. The top layer sits over an inner nude chiffon lining through the bodice and an inner, more straight cut skirt that is backed in the same nude silk and then topped with the same black silk organza as the outer skirt. This softens the black and gives the entire dress this touch of transparency and airiness as you see the inner layers of the dress through the outer layer. From a distance it adds the illusion that you are perhaps more bare underneath than you really are. The inner bodice has a beautiful curving wide band of prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. They have all been hand applied. I love the effect this creates as you see them through the outer layer of silk. The top layer is kept simple with a scooped neckline and easy and full cut over the inner bust. Each sleeve is tremendously full and billows out above a wide cuff. On each cuff, you have another highly detailed and intricate pattern made from those same prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. The skirt is equally as gorgeous and is wide and full above the inner skirt, widening out quite a bit as it nears the hem. It is incredible and when you move it catches the air and moves beautifully. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice. The inner skirt is lined in a nude silk and then covered on its exterior in the same silk organza as the top layer of the dress. Ribbon finished inner hem. It closes with a back zipper and then the black organza snaps to close over that. Light boning through the bodice. The attached belt hooks to close at the back. Each cuff snaps to close with hidden set snaps. Perhaps the occasional rhinestone missing on the cuffs but I am being pretty picky.
Sleeves: 24.5" and our 13" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 56" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4957
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alexander mcqueen
Spring 2008 Alexander McQueen "La Dame Bleue" Black Jumpsuit w Pink Inner Shoulder Detail
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The Spring 2008 collection was called 'La Dame Bleue' and was a tribute to his mentor and friend Isabella Blow who had committed suicide on May of 2007 after a long bout of illness. His statement of the show was this; 'Isabella flew. The collection is exuberant and excessive. It's about her way of thinking and that way of thinking brought light into fashion. Even when she was down she was up with what she wore. I had the best times with Isabella. I remember going to Mauritius with her and I'd come back from scuba diving and it would be 100 degrees and she'd be standing on the beach head to toxin McQueen with a Philip Treacy Hat on. Or we'd be sitting around the pool and she'd still be head to toe in McQueen with a Philip Treacy hat on. I've though a lot about why she would wear things like that and she wore them because it made her feel like a diva. She was a diva in what she wore. She pulled it off. I never blinked at what she wore. It just seemed normal. So this was a collection about Isabella ad about wearing clothes that transform you." The entire show was a beautiful testament to someone he loved dearly. This jumpsuit was produced for the shops however we've included two looks from the runway so you can see where the shape and cut came from from those runway pieces. This was the fifth last collection of his career and these last collections are considered to be some of his most brilliant.
The jumpsuit is made from a black silk that drapes beautifully over the body. This is a piece that shows his strong tailoring background and detailed knowledge of how to cut a piece to best suit a woman's body. The shoulders are lightly padded and the little cap sleeve extends over the top of the shoulder. For me, the stand out detail on this piece is how underneath that little capped sleeve, there is a little hand set bit of vibrant pink silk that you only see a flash of when you move a certain way. It is like a delightful little secret. It also perfectly picks up on the colours of the show in the best possible way. The collar is a nod to a men's suit and I love the plunge of the front. The waist is brought in and you could cinch it in even further by adding a belt. It glides over the hips and then each pant leg is cut long with a cuff at its end. Again, another nod to men suiting. It closes with a zipper at the front and you can clearly see the hand stitching around the zipper. A button at the waist and hidden hooks hold everything in place just above the zipper. Pockets on each hip are the perfect finishing detail and are a clever way to add to this jumpsuit's hourglass shape. It is a phenomenal McQueen piece and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk through the body and and a handset pink silk underneath the capped shoulders. Padding at the shoulders. It causes with a front set zipper at the waist and a button and hidden hook and eye above that. The pocket on the bodice is still tacked shut. Pockets on each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes.Tagged a modern Alexander McQueen 42.
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 31"
Torso: 34" from back neck to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4958
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2008 Alexander McQueen. (1-3) Look 11, Model Vlada Roslyakova. (4-6) Look 29, Model Jourdan Dunn.
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dolce & gabbana
Magical 2000s Dolce & Gabbana Pinky Nude Tulle & Lace Flower Applique Strapless Dress
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Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This dress came to me from the same owner as the black 2008 one I just put in the shop and she told me it was purchased around the same time period. It is a dress that is incredibly beautiful. It would obviously make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking to go the non-traditional route or as a part of a wedding weekend of events, but I think it is also a dress that could cross over and be worn to other events.
The dress is made from a pale nude silk tulle net that has a touch of a pink tine to it. This is then layered over inner layers of more tulle, lace netting and silk. The bodice is strapless and has a heavy application of cut out flowers added over the tulle all the way around you. They are placed to fall past the seam that sits under the bust and over onto the top of the tulle as it begins to flare out into that incredible top layer. As the dress moves down to the ham, you see more cut out flowers scattered over the entire dress. At the front, there is a cluster of soft silk chiffon flowers that add a beautiful detail. Small versions of these are also scattered over the top layer of the dress, all the way to the hem..This incredible treatment on the top layer of the dress really adds to the depth and texture of the dress. That entire top layer of tulle tents over the dress to create volume all the way around you and to sweep out behind you. Under those layers is an inner dress that has a dotted lace. I love the effect of this peeking out tulle. More layer sit under that. Besides the visual effect this creates, this technique of multiple layering also gives the dress some of its structure so that it holds the shape around you once on. The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. There is a built in boned corset on the inside for shape and to hold the dress in place on you. It curves in just slightly to skim over the waist and then curves back out for the hips. The top skirt is set to fall to the floor with all of the beautiful volume that you see in the photos. The top layer of the skirt gets progressively wider so that it is very full by the time it reaches the hem. The inner hem falls to the floor, but that top outer layer falls slightly longer all the way around you and then it sweeps out behind you. It is incredibly beautiful and romantic. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a soft nude pink silk. The innermost layer of stretch silk goes to just above the knee. It closes with a back zipper and then the tulle layer snaps over that to hide the zipper. Inside the bodice is a cupped and boned corset. I see one vertical repair in the tulle of the skirt at the back otherwise it appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a Dolce & Gabbana 36
Bust: 13-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A cup built into the front
Waist: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to front hem, 69" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD4955
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christian dior
Prettiest Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress
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John Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2006 season and it is gorgeous. This dress was a piece made for production and is a more minimalist version of the dress that walked the runway for Look 40 that season. It has all the things we love about his work presented in a beautifully chic and minimalist package that still has that strong impact of colour that the runway version had.
The dress is made out of a feather light silk chiffon that moves beautifully over the body. It is all cut on the bias so is easy to wear. I love the cut of the bodice. Twisted silk chiffon straps extend out from a peak at the centre front. They curve up and around the neck and then they fall down each side of your back. The entire back is scooped low so you have this bare expanse of skin showing. It drapes over the bodice and skims over the waist with an easy more generous feel. A gathered band of the silk chiffon is wrapped around the top of the hips and a long tie extends down all the way to the hem from where that attached sash meets at the side. From there the dress drapes to the the floor and widens out a touch as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one side of the skirt and this allows the silk to catch the air and move easily around you as you walk. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The colour and the way that it changes as it moves down the dress is of course one of the most important elements of the piece. It starts out to be a soft taupe at the top and then gradually changes to a pale pink to a vivid pink around the lower skirt and ends in a deep dusty fuchsia. It is stunning to have this brilliant pop of colour. A signature row of tightly spaced silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how the dress moves once on the body. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a matching taupe silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The bias cut allows some movement in the fabric and I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a vintage Dior F40, GB12, IT44, US8
Bust: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4953
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2006 Christian Dior, Look 40. Model Michelle Buswell.
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christian dior
2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Peach Silk Chiffon & Silver Beaded Bias Cut Dress
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During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and chiffon dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Boutique line and it is gorgeous. It is so classically Galliano for Dior in its shape and cut. It is a real beauty.
The dress is made out of the palest possible peach / pastel salmon nude silk chiffon that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias which makes it so easy to wear. The dress is cut wide across the shoulders with a scoop at both the front and the back. From there it drapes down and over the body to the floor. That signature bias cut that he did so perfectly allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The sleeves are cut a bit wide through the upper arm, narrow down just slightly to the cuff and then have a full ruffle to finish them. The bead work that you see over the dress is continued over the sleeves so you get an amazing little glitz in the light from every angle. The bodice is heavily finished with an intricate pattern of silver tube and seed beads and these catch the light beautifully. The bead work continues around the back of the dress and then you have scattered medallions of beads down the front and back all the way down to where the skirt begins. The cut of the dress is meant to simply glide and skim over the body and then it flares out dramatically through the lower skirt. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric of the lower skirting has been pieced together with a series of angled chevron panels. The widening of the hem is created by the way those angled silk chiffon panels are stacked on top of each other with each panel getting wider than the one above. This gives you so much movement when you walk. A row of tightly spaced matching silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. In its original uncut length. Excellent condition
Fully lined in the same silk chiffon and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. You can see the hand work that was done to apply the beads on the inside of the fabric. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and I have taken the comfortable range when laying flat for you below
Sleeves: approx 23" to their longest points and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: Approx15-16"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4954
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valentino
Prettiest 2016 Valentino by Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Printed Red Silk Dress
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This dress is from the 2016 season and at this time both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. It was a dress that was produced for the shops that year. It is an incredibly easy to wear and flattering piece once on the body.
This is a thoroughly Valentino feeling dress. The dress is made from a feather light silk chiffon in the prettiest true red for the base. Think scarf weight as far as the weight goes. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk the fabric of the dress catches the air and billows out around you. The neckline is cut high to frame the neck with cut out flowers from the print of the dress added around the collar for extra detailing. At the back of the neck it ties with a long tie that trails down the back over an open slit that runs from the neck to the waist. I love how this gives an unexpected flash of skin when you move a certain way. The bodice is cut loose and easy and the waist is more on the generous side. It falls from there to the floor and as it reaches the hem the skirt widens out. I love the five ruffled tiers that wraps around the lower skirts for detail and added movement. The silk has a beautiful flower design that covers the entire dress and pops against the red. The sleeves are long and each is finished with three more ruffled tiers which lets them widen out beautifully. It is a gorgeous dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
The top and sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a red silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set low back zipper at the waist and then ties into place behind the neck with a hidden hook behind the tie. In it's original uncut length. The easy and generous cut should fit a range of sizes
Sleeves: 21.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped bodice: 19" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4950
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In 1952 Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high-end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. When researching this piece we found its twin from the Spring 1977 runway and it is definitely a piece that was very well documented and photoed that season. It is easy to see why as it could not be more gorgeous.
The dress is exquisite and I love that you can see just how wonderful it is on the body from the runway and editorial reference photos that we have found for you. It is made from a light silk chiffon that weighs next to nothing. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their elastic ends and this adds to the flowing feel the dress has. I love that the sleeves are cut to sit fully off the shoulders. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show and the bare skin of your shoulders balances the length of the skirt. Over the bodice the fabric has been draped and gathered into place with a large soft tie at the centre front for detail. More gathered silk wraps around the waist from under the bust. This gives the entire upper body of the dress a soft and romantic feel. I love the shape it creates around the waist. The skirt falls to the floor from there. It widens out as it near the hem and the soft gathers that set it around the waist give it beautiful movement as you move. The sleeves have a touch of transparency to them and this gives the dress a very subtle sexiness to have the fabric feel so light and have that hint of transparency. It is killer. The dress looks to have been unworn or worn very little. Excellent condition
The dress is lined in a red silky rayon and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a side set zipper. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and cuffs. It appears to have been unworn or worn very little. It is all cut on the bias so has some room in the measurements. The comfortable range is listed below.
Sleeves: approximately 24" from the drop
Bust: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: approx 18" from the top of the natural shoulder to the slightly dropped waist
Total length: 59" from top of the natural shoulder to hem with 4" turned under the hem and another 2.5" turned under that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4951
Reference Photos: Spring 1977 Givenchy. (Photos 3-5 from the Spring 1977 RTW Advance & Photo 6 from the Spring 1977 RTW runway).
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Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. This set is an amazing example of how she could design for a younger audience and still keep her aesthetic. It is a rare and fabulous piece of her work.
I am a huge Hanae Mori fan. A jersey pant suit is perhaps not what you first think of when you think of her work but once you see it you realize that it shows how broad her range was. The set is made up of pants, the top, and a matching belt. The fabric is a thicker jersey that holds that gorgeous bright floral print perfectly and it is a dream to travel with. These jerseys would have been used to make garments to appeal to her younger jet-set clients. Hanae was a master at colour and print and you see that in this set. An amazing flower print covers the entire surface of the jersey. The colours are bright and intense. It is like wearing an entire bouquet of beautiful flowers. The pants have a flat waist, skim over the hips and then the legs are cut wide and full. By the time they reach the bottom hem they are a full 32" around. The top has a high collar and long sleeves. It buttons down the front and the collar snaps into place. The belt is done in a matching jersey. It cinches around the top and adds shape at the waist and finishes the look. If you choose not to wear the belt then the top has a more loose and easy feel. I love the extensive beading that finishes the piece. On each cuff there is a 3" band of dense beadwork in colours that pick up on the colours in the print. The collar has 2 1/2 inch band of the same beading and then each end of the belt is finished with another 4" of beading on both the back and front sides. You can wear all the pieces together for a strong statement or break up the set and wear them as separates with other pieces in your closet for lots of styling options. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Both pieces are unlined. The pants have a flat waist and close with a zipper and hook at the waist band. The top buttons to close and the collar and cuffs have hidden set fabric covered snaps. The belt ties into place. The fabric has some stretch but the waist measurement is fixed with no give.
Top
Sleeves: 23" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Neck: 15" around
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam with no give
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Inseam: 28"
Gusset: 15.5" from the back waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4952
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Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993 and in 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and wore it on various red carpets. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes. He employed some of the best tailor and seamstresses in the business at the time. This is a stunning example of how much impact one of his minimalist pieces could have.
This sleek little number is in perfect condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back. The dress is completely bias cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight. The neckline dips in a V at the front and I love the detailing that you see there. The front bust has an inset that angles into a point to about the waist area. The inset is made from little strips of a black velvet that have been applied over a black silk chiffon and then backed in a nude silk chiffon. So you have coverage but there is still a touch of transparency. It is very sexy. Another V dips down for a bare expanse of skin to show at the back. The shape through the waist is created by vertical seams that curve over the body. The silk skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor. The lower part of the skirt widens out as it reaches the hem and extra fabric has been worked into the back so you get a bit of a sweeping feel as you walk away. It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good. Excellent condition.
The panel at the front is lined in nude silk chiffon as described above and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Richard Tyler US8.
Bust: 17-19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4948
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dolce & gabbana
Rare 2008 Dolce & Gabbana Black Silk Net Corset Lace Up Dress w Massive Lower Skirts
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Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This is the twin of the dress that was worn by Jennifer Lopez for Elle US Magazine that year and the twin of the dress in white was worn to the 2009 Oscars. It is a dress with incredible modern provenance given these two important moments in both fashion and Hollywood history.
Corsets with exposed boning along with lace ups are a hallmark of the Dolce and Gabbana label and this dress has those distinct design elements on full display. The entire body of the dress is one long exposed corset. It is made out of a fine black netting mixed with tulle. All of the boning that gives it structure is covered in a black ribbon that is exposed and becomes its own detail. The bodice is strapless and the cups are exposed. It is meant to hug you like a second skin. The waist is brought in and then the dress glides over the hips. Past the waist the ribbon no longer has boning behind it but it still serves to add structure to the dress. The way that the ribbon and boning have been laid out over the dress visually adds to the hourglass shape that the dress creates on you. At the back the dress closes with one of their big silver zippers that have become a signature and this sits just under one side of a full lace panel that runs long down the back. I love how the ties have been left long so they run down you at the back. The laces can also be used to adjust the size if you need a touch more room. The dress is cut to follow the body all the way to just about the knee and then the lower skirt explodes out from there in a massive fabulous bell shape. The top layer is that same silk net as the body of the dress and then under that there are multiple layers of soft tulle and stiffened tulle. I count seven in total. Running all the way around inside the top of the skirt is a wide padded panel that helps to add structure and support to the skirt. When laid out flat the entire skirt is just beyond a full circle which gives you an idea of how full that lower skirt really is. This is an utterly amazing dress. It has all its original tags in place and was never worn. Excellent condition.
The dress is lined in a combination of black silk and stretch silk with boning all through the bodice as described above. Multiple layers through the skirt as described above. All of the original tags are attached. It is tagged a Dolce and Gabbana size 38. The fabric has stretch. I have added the measurements with the lace is fully tightened so the measurements below are the comfortable range when it is worn like that. The laces could be loosened to get another couple of inches if needed.
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9-10" from top of bodice to natural waist
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4949
Reference Photos: (1) Jennifer Lopez and Stefano Gabban photographed by Carter Smith for ELLE US, October 2008. / (2-3) Melissa George wearing Dolce & Gabbana at the Oscars, 2009.
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james galanos
Amazing 1970s James Galanos Couture Brown & Black Navy Silk Crepe Front Slit Dress
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In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is absolutely gorgeous.
The dress is made out of a high end silk crepe that flows and drapes beautifully over the body. The bodice is cut to skim and blouse over the body to the waist. The waist is cut with a more generous feel and has a softened elastic running through it. You could add a belt if you wanted to cinch it in more and give it more shape. The skirt falls from there in a beautiful column of that same silk and widens out as it nears the hem. It has a bit of an old Hollywood feel to it that I love. The dress closes at the front with a tie at the top of the neck and a hook and zipper that starts at the waist. This leaves an open slit from under where it ties at the neck right to the waist. It is subtle but as you move, you do get that flash of bare skin. There is no collar other than that little tie that extends out from the neck. I love the inset of the darker coloured silk that runs down the entire front of the dress. In certain lights, it looks like the deepest possible blue and in others a soft black. One that band hits the waist seam it is pleated all the way down to the hem. This inset cleverly adds the perfect amount of detail to the dress and also gives it the illusion of extra length. The simplicity of the design hides the high skill level that having this all lay so perfectly with this type of fabric and with such a simple closure. It is so well made that I think that you could actually wear the dress either way around. The sleeves are spectacular and each one is cut to be a full wide balloon sleeve above the banded wrist. One of his signature knotted silk buttons closes each cuff. It is the perfect little extra embellishment for the dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined through the skirt with a matching coloured silk chiffon and the bodice is unlined. It closes as described above. The elastic at the waist has softened. There is one button at each cuff. Hand finishes and ribbon finished seams throughout. There is very slight fading across the top of the shoulders and one one arm. Please see the photo after the label shot. If worn belted this would accommodate a smaller size as well as the cut is so forgiving.
Sleeves: Approx 26"
Shoulders: no shoulder seam present
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 64" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4945
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The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2012 show for Look 46. On the runway it was styled with a very heavy and extremely dramatic wide belt and choker but once you see the dress on its own you realize just how light and pretty the dress actually is. Oscar showed the collection in his new showroom on 42nd street. The space had yet to be fully renovated and this gave the atmosphere a raw edginess and the styling reflected that. Vogue called the evening dresses 'entrance making'. This dress is wonderful and a harder to find larger size.
The dress is made from a lightweight silk organza in the most stunning brown. There is another layer of silk underneath and the dress is very light in weight. The entire top organza layer has been lightly gathered into soft, almost pleats, that add an incredible texture over the entire dress. The bodice skims over you to the seamed waist. The neckline is cut into a V with the two sides of the bodice crossing over each other at the front. It is very flattering. The straps curves up and over the shoulders and the back drops into a V for a pretty and feminine feel. The waist is seamed but has a more generous feel. You could add a belt if you wanted it to be more cinched in. The skirt cascades to the floor and is is very wide and full by the time it reaches the hem. The skirt is made up of four attached tiers of the almost weightless silk with each tier getting wider than the one above it all the way to the floor. This lets the skirt float beautifully around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk. It is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The dress is fully lined in a matching brown silk. The dress closes with a back set hidden zipper. I see perhaps the tiniest bit of fading here and there on the edges of the fabric on the shoulder. Organza tends to do this and it is very minor. Tagged a modern ODLR 16
Bust: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL
Item# DD4946
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta, Look 46. Model Taylor Nicole.
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yves saint laurent
Gorgeous Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Brown Silk Jersey Dress w Full Sleeves
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This is an interesting YSL. It appears to be the Rive Gauche version of the Haute Couture piece from that season and on the RTW runway we found a jumpsuit version of it that is identical in all but the legs vs the skirt. Is possible that it was also shown on the runway as well since collections from this time period were not fully documented. But even with these two reference photos you can see how much it comes to life when worn. It is such an easy dress to wear and it is drop dead gorgeous.
The fabric is a beautiful light weight deep brown silk jersey. The cut of the dress is incredible. The neckline is scooped and then the dress skims over you to the waist. The very edge of the neckline has been piped in the same fabric and the scoop is set a bit wide across so you see a touch of collarbone. The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their elastic cuffs. Very tiny padded insets sit just inside that slim band of fabric between the scoop and the seam of the sleeve and this adds the perfect amount of structure to hold the dress in place. The waist is seamed with a small band for shape and you could add a belt if you wanted even more definition. Once on the body the bodice will blouse over the skirt slightly. The skirt falls from the waist and is gathered in tiny gathers all the way around the waist. This allows the skirt to flare and open out slightly as it nears the floor. The quality of the jersey is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simple piece with such a masterful hand. And it has pockets. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Unlined and closes with a side zipper. Each cuff has elastic and the elastic has softened a touch. Hand finishes throughout and beautifully made. Tagged a vintage YSL 38.
Sleeves: 26"
Inset shoulders: approx 13-14"
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to top of the 1" band at the waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4947
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. / (2) Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.
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This beautiful dress was Look 42 on the Spring 2014 runway for Ralph Lauren. It was part of a grouping of all white pieces and I think it is the stand out from that grouping and from the show. The purple label from Ralph Lauren signifies the runway pieces that are the high-end pieces the label produces. Ralph Lauren launched it in 1994 and the label was meant to be the pinnacle line for the brand. The dress is beautifully made. It is a dress that could be worn to any event, but would make a fantastic piece for a bride looking to go the non-traditional route.
This dress is absolutely gorgeous. It is meant to skim over the body and it has a beautiful movement that you can see in the runway video. It is made out of a stark white cotton with an inner lining of another crisp layer of cotton. Little white flowers have been individually cut out and hand sewn onto the dress with a spray of tiny sequins and beads to create their centres. The flowers change slightly in size and are set so they closely cluster up against each other. From the top of the bodice down, the entire dress is covered with a heavy layer of these flowers. This creates this fantastic and whimsical layer of texture over the entire dress. It is like you are wearing an entire floral bouquet and it is magical. Wide straps curve over the shoulder. The front has a slightly squared off feel and I love how the back dips down into a V so you get a bit of bare skin showing. There is no waist seam on this one. It is shaped to come in slightly at the waist and skims over your bust, waist, and hips. The skirt flares out starting at about the knee and is very wide by the time it reaches the hem. At the back, there is extra fabric built-in so that you get a bit of a sweeping feel behind you as you walk. The dress is made out of cotton which gives a bit of weight to it but the applique of all those flowers gives it this sense of lightness and airiness that is wonderful. All of the little hand sewn beads and sequins that attach each individual cluster of flowers to the dress catch the light in a very pretty way no matter what angle you see the dress from. When this is on and you are walking, it is absolutely gorgeous. This is Ralph at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a white cotton and closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The flowers have been hand applied and you can see the hand stitching at the back of the fabric. Tagged a modern Ralph Lauren 0.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 66" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4942
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 2014 Ralph Lauren, Look 42. Model Katya Riabinkina. / (6) Jun Hasegawa in Ralph Lauren. credit unknown.
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oscar de la renta
Pretty Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Runway White Tulle, Sequin & Rhinestone Dress
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The Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the star looks of the show. His wedding pieces range from about $10000-$20,000USD with the more elaborate ones like this tending to be in the upper range of that. Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.'
The skirt on this dress is just magical. It is made from multiple yards of multiple layers of white tulle silk netting. The strapless bodice above the skirt is slightly more ivory in colour so that you get just a tiny bit of contrast between the two. The bodice is completely covered with delicate little scallops of a silk chiffon with embroidered edges. These sit on top of a lace fabric underneath. Following the top edge of each layer are tiny rows of ivory iridescent sequins. Little prong set rhinestones are also scattered over the bodice in little vertical rows so you get a subtle little glitter in the light. The front curves in a pretty sweetheart neckline and it has a full built in hidden corset inside the bodice. It nips in at the waist and is detailed with an elaborate applique design that wraps all the way around you. The runway dress only had a ribbon at the waist and I much prefer this more elaborate design that is made from faux pearls, silver tube beads and glass cut rhinestones in different shapes. The skirt is extremely full. There are 12 layers of tulle in the skirt and then an inner silk skirt. Under the top two layers of tulle some of the tulle layers have been gathered up in little drapes I did not add any additional crinolines to the dress for these photos. It has enough built in layers in the skirt already that it falls on its own perfectly. Every angle that you look at this dress from gives you drama and gorgeousness. It is cut longer at the back so that it flows out behind you when you walk. It is a very stunning dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below
The bodice is boned with padded inner cups for structure and support. The dress closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Multiple layers of built in tulle and skirting as described above. Minor grubbiness/marks to the inner hem and the tiniest bit of darkening to the colour of a couple of the scallops near the top edge at one side. The dress was already in the shop and it had some issues and I decided to pull it out for a bit and had it completely restored so it is now in beautiful condition for its future bride. Tagged an ODLR 8
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam if inner hook is closed 13" if left unhooked or the hooks moved
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 50" to inner back hem and 5*" to the ends of the tulle at the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4943
Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection, Look 5.
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christian dior
Exceptional Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress w Floral Embroidery
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The Spring 2008 show coincided with John Galiano's tenth year with the label and it was Dior's 60th year as a label. John celebrated that by creating pieces based on some of his signature looks through the past decade. The result was a collection filled with beautiful things like this dress. It is so rare to find a Dior dress in this colour and in the perfect condition that this dress is in. I am very pleased to have such an exquisite example of his work and it is always extra special when you have a dress that could perhaps be worn by a bride who is looking for a non-traditional dress or as part of her wedding weekend. It is also an exceptional dress for any event and for the Dior collector.
I love that even in these still dress form photos you can get the sense of how beautifully the silk chiffon on the skirt will move once this is on the body. It is a gorgeous dress and his time there was one of the best. The dress is interesting because when you stand still you get a beautiful long silhouette but the second you move the chiffon in the skirt and the back panels are picked up by the air and the dress becomes even more extraordinary. The skirt of the dress is made from bias cut ivory silk chiffon that sits over an inner silk lining. It is set around the waist and heavily gathered at one side. This is what gives you that extra panel and volume on the one side that you see. The skirt is slightly split at the hem on that side so you get a little bit of leg when you walk. The other side curves down slightly longer and it creates that beautiful curved shape at the hem. The bodice is strapless and the neckline slightly curved at the front. Inside there is a built in boned and cupped corset that extends down to the waist. This is what holds the dress firmly in place around you. The chiffon over the bodice has been draped and gathered over to the side to tie in with the skirt. At the back, on that same side, there are two very long panels of silk chiffon. You can allow them to just drape down and behind you to catch the air and move as you walk or you can take one and drop it over the shoulder to get a caped feel. I have photoed it both ways for you to see. His signature row of silk covered buttons runs down the other side and then the last perfect detail is the extraordinary flowers that are embroidered over the dress. This is what takes the dress to its magical level of beauty. Soft pastel flowers are heavily embroidered onto the dress so that they have a slight 3D effect. Little gold threads are mixed in between then along with tiny sequins and beads to catch the light. They are reminiscent of the flowers that Mr. Dior often used in his early work. It is a beautiful nod to the archives that perfectly combines past and present. It is magical. Excellent condition
Fully lined in an ivory silk. It has a full built in boned and cupped corset. The corset closes with a series of lingerie hooks and the dress buttons to close over that at the side. Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
Inner bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to the longest point of the hem and the panels extend to 59" from the top of the back bodice.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4944
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carolina herrera
Resort 2018 Carolina Herrera Runway Look One Sample Floral Silk Chiffon Plunge Dress
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The Resort 2018 collection was Carolina's last collection that she designed before handing things over to Wes Gordon. In the Vogue review they talked abut the inspiration for the pieces saying, "Herrera said she looked to the gardens at her home in her native Venezuela for her flower motifs, and the exuberant colours she pulled from them for other pieces." This dress was Look One of the presentation. Brie Larson wore one on the Today Show that year, Grace Gummer wore hers to the Emmys awards HBO party and we found a photo of Helena Bourdon in one. It feels as fresh today as it did then.
The dress is made out of a feather light silk crepe chiffon in a beautiful soft blue. A pretty floral print runs over the entire piece. The front plunges to the waist for a startling contrast to the romantic feel of the dress. A tiny ruffle runs over each shoulder and the sleeves slim down a touch as they reach their cuffs. The waist is seamed and buttons to close. A slit at the front runs up to meet the buttons and lets a flash of bare leg show when you move. The skirt is cut to feel soft and full as it nears the hem. This gives it a romantic feel and pretty movement when you move. This is the actual sample dress from the brand and has its original sample tag. Which means it very well may be the dress that was worn by some of the people that we have included here for reference. I love it. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a pale blue silk chiffon and buttons down the front. Buttons on each cuff. Original hang tag and sample label attached.
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 53" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 21.5 from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4749
Reference Photos: (1-2) Resort 2018 Carolina Herrera Lookbook. / (3) Brie Larson on 'The Today Show' 2017. / (4) Grace Gummer at the 70th Emmy Awards’ HBO Party, September 17, 2018. / (5) Helena Bordon in Carolina Herrera.
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lanvin
Prettiest c1972 Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Printed Silk Jersey & Waffle Weave Low Back Dress
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This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. He mainly used this type of fabric for his 1971-1972 collections. This is the second time I have had a version of this dress and I love it even more this time.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous and is from the main label. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a gorgeous colour and print combination. It is made from mixing two fabrics and both hold colour exceptionally well so the colours are still crisp bright and true. The top portion of the dress is an easy silk jersey and then the skirt is one of his signature waffle weave cottons. The sleeves are long and simple. The neckline is scooped with a slightly wide cut. The top skims over you and the back goes down in a scoop to leave a bare expanse of skin showing. The waist is seamed and I love how the skirt is set into the waist in soft gathers so that it puffs out slightly around the waist. It also has a bit of a wrap effect where one side is open down the full length, but it is fully wrapped underneath so that you are completely covered. From there the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. The fabric change on the skirt gives it a touch of weight so that it holds the shape well. The pattern is the same on both fabrics and yet they look slightly different because of the change in texture. It is brilliant. This full on pattern from head to toe makes the dress instantly recognizable as a piece of his work. Excellent condition with a note below.
The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a white silky rayon. It closes with a back zipper. I see what looks like remnants of a lining here and there along the seams of the top. I see a mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes. The fabric of the top has some stretch.
Sleeves: 25" and are up to 11" around the upper arm
Inset shoulders: to 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hip: 13"
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19" from top of shoulder to seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4941
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christian dior
Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Ivory Silk Top & Skirt Set w Flowers
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This is a gorgeous little set that was one that was produced for the shops that season. It is very pretty and has that perfect feel of the work that Galliano was doing for the label during this time period.
I always love finding a pretty little set like this because it just gives you more options to be able to style the pieces. With this particular set you also get the option of wearing the top tucked into the skirt or letting it lay above the skirt's waist-line for a softer feel. Both pieces will also mix and match with other things you already have in your closet. The pieces are made from a pretty silk that has a secondary deeper ivory flower woven into it with a different finishing thread. There are also little medallions of embroidered clusters of flowers as well as a scattering of gold flower and leaves. This gives the fabric in almost antique feel that is gorgeous. The top buttons to close and is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that come out from the centre of the top and cross over the upper back on the other side. The top has the feel of a lingerie piece with soft gathered cups and little insets of lace underneath the breasts. Both the top edge of the camisole and the bottom hem are detailed with a lace finish that has a pretty ivory ribbon running through it. It buttons to close up the front. My dress form doesn't have quite enough chest to really have this sit on it properly but it will be better on an actual body. The skirt is a little masterpiece. It has a banded waist for shape and then it is made of several panels placed horizontally on curving bands down the skirt. When you lay it out flat it is tremendously full across the bottom and this is what lets it fall in those pretty folds that you see here. It is a gorgeous little set. Excellent condition.
Both pieces are unlined. The top closes with a series of MOP appearing ,Dior engraved, buttons down the front. The very bottom button is missing. The skirt zips to close with hidden set snaps on the waistband. Tagged an FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
Top
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: 23.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: " from waist to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total Length: 26" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4937
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The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2020 show for Look 2. It was one of 12 pristine white looks that Pierpaolo opened the show with. When asked about this, he said “I wanted to work on something universal, to get back to the essence of shape and volume,” he said. “So I worked on the idea of the white shirt, but treating it with a couture sensibility.” Vogue called it "a long gulp of fresh air and optimism centered on something known." and noted the nod to the Renaissance in the "starched bibs, shirt collars, billowing sleeves, and ruffs" all of which this dress has in spades. It was also a nod to the 1968 all-white collection by Mr. Valentino. The show ended with a standing ovation for Piccioli.
I love the traditional feeling tuxedo bib front of this dress. It buttons to close down the front with little mother-of-pearl buttons but these are all hidden behind a flat panel of crisp cotton. That contrasts perfectly with the starched waffle weave of the front bib. The collar is small and neat and the entire body is cut to billow out over you in an almost tube shape to the low seam at the hip. On the runway they showed it belted with a braided leather rope belt. That belt was sold separately and to show you how the dress looks belted I have added a little silk chiffon tie belt that I had here. The sleeves are beautifully full. For the cuffs he used that same crisp starched waffle weave cotton. The skirt is in total contrast to the top of the dress and is made from three tiers of feather light silk chiffon that are set exceptionally wide and full. This causes the dress to move around you with the slightest movement. There is another layer of chiffon underneath that to keep it from being completely transparent. It is a beautiful dress from a very special collection. I love how the label specifically denotes it as being from the Le Blanc collection. This dress was sold in two lengths and this one is slightly shorter than the one shown on the runway. Excellent condition.
The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. It buttons down the front to the seam where the skirt starts. Each cuff has a single button to close. It is meant to feel oversized through the body and you can cinch it in with a belt or the little silk sash that I will include. Tagged a Valentino 38S. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 22" from the dropped shoulder seam and are 16.5" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: to 19"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at seam: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 25" from neck to seam at top of hips
Total length: 52" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4938
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2020 Valentino, Look 2.
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In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. This dress is a gorgeous example from the time period. I love it.
The dress is a fantastical confection of dotted silk organza tiers that run from the top of the dress to the hem. The bodice is suspended from the shoulder with straps made of the same silk. Each strap curves over the shoulder and then the first ruffle of silk starts from around the top edge of the top. The neckline is cut fairly straight across on both the front and back. The ruffles continue down the entire length of the dress and each one gets wider than the one above it. There are eight ruffles in total and it is just spectacular. The movement that the ruffles create as you move is fantastic. The dress underneath is made from the same dotted fabric and it also follows that widening line of the dress all the way to the hem. The skirt falls to the floor in a dramatic sweep that widens out as it near the floor. This cut is incredibly easy to wear and flattering. I love how the silk ruffles move around you beautifully with the slightest movement. There is a little silk flower attached at the base of one strap that gives the dress a little extra pop of colour for the perfect finishing touch. Tons of hand finishing throughout. It is truly magical. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a back set zipper and then each tier has tiny snaps to close each of the ruffles over the zipper to hide it. Tagged a vintage Givenchy 8. I see one tiny hole near the hem of one ruffle near the bottom. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes throughout.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner seam under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4935
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yves saint laurent
Beautiful Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Red Rose Print Off Shoulder Dress w Velvet Bow
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This incredible dress is from the Fall 2004 Yves Saint Laurent collection and its twin walked the runway that season. With it's brilliant rose print the dress has such a joyful feel to it. And it feels very French. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special with the addition of its runway provenance. We also found video of the show so you can see how the dress moves. I love it.
The dress is exquisite and I love that you can see just how wonderful it is on the body from the runway reference photos and video that we have found for you. It is made from a light silk chiffon that weighs next to nothing. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their elastic ends and this adds to the flowing feel the dress has. I love that the sleeves are cut to sit fully off the shoulders. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show and the bare skin of your shoulders balances the length of the skirt. The bodice has a built in inner corset that holds the dress in place and gives it hidden structure. Over the inner bodice the fabric is draped into place in a series of gathers and soft pleats. This gives the illusion that the dress skims over the body rather then being so fitted underneath with the built in corseting. The very front is cut into a deep V for a little flash of skin and then he has partially hidden this with a velvet bow that joins the two sides together. The waist is nipped in and I have added a wide grosgrain ribbon for shape. If you wanted to wear it like it was shown on the runway you could easily add a more structured belt. The skirt under the waist seam is quite full and falls to the floor. It widens out as it near the ham and the soft gathers that set it around the waist give it movement as you move. Underneath the skirt is a silk chiffon underskirt in the same print and the under skirt goes to just about the knee or above depending on your height. Both that underskirt, the top printed layer and the sleeves, have a touch of transparency. It is a very subtle addition of sexiness to have these fabrics be so light and with that hint of transparency. The result is that you get a stunning bit of volume through the skirt as it flares out around you and moves when you move and then both the lower skirt and the sleeves have a touch of transparency to them so you get a suggestion of leg and arm showing. It is killer. The dress looks to have been unworn or worn very little. Excellent condition
The built in corset acts as the lining through the bodice and it is boned and shaped. The skirt has a light silk chiffon lining in a matching fabric. The dress closes with a side set zipper on the inner corset and then the outer chiffon layer snaps into place over that. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and cuffs. The grosgrain ribbon belt is not original to the dress but will be included. It appears to have been unworn or worn very little. Tagged a YSL 42
Sleeves: approximately 25" from the drop
Inner bust: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21.5 flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: 14" from the top of the neckline to the waist
Total length: 59" from top of the neckline to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4936
Reference Photo/Video: Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent.
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james galanos
1970s Galanos Couture Silk Chiffon Pant & Over Dress Set w Metallic Lace Detailing
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James Galanos launched Galanos Originals in 1951. He was only 27 years old. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. When you covert to modern dollars the top end figure would be about $31,000 today. His ready-to-wear was made to couture standards and on par with the French couturiers of the time. Grace Kelly was a huge fan and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites and this set is an exquisite and very special example of his work.
This set is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected and wore Galanos pieces her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.
The set is made from a beautiful printed light weight silk chiffon that is combined with a red lace that has a metallic finish. The entire set combined weighs ounces. Huge flowers cover the surface of the silk chiffon. The pants are made from two layers of the chiffon and they are cut long and wide. An elastic waist makes them very easy and comfortable to wear. Layered over the pants is a long dress that is also made from two layers of silk combined with a lace for the top part. Each side of the skirt is slit right up where the top ends. This lets the top skirt billow and move around you when you walk. The bodice part is made of two panels of a metallic red lace and it is connected along each side. There is a bit of an angled V where they connect at each sire. The lace has that fantastic metallic finish to it for contrast against the pattern in the silk chiffon. The bodice has an inner nude silk lining so that from a distance you look like you are wearing nothing underneath it. The top is suspended by four tiny silk straps that curve over the shoulders. Cut supermodel long in length. Excellent condition
The pants are made of two layers of silk chiffon and close with a back zipper and elastic through the waist. The outer layer is lined with a nude silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is made from two layers of the silk. The outer layer closes at the side with hidden fabric covered snaps. There are a couple of very minor repairs and light snags near the hem of the overlay. It is unlabelled but is a custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate.
Over dress
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19" from the top of the shoulder to the seam under the lace edge
Total length: 62" from shoulder to hem
Pants
Elastic waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32" from inner seam to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD2278
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This is a very pretty and easy to wear dress from Alexander McQueen whose pale taupe colour is flattering on almost all skin tones. It is a dress that is insanely sexy and bare feeling yet that pale and pretty colour combined with that brilliantly bright hued flower print keeps it feeling fresh. The dress is made of a jersey that gives it amazing drape and it feels easy-to-wear once on the body. The bodice has a halter style front that crosses over itself and creates a V at the front. A double strap curbs over the shoulders, and then at the back one set of the straps fall straight down to the sea there and the other one twist around itself to create a little X in the centre of your bare back. The skirt falls from the seam under the bust and is set to wrap around you at the front. Each edge at the front is set on a curve so that it opens as it falls down your leg. It skims over the hips, opens up around the legs, and then the lower skirt curves back in to fall long at the back. Wrapping it like this gives it tremendous movement when you move and with the back cut longer than the front it adds a gorgeous little kick as you walk. Over one side of the skirt is a huge flower in shades of pink that offer a bright and gorgeous contrast. The dress has the added bonus of travelling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suitcase and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Lined through the bodice in the same fabric and the ski skirt is unlined. It closes with a set side zipper. The inner fabric content, McQueen tag is present, but the main McQueen label was lost or removed at some point. The fabric has some stretch. There is a bit of a mark on the inside of the bodice and it very very slightly shows all along the edge, but it just looks like light hitting it so is wearable as is with no issue. Please see the photos after the label shot. The comfortable range of measurements when laying flat are given below.
Bust: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14-15" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: to 63" from neck to back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4932
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oscar de la renta
Dreamy Pre-Fall 2015 Oscar de la Renta Look 36 Metallic Gold Applique & Ivory Net Dress
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This is the second time I have had this absolutely gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress in the shop and I think I love it even more this time. The dress was the final look on the runway for the Pre-Fall 2015 show and it is absolutely stunning. The pieces from this collection feel to me like they have an extra bit of sentiment to them. As Vogue noted in their review. "Pre-Fall 2015 was the last collection he (Oscar de la Renta) had a hand in designing. The house's new creative director, Peter Copping, advised the studio a bit on how to finish it after de la Renta's death in October but this wasn't his debut. Copping sat in the front row taking it all in as a bystander." They continue the review saying, "How does one review a collection like this—one that operates not as a swan song, not as an homage, but as a coda to a great career, now definitively over? On its merits, of course. And though these clothes didn't serve to turn the fashion dial in any way, they manifested the soigné de la Renta signature in spades....It spoke loudest in the collection's clutch of cocktail frocks and gowns, particularly the champagne-toned finale gowns with allover gold or silver embellishment." This is one of those dresses and it is very beautiful.
This is truly a beautiful piece and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. The dress is made from a fine ivory net that is covered in beautiful curving gold metallic appliques that form flowers and pretty patterns over the entire surface of the dress. Each individual applique is made from a pale, muted silver-gold lame fabric sewn that is embroidered all the way around its edges. The lame has a slight vertical ribbing that combines the gold and silver thread and this adds a beautiful texture. I love how they catch the light in a subtle way from every angle. In person the dress has a more metallic and gold feel then how it photographed here. It is tremendously beautiful. It sits wide across the front and the straps are sent to the edge of the shoulder. The bodice curves up and over your shoulders and then at the back it falls in a V for a bit of bare skin to show. All of the edges follow the curving pattern of the applique and I love this little romantic touch. There is an inner lining inside the bodice that has a sweetheart neckline shape to it and then the netting has a touch of transparency above that. It skims over you from there, past the waist to the seam that sits at the top of the hip. From there the skirt explodes outwards in two tiers. Underneath each tier is a layer of tulle and then another layer of netting under that. The second layer has a stiffened edge to help hold the shape of the skirting. Then inside the skirt itself there is a built-in underskirt that has multiple rows of that same stiffened fabric so it holds the volume that you see in the photos. I have added no extra crinolines underneath the dress to take these photos. All of the volume that you see is all built into the dress already. The dress is cut shorter at the front and then the back is cut so that it trails out behind you past the floor. The lightness of the tulle and netting allows the dress to billow out around you when you walk. This is dress that feels like a fairy tale come true once it is on the body. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
The skirt is fully lined in layers of tulle and netting as described above. The bodice has an inner layer of silk and netting. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a modern OLDR US2
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with room at the front for at least a B cup
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of the shoulder to the seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 49" from top of the shoulder to the front hem, 80" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4933
Reference Photos: Pre-Fall 2015 Oscar de la Renta, Look 36.
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After the death of Bill Blass in 2003 the house originally hired successor Lars Nilsson and then abruptly let him go to replace him with Michael Vollbracht. Michael was still going strong by Spring 2006, which is the collection that this dress is from. Its twin walked the runway for Look 30 that season and I love that you can see how pretty this dress is on and walking.
The dress is so pretty. It is made out of a pale chiffon that is dusky lavender tone. Onto that is a gold fabric that has been applied in a floral pattern to highlight the cut and flow of the dress. The front bodice is made into a curving triangle that almost has the feel of a breast plate to it. Pleated panels wrapped all the way around you on either side of that. The skirt is set in just under the bodice in a series of soft folds so that there is quite a bit of fabric in the skirt. It sits over a nude silk lining to give a pretty depth to the pattern. The bottom of a skirt is more heavily adorned in that gold fabric and it ties the gold of the top together perfectly. The top of the bodice at the back is more of a square feeling and very flattering. What is very unusual about the dress is that underneath the top chiffon layer on the upper portion of the bodice is an inner layer that is heavily detailed with bead work. It is very subtle and something you don't see until you get very close to the dress, but it is there. It just give a little secret extra touch to the dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The dress is fully lined in a new silk crepe and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see some signs of a repair done along the top edge of the back bodice. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4934
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2006 Bill Blass, Look 30. Model Tiu Kuik.
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In the 1980s and 1990s Gianni Versace ruled the catwalks. He was the favourite of the Supermodels and they were featured predominately in his runway shows and his ad campaigns. Versace launched his label in 1978 and by 1989 he presented a couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamorous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm until his death by assignation in 1997. Everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace. When looking for the date of the show, we found pieces with similar straps in both the 1995 and 1996 seasons.
This is a dress that is extremely simple in cut but every line is done with purpose to highlight and shape to the body. It is also a dress that really needs a body in it to truly come to life. I think it looks pretty great on my dress form but it is going to be even better once it is on an actual body. The fabric that it is made out of is light in weight and holds its shape well. It is a stretch fabric that is going to mold and shape itself around the body. That fabulously fitted shape that you see is all constructed by the bare minimum of seams needed. There is a seam that is defined by a silk satin ribbon right under the bodice. Simple little darts help to shape the bodice. The rest of the dress is as minimal as possible. Seams have been set in a curving line down each side and then there is one that runs down the back to create an hourglass shape. The waist nips in and the hips curve out following the lines of the body. The skirt falls to the floor and there are high slits on both sides of the skirt so that you get a flash of leg when you walk. The bust is fabulous in its simplicity. Straps curve up and over your shoulder and each one has a silver metal Versace Medusa medallion at the front. A subtle nod that you are wearing a Versace. The front dips down into a shallow curved V and the upper back is left bare. It is the ultimate simple and sexy dress. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. The fabric stretches into place around you. The stretch fabric will allow it to fit a range of sizes and I have put the comfortable range of measurements below.
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 11.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" to the seam under the bust
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Slits: 19" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4931
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1995 Versace, Look 33. Model: Helena / (2) Spring 1996 Versace, Look 74. Model: Linda
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The book 'Givenchy: Catwalk' says of this collection, that "after the relative exuberance of the last few seasons, this show had a more subdued feel. The simplicity of the designs encapsulated Hubert de Givenchy's constant search for refinement." We were able to find runway photos of the dress and I love that this shows you how it was presented at the time. We have also added to the modern provenance of this dress. It is the actual dress that was worn by Nicole Ritchie in 2019. Truly superb.
This is an amazing true Haute Couture Givenchy dress that is a very rare and special find. Two things of immediate note for this dress. First is the unusual fabric. It is a silk organza that is extremely light in weight. It has all been gathered by hand into little 3D 'bubbles' that run horizontally down the entire dress in bands of three rows stacked on top of each other. The time and technique to do this would have been astounding. This unusual technique gives the dress a bit of an elastic bandeau kind of feel and a lovely movement and shape. I cannot even imagine how many hours this would have taken. The second thing of note is its weight. Because it is all made from a silk organza the dress is exceptionally light in weight which makes it quite magical. The cut is tremendously flattering to the body and it feels a little bit sexy with the way the top sits off the shoulder to leave that expanse of bare skin. The sleeves are attached to the dress but are also set off the shoulder. I have shown the dress with the little straps up and over the shoulders, but they hook into place and you can easily wear this dress as a strapless piece as Nicole did. Since we have the photos of Nicole wearing it without the straps, I only photoed it on the dress form with the straps. I love that you have the versatility of the two different ways to wear it. Inside there is a wide inner corset band that is about 6" in height and this hooks into place around you. This is what keeps the dress in place and gives it structure underneath. It is lightly boned and meant to wrap around you. There is a silk organza ruffle that goes all the way around the neckline and the top of each sleeve. Another ruffle sits at the bottom of each cuff. It is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves out over the hips. The dress was shown with a flower adorned belt on the runway, which did not come with this dress. I have added a wide grosgrain ribbon that will be sent with it instead. The bottom of the skirt is quite wide at about 20" in height. It is shaped outwards in a bell shape and this flares out around you for pretty movement as you walk. The fabric is backed in a black silk organza and the entire dress has a touch of transparency in brighter lights. It is spectacular. This is a very beautiful example of Givenchy from this time period and an amazing example of the technical skills that can be achieved in Haute Couture. It is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk organza. It zips to close at the side and then there are a series of snaps and hooks under the arm on that side as well. The inner waist corset hooks to close and has light boning all the way around. A hand set strip of velvet sits under the hooks so that they do not touch your skin. Hand finished throughout to couture standards. I see two vertical repairs on the ruffle of the neckline near the sides. There is some wear and slight fraying on both straps. There is light wear to some of the interior seams. Proper couture tag and numbered tape present. The fabric has a lot of stretch, but the inner waist corset does not. I have given the measurements of both the inside corset and the exterior of the dress because if you needed more room you could extend the inner corset.
Sleeves: 22" from the top of the ruffle to the bottom ruffle at the wrist. The upper arm is 9-12" around.
Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner seam under the bust: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer fabric would go to 16"
Inner waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer fabric would go to 15"
Hips: 17-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 54" from top of straps to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4930
Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1978 Givenchy Haute Couture. / (4-6) Nicole Richie in this dress, 2019.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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I recently had another of these Valentino dresses from the Spring 1993 show in the shop and I am very happy to find another twin from the group that walked the runway that season. Valentino did a series of these dresses that were all done with this touch on a Western theme of stars on them with slightly different upper bodices. We have included photos of the runway and of video many of the pieces, including this one, so you can see how fantastic this is on the body.
The front of this dress is a solid black crepe that extends all the way down the length of the dress. Where the first one had the interest at the front, this one is all about the back. The dress is suspended from skinny straps that curve up and over the shoulders to meet at the middle of your back. The neckline plunges into a low V at the front and then it curves in at the waist. From there it falls to the floor, expanding out as it near the hem. The shape on this one is all created by long vertical seams and the bottom skirt is quite full and generous. This creates a beautiful movement as you walk. Where the straps meet at the back you have two triangles of mesh. These extend out from each side to the centre of your back. This leaves the entire back open above and below the mesh and of course you can see skin through the mesh as well. I love how this makes the body feel bare but you are still somewhat covered at the same time. At the centre of your back you see the first of the five rhinestone encrusted stars that the dress has. Another star sits at the top of each of the mesh panels and then you have the fourth and fifth star sitting at the base of each of those panels. I love that because of how the stars are placed you can clearly see them from the side as well as the back. The stars make this dress instantly recognizable as being from this collection. It is truly a fantastic piece of Valentino history. Excellent condition with a small note below.
The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. We see a couple rhinestones missing off of the very tips of the stars. Please see the photo after the label shot for an example. Tagged a vintage Valentino 6
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4929
Reference Photos: (1-6) Spring 1993 Valentino. / (7) Spring 1993 Valentino Ad Campaign by Walter Chin.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This is the second time that I have had this dress in the shop and I love it even more now. Three versions of this dress in this print were presented on the Fall 2000 runway that season. The twin of this one was worn by Trish Goff. Vogue's review of the collection states in part; 'Fall 2000 was, overall, the season of the lady. One who had polish—and, likely, two homes and one eye on the fluctuating stock market. “With the Dow Jones and Nasdaq soaring and plunging like a late-sixties hemline,” wrote Sally Singer in Vogue, “it was perhaps inevitable that many designers would choose for fall 2000 to forgo fantasy and get back to basics—luxe basics, that is.” I think this was one of the best dresses in that collection and I am very pleased to have it again.
The dress is a stunning example of the work that Lagerfeld was doing during this time period. It has an easy sexy feel to it. It feels like the kind of dress that you just throw on and walk out the door in and feel fabulous. The silk chiffon is feather light and has an amazing print in pinks and purple that covers the entire surface. The fabric is draped and gathered over the body to create the very feminine silhouette that you see. There is an inner purple lining that goes to just below the hip so that the silk has something to attach to, and the dress is opaque enough to wear. Over that the silk is gathered in soft sweeps around the body. There is a curved panel of fabric attached along one hip that drapes down and around the hips and then another panel attached at the top that drapes over one shoulder and that you can wear straight down and over the top of your arm. Because all of the panels are unlined you get this interesting play on the overlapping of the pattern. The skirt that falls beneath where the lining ends has a touch if transparency that gives a glimpse of the shape of the leg underneath. It is cut on an angle to further play on the asymmetrical feel of the dress and slit up one side of the skirt. This means that when you walk and move the slightest bit of air catches that layer of chiffon and it moves beautifully around you. The famous double C logo is worked through the print for the perfect finishing touch. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon through the body of the dress and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Light boning on either side of the bust. Tagged a vintage Chanel 40. Because it is bias cut the length will come up once it is on.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 6" from top of the bodice to the seam under the bus
Total length : approx 65" from top of shoulder to longest point on hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4928
Reference Photos/Video: Chanel Fall 2000 Runway Collection, Look 72. Model: Trish Goff.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
alexander mcqueen
2007 Alexander McQueen Purple Bias Cut Liquid Silk Satin Dress w Amazing Sleeves
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This is an incredible dress. This was a dress produced for the shops and it is especially interesting because it is a dress that was produced again in 2011 and re-issued in an ivory for the wedding collection that year. I know this because I have had that dress listed in the shop now and you can see it here. You will recall that I recently had a lace dress in that was also made under the same circumstances where a original dress done by Lee was re-issued at a later date for a wedding collection. I love having the original and as far as I am aware it was only produced in black and this purple in 2007. It has that same bias cut draped feel as the McQueen that Elle Fanning borrowed and wore recently so that will give you an idea of it on
This is a stunningly beautiful dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body and will only truly come to life when worn. It is a dress that definitely takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. McQueen was a master tailor and the seam work and simplicity of this dress do not hide that fact. It is made from a beautifully weighted purple silk satin that has a slight texture running through it. It has that same liquid feel that the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from this similar fabrics. Like those dresses of the thirties this is also cut on the bias but with a more shaped silhouette. I love that the fabric is heavy enough and that the dress is lined so that it will not highlight 'flaws' underneath like some bias cut pieces can. It is cut to flow over the body and skims over the bust, waist and hips to the floor. The neckline drops into a V at the front for a bit of skin to show. It glides over the bust and there is this interesting softly curved seam that starts at the bust and runs down into the side seam. This not only helps to add a little shape but it also becomes this interesting design feature and a subtle way for him to work in one of his signature angled seams. The skirt continues past and over the hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem. At the back there is extra fabric worked around the centre seam to give you a trained effect behind you. This flaring out at the bottom and the extra bit at the back give you fabulous movement when you walk or move. It also adds to the hourglass shape the dress has. The sleeves are incredible. They are set in these soft loops around each arm. They leave the sides of the shoulders bare and really add to the thirties feel of the dress. They are spectacular. It is in its original uncut length. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a purple silk satin and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a McQueen 40. The bias cut fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. It is in its original supermodel length. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. I see perhaps a touch of grubbiness and scuffing near the hem bit it is very minor and mentioned for accuracy only.
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to front hem, 72" the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4461
Reference Photo: Elle Fanning in Spring 2008 Alexander McQueen, from our archives, at the Critics Choice After Party, January 2023.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Amazing Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Silk Taffeta Ruffle & Velvet Wrap Dress
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This is dress is the all black twin of the dress that walked the Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway. We were so pleased to find shots of it on because it really shows you just how much it comes to life when worn. It is extraordinary and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period. The wrap design is so flattering for so many body types. I am in complete love with it.
I love the soft and romantic lines that this dress has. The dress flounces over the body and is easy to wear and very flattering. It is made of a black velvet that has enough weight to hold the shape that you see but still feel light on the body. A wide ruffle in a black silk taffeta is set so that it runs around the neck down the front and all the way around the hem. This stunning framing of the entire front of your body is quite beautiful and gives the dress is dramatic feel. To wear the dress there is an inner strap that wraps around your waist and hooks into place and then a long tie ties into place at one side. This creates a gorgeous bow on the side, which is of course a signature Yves detail. The wrapping of the dress allows you to adjust the fit around you so that it sits perfectly on you. The skirt flounces out under that and the ruffles run down the sides and around the hem. What you don't realize until the dress is on is that you are going to see a flash of leg as you move. The ruffles hide most of your leg but it does peak out as you walk. It is an insanely sexy detail that is in total contrast with the sweetness of the ruffles. Even trying to show you on the dress form doesn't get the same impact that this is going to have on the body. It looks remarkably simple yet is genius in its execution. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a inner strap that hooks around the waist. It ties to one side on the exterior as described above. The easy wrap cut makes it easy to fit a range of sizes. You could easily adjust the inner waist and I have given both the measurement of the inner strap below as well as the actual dress itself.
Sleeves: 24" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist strap is 25" end to end
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4927
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.