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[ORDER ITEM #7055]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #7055 - c. late 1950's/early 1960's JEAN DESSES Lame Cocktail Dress with Matching Coat, Lined in Orange Velvet! When Jean Desses closed his couture house at 17, Avenue Matignon (here's a fun trivia note: that mansion was formerly owned by the Eiffel family!) he continued designing from No. 12 Rond-Point-des-Champs-Elysees until 1963 when he retired (though others report it was 1965). So, since this outfit doesn't have the typical Desses label you are used to seeing, it's likely due to that... though I've never seen this type label before.  HOWEVER, this outfit came from a museum deaccession, and since it's obviously fabulously and meticulously tailored with the finest materials... and it has the "made in France" label as well....  so then.  Unique lame printed material with impressionist design in gold, orange and aqua.  VERY wiggle dress with "boned" bodice and plunging back.  Slight cocoon shape matching coat fully lined in orange velvet with velvet stand-up collar. Exquisite! Near Mint with just tiny wear at bottom metal zipper (see photo). Fully silk lined dress. The tailoring includes a focus on the ass.  Really!  Measures: 34" bust, 24" waist, up to 36/37" hips, 39" long from shoulder to hem both dress and coat. NEW LISTING!  Also listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 2,850. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 0
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM #7058]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #7058 - c. 1976 YVES SATIN LAURENT, Rive Gauche, Paris Peasant Collection!  Printed Silk Chiffon Iconic Dress! Here's the quote from the New York Times Obit for YSL:  The “rich peasant” collection of 1976, stirred so much interest that the Paris show was restaged in New York for his American admirers. “The clothes incorporated all my dreams,” he said after the show, “all my heroines in the novels, the operas, the paintings. It was my heart — everything I love that I gave to this collection.”   Just imagine the skirt billowing in the breeze, and the elastic neckline worn off the shoulders for the most romantic look.  You too can be a heroine!  One of the BEST YSL peasant piece I've ever seen.  Floral design in pink, white, blue, red, green and black. Stretch smocking to hip, ruffled open neck with wide over-the-shoulder flounce, double tiered long, full skirt with ruffles, self tie belt. Measures:  32/33+ bust, 26"+ waist, 50" long.  Excellent, near mint condition. Marked size 34. NEW LISTING! Also listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 1,485. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 4-10
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #7059 - c. Fall, 1972 NORELL Bone and Bone Checked Wool/Hair Coat!  From NORMAN NORELL's Final Collection  Donated to Museum from Gustave Tassell, President of Norman Norell, Inc.! Original Hang Tag from I. Magnin with $1,995. Price!!  What a find! First off, this coat was deaccessioned from a museum, and still has the museum tags which include a tag denoting the donor to be none other than Gustave Tassell, the designer who succeeded Norman Norell upon his death in October, 1972 as designer of the Norell label. In addition, this coat has the original hand written tape "Denise 925".  Now I had an exquisite Norell coat with a "Denise 920" tag in the past.  I have NO idea what this all means, but I'd love to find out if anyone out there has a clue!   Who, or what is Denise, and what do the numbers mean?  "Bueller, Bueller"???  I assume this could be a store sample tag??  Anyway, back to the coat... with all this documentation, and the fact that this coat is in Near Mint condition... it's an extremely collectable piece! Simple single breasted button front coat of solid color bone wool/hair fiber blend material (like a mohair) with a very deep (or wide) hem band, cuffs and wide collar of a bone and off-white checkerboard design.  Side seam pockets, and self sash tie.  Fully lined.  Measures:  38" bust, 43" long from shoulder to hem.  My last Norell sable trimmed and velvet coat (with the Denise 920 tape label) sold for $7500. This coat has the original I. Magnin hangtag that reads "Sample" and the original price as "Coat only $1995.00  So it's a STEAL at this price... as with inflation it would have sold for $10,400!!!  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Furs, etc. Category.

$ 2,285. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 6/8
(check measurements above)
Worn by MICK JAGGER -
Verbal Provenance

[ORDER ITEM #7190]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #7190 - Spring 2005 Collection BALENCIAGA, Paris Black Fully Bugle Beaded Concert Jacket! Verbal Provenance Worn by Mick Jagger!  I was hoping to find a photo of Mick wearing this jacket prior to putting it up on my website just to complete the provenance.  However, there is no question in my mind that this is exactly what it was represented to be (and if any of you Jagger fans can find me a photo of him wearing it, you get a $100 "finder's fee" from me!). I'd pay more if I wasn't SO convinced by SO many elements of this piece already. First off, Mick hangs out with Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquière, and wears Balenciaga.  Second, it's black (Mick's color), it's absolutely Mick's "look" (you can just see the cut "tails" flying as he stomped across the stage), and it's exquisitely designed and made so it would have been extraordinarily expensive!  Next, it's the correct size for Mick.. just about a female size 6 and quite abbreviated in the front (as Mick nearly always wears).  This jacket came to me directly from a gentleman in NYC who says he got it from an extremely wealthy woman who ran in the right circles to make this all very plausible.  I prefer absolute COAs or photos, but I'm selling this jacket for the price of a Balenciaga fully beaded jacket... and then Mick Jagger connection is just a bonus at this point!  Note, this jacket weighs a ton! Near Mint condition! Note... just to give you a clue to Balenciaga's prices... Balenciaga's simple little Cream Print Silk Beaded Dress from the F/W 2009 collection listed at $25,550.!  This is a million times more elaborate! I'm told by Balenciaga that this jacket retailed for $29,710 back in 2005.  So that's $32,365 in 2009 dollars (love those inflation calulators!).  But I can almost guarantee you that this would cost more if produced today... it's extraordinary!  NEW LISTING!  Also listed in Memorabilia Category and 1930-Today Categories.

$ 35,000. ORDER

[ORDER ITEM #6955]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6955 - c. 1955 RARE TRAINA-NORELL, New York Organdy  and Embroidered Party Dress with Original Petticoat Underpinning! I mean really! To find a 1955 silk organdy gorgeous Traina-Norell fancy party dress alone is a great find... but to have the original separate half petticoat with it is ... well... let me just say it puts a huge smile on my face!! :) The color is a unique mocha brown embroidered with ivory branch-like motifs with satin tie bow belt. The dress has a fitted bodice with narrow shoulder straps and full skirt.  Measures:  34" bust, 25" waist, 45" long form shoulder to hem, 30" long from waist to hem.  Excellent condition with two minor issues: Tiny stain back bodice and one even tinier one on a bit of ivory embroidery (see photos), and one of the straps is fraying at seam and underneath. This dress is MUSEUM QUALITY and indeed was deaccessioned from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection.  A Killer dress from the best era of couture (in my opinion!) the 1950s! NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category. 

$ 2,850. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 4
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM #7042]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #7042 - Dated October 5, 1880 Complete Beaded Victorian Wedding Gown Outfit with Original Wedding License and Invitations and Complete Accessories with Provenance!  Includes Shoes, Stockings, Gloves, Photos, Books, Papers, Silver Spoon, Wax Headpiece, Wax Ornaments, and Large Framed Portrait of the Bride, Corrie Emma Lacy who wedded Dr. Lee Herbert Smith in Buffalo, New York. I've never seen a more complete wedding outfit!  And it's not like this is just a run-of-the-mill bride or gown.  Nope, this bride's genealogy can be quickly traced back to the Huguenots in France and specifically to the family of Pierre Fauconnier (his family dating back to the 11th Century at least, and which is said to be "the most ancient and honorable in France). Corrie Emma Lacy (the child of Clark B. Lacy and Emma Sleeper) was born in Buffalo on Dec. 5, 1858 and had one child, Herbert Lacy, born on May 10, 1886.  Her husband, Dr. Lee H. Smith graduated from the medical dept. of the University of Buffalo in 1877, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, NYC in 1881 and was the vice-president of the World's Dispensary Medical Association. Obviously the families were wealthy, as this gorgeous white beaded, golden brocaded 2-piece gown will attest.  The gown is in Excellent condition with just the most minor bead loss.  The wax ornaments you see on the front bodice are separate, but were worn on the gown as per the bride's portrait.  All the other accessories are included... the ivory wedding slippers, the white gloves, the silk stockings and the wax headpiece, along with photographs, papers, books, a silver spoon, the original wedding invitations and wedding license as well as the large framed portrait of the bride!  Fabulous for a wedding museum!!!  The only thing missing is the lacings for the back of the bodice (obviously new lacings can be found).  The size of the gown is tiny and short... too tiny for my mannequin (although I photoshopped the back in one photo so you can see how it will look when correctly mounted).  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the Wedding and 1850-1920s Categories.  Shipping costs will be extra due to the large Framed Portrait.

$ 5,850.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 000
(check measurements above) 

[ORDER ITEM #6542]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6542 - c. late 1940's/early 1950's HATTIE CARNEGIE, Paris, Palm Beach, New York Black Silk Taffeta Gown Covered with Deco Design Rhinestones!  Hattie Carnegie was never actually a fashion designer, but rather her shops imported expensive original designer Parisian models, as well as employing renowned house designers. The couturiers whose models she imported included Lanvin, Vionnet, Molyneux, Mainbocher Chanel, Patou, Schiaparelli, and Charles James. The upper levels of Hattie Carnegie were quite similar to those of the Paris couture houses, where fine custom clothing was made to order for wealthy society women, movie stars and royalty, including famous customers as Joan Crawford and the Duchess of Windsor. Quoted in the November 1940 Bazaar, "Probably the look most associated with Hattie Carnegie - the perfectly tasteful black evening dress that made the wearer look and feel like $1,000,000!"  And so... I'm pleased to present this extraordinary Hattie Carnegie gown!  Black silk taffeta with teeming with bright rhinestones in a deco pattern design front and back. The low "v" back is covered in a fluttering sheer chiffon and lower back with taffeta streamers (both again covered with the rhinestones).  The shape of the gown with wide "petal" hipline evokes the "new look" probably before Dior, and the petal look probably before Charles James! This gown will need the appropriate underpinnings to fill out as you see, but even hanging on a hanger, it's superb! Museum piece without a doubt.  Measurements coming, but frankly I'd rather you not wear this gem.  Excellent condition, just ever so slight pulling/tearing at chiffon shoulders. NEW LISTING!   Also listed in the 1930-Today Category. 

$ 6,850. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 2/4
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #5707]
Click on image for additional photos!

 #5707 - c. 1965 EXTREMELY RARE Iconic André Courrèges Lunette "Eskimo" (or "Eclipse" or Slit") White Sunglasses! Museum Worthy! Unbelievable!!!  Not one, not two or even three... but 8 pairs of these extremely rare sunglasses of old store stock left in a box - untouched in over 40+ years!!!! (OK,  I touched one just to take the photograph and to look it over... and yes, try it on - who could resist!).  Mint condition!  IN THE ORIGINAL BOX which stamped with "Made in France" and handwritten in pencil, "8 pieces Courreges".  The glasses are each still wrapped in a plastic wrap, and laying in waiting.  Who knew they'd be waiting so long!!!   A lightweight, softish white plastic with writing on the inside of the glasses (or at least the one I opened) with a Patent number and the word "Depose" embossed in the plastic and the word "Courreges" in silver on the exterior earpiece.  NOTE:  When the Musée de la Mode et du Textile at the Louvre in Paris had their MOD Exhibition in 2002, this was the photo selected for the poster art!  And this from a museum with over 16,000 costumes and 35,000 fashion accessories going from the 16th century to modern times. Pretty impressive, eh? I've contacted a few museums to check on the authenticity of these glasses, and have found that there were a few slightly different versions (in various museums), some with the grommets, some without.  All museum pieces.

I WAS selling these glasses complete in the box for one price... or each separately (as I know there will be many who don't need/want all 8 pair).  But one pair has SOLD, so the complete box is no longer available.  But as you purchase each separately, at least you know they came from ONE previous owner and are all original to this one store stock box! I will give you a COA from Antiquedress.com stating that with a photo of the original box on that COA.

$ 1,250. each pair  ORDER   7 Pairs Still Available.


[ORDER ITEM #6905]
Click on image for additional photos!

Debbie Reynolds:
"What I remember most from this party
is how much I loved my dress. Helen
Rose did this outfit for me. It's pale green,
and the coat is lined with the same
beading as the dress. We had to pay
for those dresses back then. The $7,000
cost was steep."
—at the Governors Ball, 1964

 #6905 - RARE c. 1960's HELEN ROSE Couture Gold Beaded Gown with Crystal Drops! Helen Rose was one of the few top Hollywood Designers from the 1940s-60s. She costumed over 200 films for MGM, was honored with 10 Oscar nominations and two Oscar wins! She designed wardrobe for a long list of stars. And her designs are memorable...such as Elizabeth Taylor's famous white wrap dress and slip from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".  She was Grace Kelly's favorite, designing her wardrobe for "The Swan" and "High Society" AND her personal wedding gown... as well as Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding gown to Nicky Hilton, a white satin gown embellished with seed pearls and beading which had taken a number of beaders two months to complete! Helen's consumer line, "Helen Rose Couture", existed from 1957-1972. In 1957, the price for her retail version of the Liz Taylor "Cat" short chiffon dress was $250! So you can just imagine the original price of this beaded gown! Easily $5,000+ in the 60s! Fitted, fully beaded gown with extremely flattering low "v" neckline both front and back.  Fabulous rows of beaded fringe and crystal drops on the skirt, at hemline, at bodice and armholes... even the underdress is beaded at the underarms!  Awesome! If Helen Rose was good enough for Grace Kelly and Liz Taylor for their wedding gowns, well... By the way, don't forget to mention the Grace Kelly / Liz Taylor connection to every woman in the room! Measures tops: 36/37" bust, 28/29" waist (27" inner band), up to 39" hips, 56/57" long from shoulder to hem. This is an opportunity to experience the luxury and glamour that was reserved for filmland's most beautiful women. Excellent condition!  The BEST of the BEST! Also listed in the 1930-Today Category.  NEW LISTING!  

$ 6,500.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 8
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #5126]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #5126 - c. 1986 RARE ISABEL TOLEDO "Packing Skirt" of Red and Black Linen with Original Matching Black Knit Top with Red Linen Collar! Museum Worthy! Wow... what a great find!  Most people never heard the name "Isabel Toledo" until Michelle Obama wore a lemongrass yellow outfit for the inauguration of her hubby.  All of a sudden she was a household name!  However, it was back in 1985 when Isabel Toledo presented her first collection. So she was an overnight sensation nearly 25 years in the making!  Most recently the Museum at F.I.T., New York held a Isabel Toledo exhibit entitled “Fashion From the Inside Out”.  Seems that both Isabel's and  Museum Director, Dr. Valerie Steele's favorite piece is the Packing Dress from 1988, which has "since been born again in many incarnations. It's essentially two circular pieces of fabric that mysteriously, yet simply, come together with blurred lines. Imagine a garment that mimics the point where the ocean and sand come together at the beach, that spot where one can no longer define where one ends and the other begins". HOWEVER, seems this dress started as a skirt concept, because as written in October 31, 1986:  "Isabel Toledo, 22, whose business is only three seasons old.... Among the more directional styles she will show for spring is a double-circle skirt she calls a "packing skirt" because it lies flat when not worn". And as Dr. Steele said, "I think one of the most important designs that I really wanted to get for the museum was her packing dress that is shaped like a doughnut, the pattern is round with a hole cut in, and it can be worn back to front, front to back and upside down. It’s a very kind of Balenciaga looking dress, yet it can be packed flat into a little folded package. I think this is one of the most important designs Isabel did".  So... this is a MUSEUM PIECE!  Near Mint condition. Linen and silk knit.  Measures: 24" waist, 19" long skirt, stretch top best for Small.  It's an OLD size 6! The red belt did not come with it, but matches great, so I'm throwing it in.  FYI, Couture Isabel Toledo pieces sell new for $2770-$5500+ ! This is certainly more special than any of those as the revolutionary designed "Packing Dress" forerunner!  NEW LISTING!    Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category. 

$ 3,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 0/2
(check measurements above)
FROM MUSEUM QUALITY ESTATE

[ORDER ITEM #5094]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #5094 - EXTREMELY RARE (outside of the World's Top Museums) c. 1770-1790's (late 18th Century) "Habit a la Francaise" French Frock Coat of Dark Taupe Cut Velvet with Magnificent Polychrome Floral Silk Embroidery... Along with Ivory Silk Embroidered Waistcoat!  From large estate of early Museum Quality clothing comes this extraordinary French highly embroidered velvet frock coat with silk faille embroidered waistcoat under. I still have these pieces displayed on my mannequin as I can't bear to take them away!!  Even better in person... you will just totally lost in the embroidery!!! It's mesmerizing!!!  This would have been a court suit and worn with matching velvet breeches and a lace jabot at neck.  The most intricate polychrome silk embroidery of flowers and leaves and embroidered ivory ovals creating what is meant to look like lace at the edges. Coordinating ivory simple lace at cuffs. The ivory silk faille waistcoat is equally impressive and beautifully embroidered with bright silk in a complementary floral design. I have seen embroidered frock coats and waistcoats for sale on the open market, but never have I seen any more extraordinary!  Most are in the top international museums.  Both pieces in Excellent condition and all original.  There are extreme minor issues... a bit of discoloration under the arm (see photos) and the netting is gone from much of the "lace" embroidery on the frock coat (hardly worth a mention!!!), minor tears in the lining.  The waistcoat is near mint. Simply in RARE FINE CONDITION!  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the 1700-1840s Category. 

$ 25,000. for both pieces  ORDER

 
FROM MUSEUM QUALITY ESTATE

[ORDER ITEM #5092]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #5092 - RARE c. 1770's Polonaise of Museum Quality Floral and Striped Brocaded Silk Polonaise with Original internal Drawstrings!  From large estate of early Museum Quality clothing... comes this gorgeous open front polonaise gown!  Exquisite embroidered striped silk satin of champagne and coral with green and ivory embroidered flowers and buds all over. Wonderful detailing including self-covered decorative buttons on front bodice, banded slit in the pocket of the skirt to allow for accessing pocket of underskirt, slightly curved sleeves to follow the crook of the arms, original gathered string for the top of the bodice (one side only still exists), fine muslin lining in bodice.  One of the most exciting features is that the interior rope cords and loops are still intact for gathering up the back gown!  See the additional photos showing the gown gathered up at back and down as you see to the left.  I photographed this gown over a simple white petticoat at front and panniers (neither come with the gown).  The condition is REMARKABLE!  Clean underarms, like new! Strong silk fabric with only a bit of edge wear on front of skirt. Only one tiny hole found (only by holding up to light) half the size of eraser head. Otherwise only minor small areas of discolorations (lost in folds).  Simply RARE FINE CONDITION!  Shown on a 30" bust, 23" waist mannequin.  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the 1700-1840s Category. 

$ 7,500.  ORDER
FROM MUSEUM QUALITY ESTATE
[ORDER ITEM #5108]
Click on image for additional photos!

#5108 - c. 1800 RARE Embroidered Sheer Woven Muslin Trained Gown! The color is an off-white of a ever so slight robins egg bluish tinge, which you see when placed against a true white. Lovely piece!!  Embroidered transparent evening dress with train, likely English or French in gorgeous woven block design with wavy embroidery, gathered string tie sleeves, low neckline and squared off train!  Extremely rare to find these gowns with trains.  As I read,  trained gowns pretty much disappeared by 1805/1806.  There are a few small holes (see photos) that could just use some darning, but otherwise in lovely clean condition!! This is impossibly small in the back... just 4" across back between armseams!!  I had to find my teeny black mannequin for the back photo (so my photo isn't as pretty as it should be!). The sides of the bodice and sleeves are lined in a tight woven fairly stiff cotton (see interior photos)!  The string pulls at the sleeves don't easily pull, so as you see one sleeve is more puffed than the other, but certainly these can be fixed to work.  Center bodice ties as well to fit.  The back of the gown closes with "corset ties" (though no cord remains there).  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the 1700-1840s Category. 

$ 2,750.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 000
(check measurements above)
FROM MUSEUM QUALITY ESTATE
[ORDER ITEM #5091]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #5091 - RARE c. mid 1700's or mid-18th Century Shoes! Watered Silk Faille Light Tan Fabric!  PLEASE NOTE: the Buckles are for Show only.   I'm showing these early shoes with buckles (that aren't of the correct era, but somewhat of the right look) just to give you an idea of what they would have looked like when worn.  The rest of the photos show the shoes as they are.  The watered silk faille is all trimmed in a matching silk braid.  Hard to describe the condition.  For the age they are Excellent, with just extremely minor issues of wear - mostly at the edges.  The photos will really describe the condition better than words. There are pinholes on the tabs where the buckles would have been attached over the years. They are 99% intact..... and structurally very sound! Interior sole is brown leather in fabulous condition. Bottom leather sole is mostly sueded now having lost the top layer, but still in great condition.  An amazingly early pair of shoes not often found on the open market!  Measure: 3" wide x 9" long  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the 1700-1840s and Hats, etc. Categories. 

$ 3,450.  ORDER

[ORDER ITEM - #6623]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6623 - RARE c. 1954 BALMAIN's "Jolie Madame" Opulent Light Blue Silk Satin Beaded Ballgown!  This absolutely stunning French couture ballgown by Pierre Balmain is made of the most luxurious materials and of the finest craftmanship from his "Jolie Madame" collection. There is a gold chainstitch inscription of this in the inner skirt of the dress.  A bit of history.... In 1947 Balmain opened a boutique on the ground floor of his couture house, which he named "Jolie Madame".  The boutique offered "limited editions" which could be fitted and ready for the customer to wear by the next day, as opposed to the numerous, time consuming, fittings required for "made-to-measure" haute couture.  These pieces were not out-sourced nor factory mass produced. They were made a few at a time, in the designer's own workrooms, exactly as if a client had ordered multiple duplicates of a couture design with Balmain's extraordinary workmanship still readily apparent.  During the 50's/60's, Balmain designed gowns for the most iconic women of the times including Brigitte Bardot, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Marlene Dietrich, and Katherine Hepburn. Even today, Penelope Cruz wore a "best dressed list" vintage 50's Balmain ballgown for the 2009 Oscars!
The cut of the dress is very simple, while sumptuous beaded embroidery by Lesage adds style and richness to the design.  From the late 50's onward, all of Balmain's embroideries were carried out by Lesage. Beads and rhinestones in a flower and petal design with loads of loops beads creating a "fringe" at dropped waist, around sweetheart neckline. There is an inner layer of tulle in the skirt (shown without any extra petticoats). The gown is in Excellent condition without obvious blemishes... but some beads have fallen off and the zipper just needs a simple stitching on the seam.  Likely hemmed up at some point, and there are extra beads in that hem. The only real issue that is not easily fixed is some staining inside one armhole... NOT seen from the exterior!! Measurements coming...  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the 1939-Today Category.

$ 7,500.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 6
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #6729]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6729 - c. 1958 Attibuted to BALENCIAGA Golden Floral Empire Dress with Watteau Back and Sheer Overcoat! Direct from Zurich, Switzerland!  I've seen enough couture and not couture clothing in my life to know that "attributing this to Balenciaga" seems a no brainer!  All the detailing of the design, the fabrication (I believe a warp printed brocade), the classic Balenciaga seaming, the fastidious hand-stitiched seams, the awesome finishing details (including beaded weighting in the dress back hemline), the sheer harmonizing overcoat, the slight slope in the hemline at the front of the dress, the mid-seam down front, the coloration in various tones of a single color in a floral pattern, etc., etc. Near pristine condition (except for one spot found on one sleeve - see photos). Museum quality in condition, design, and colorations!  This may have been custom-made at Balenciaga as it has no label, and it seems to be sized exactly to fit a somewhat busty client.  I have another dress from the same estate, also attributed to Balenciaga (see below).  Same measurements. To those of you "in the know", you will understand just how extraordinary this piece. Measures: 40" bust, up to 31" waist, up to 40" hips, 40" long from shoulder to hem. NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 6,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 10/12
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #6730]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6730 - c. 1958 Attibuted to BALENCIAGA Brown Silk Floral Dress with Gathered Back and Matching Silk Overcoat! Direct from Zurich, Switzerland!  I sold another labeled Balenciaga dress with a similar gathered extraordinary back.  That dress was spectacular on its own, but this dress has the additional matching printed silk coat with hugely oversized collar that comes with it.  Please look at the additional photos to see the coat! This ensemble came from the same estate as the other "attributed to Balenciaga" dress and sheer coat ensemble, and was likely made to order in the salon as her measurements are a bit on the busty size at:  37" bust, up to 30" waist, up to 40" hips, 43" long in front and what seems to be 42" long in the back?  This dress and coat have all the exquisite tailoring details you would expect from Balenciaga, including the classic Balenciaga seaming, the fastidious hand-stitiched seams, the awesome finishing details (including weighting in the dress hemline), the matching overcoat, the mid-seam down front, the coloration in various tones of a single color in a floral pattern, etc., etc.  Near Mint condition.  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 6,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 8/10
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #4714]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4714 - c. 1878 EMILE PINGAT, Paris 2-piece Heavy Black Silk Satin Bustle Gown in Near Mint Condition!  EXTREMELY RARE EXTRA LARGE SIZE!  I can't believe the condition of this gown! It's LIKE NEW!!!   I doubt it was ever worn, and then it was stored in some amazing place that didn't allow for anything to harm it.  You'd swear you went back in time to 1878, except for one missing carved abalone button (damn that one button!).  The gown is 2-pieces. The bodice is trimmed in ivory lace at the neckline and cuffs.  The skirt is shown over a bustle (doesn't come with it) and has nice bustle draping and silk floss fringe.  The hemline is fully pleated and has a "kilting" of magenta pleated satin peeking out from under the black satin - which, according to the expert - proclaims that this gown could not, under any circumstances, be worn for mourning. Actually this expert called this an "at home" gown or as we might know it today, a "hostess gown".  Though I'm not sure why it has that designation, nor why she would have such an expensive gown for "at home"!   Unless she was SO damn wealthy that she bought her wardrobe from Pingat and Worth and Doucet and just had so many gowns that she didn't have a chance to wear them all!!  And even her "simplest" gowns were Parisian masterpieces! Now for the other incredible information about this gown. It's an Extremely Large Size by Victorian or any other standards!  Measures an astonishing 45" bust, 37" waist, 42" long from waist to hem, 66" long from waist to back of train.   Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Section. 

$ 5,250.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 20/22
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #6157]
Click on image for additional photos!

#6157 - c. 1884 A. WALLES, 15 Rue Auber 15, Paris Deep Ruby Velvet, Lace and Jet Beaded Caplet! Ah... you should know this label! First off, this came from a collection that included an exquisite Emile Pingat outfit that was also labeled "A. Walles".  Seems that in 1896 Pingat grew tired and relinquished his business to the well-established dressmaking firm, A. Walles  - who  apparently by 1892 specialized in court dresses, including clothing for the Austrian court. This fabulous capelet certainly could have been worn by royalty!  Deep ruby velvet adorned with elaborate design of sequins and jet beads surrounded in a heavy ecru lace and topped off with large black silk bows.  Lined in an iridescent burgundy silk with scalloped edges.  A few minor marks in the velvet, but basically Near Mint condition.  This is one for the museum collection!   Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Category. 

$ 2,485.  ORDER

[ORDER ITEM - #9939]
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 #9939 - c. 1906/07 RARE Parisian Fabulous Ermine and Lace Coat!  With the Photo of the Original Owner (Willie Mae Thompson Norfleet) Wearing the Coat! Wearable Size!  This coat comes directly from the descendants of the woman in the photo.... the coat was stored for all these years in the homestead and remains in surprisingly Excellent condition!!  There are only a few issues to speak of... other than the missing crocheted button on the front (big deal)... there is one spot on the lace on the lower back of the coat, and the inner barely seen silk is shattering behind the lace at the hemline (see photos).  The silk lining is in great condition (see photos), but the extremely delicate pleating chiffon trim (which hardly ever survives!) was taped together.  This kept it from getting worse, but it's not something I'd recommend! :)  Anyway, I'm leaving as I found it.  You can remove the chiffon and no one would know anything was wrong, but I'd rather leave as much fashion history as possible.  NOTE: The coat was not meant to be worn full-length, but rather to about 7/8 length over a gown, so imagine a gown peeking out the bottom.  Wearable 2-6 size!  Measures: Up to 35" bust, but the back is a bit small at 13" between armseams, so best for a size 2/4 gal with smallish back. Though as you can see, she wore it open!  52" long from shoulder to hem. Until the 20th Century, ermine was reserved for royalty in Western Europe seen on the coronation robes of royal and noble persons.  It symbolized purity, valor, justice and dignity. After that, only the most wealthy could afford something this luxurious!!  This coat comes with the original photo of Willie Mae wearing the coat, and a typed 7-page family diary from 1894-1904 which describes the constant trips to Europe and Paris... and even times when they stayed with Royalty, and Willie Mae's sister Ada's address in NYC which was the prestigious Central Park West... one block from the famed John Lennon's Dakota building!!  I'm attributing the coat as a Parisian Designer Coat as it's nearly an absolute match to the Parisian jacket I have listed below! And I know this family bought most of their clothing from Paris.  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Category.

$ 5,875.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 2/4, perhaps small 6
(check measurements above) 

[ORDER ITEM - #4743]
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 		#4743 - c. 1960's SORELLE FONTANA Export, Made in Italy Raw Silk/Linen Wiggle Dress with Jacket!  Museum Deaccession!  Quite rare to find a 60's Sorelle Fontana suit!  FYI, according to the Life in Italy website, Sorelle Fontana is Rome's "Prominent and Oldest Fashion House - and is known as Couturiers to the Stars. Their beautiful designs became highly sought-after by Hollywood stars, famous women and the Italian aristocracy. Ava Gardner wore Fontana on and off the set. And Sorelle Fontana even designed for the movies, including dressing the young Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday".  Many others such as Princess Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor wore their designs.  They designed their first ready-to-wear collection in 1960. AND, according to the museum hangtag on this suit, they date it to 1960, and the label indicates "export", so...  I have to assume that this is a wonderful museum example of possibly the first collection of RTW by Sorelle Fontana! Excellent condition.  The exquisite art noveau print dress bodice is the same material lining the boxy jacket!  So beautifully tailored, it could nearly be worn inside out! The tie on the dress can be worn showing the print side out, or solid side, depending on the look you want. Back metal zipper. No skirt slit, so you will wiggle! Measures:  36" bust, 25" waist, up to 35" hips, 20" long jacket.    Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 1,285. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 10
(all measurements are maximum, slightly smaller is OK!)

 

[ORDER ITEM - #6431]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #6431 - c. 1960's RARE ODICINI COUTURE White Strapless Silk Satin Gown with Attached Black Silk Lined Train and Heavy Black Beaded Floral Ornaments around Bodice! Sold at Fred Hayman, Beverly Hills. This is a RARE Odicini Couture gown from Italy of the finest quality silk satins!  PLEASE read up on Odicini by clicking on the photo at left and scrolling down.  You really need to know WHAT this is!  They just don't make anything like this any more.  The modern designer couture gowns just don't have the quality fabrics for some reason.  Why?  Who knows!  Perhaps the modern silk worms are eating too much fast food?  Or aren't getting enough loving?  Whatever the reason, that just means that vintage is the way to go!  Especially if you have lusted after Audrey Hepburn's famous Givenchy gown in "Sabrina" and could never find anything even close.  Well... here it is!  White silk satin column strapless gown with attached black silk lined train.  Incredibly heavy black 3-dimentional beading around bodice and waist front to back.  This gown comes with the original large and heavy 115" x 28" black silk satin shawl.  Side zipper.   It's TOP couture!   Measures: 34/35" bust, 27" waist, up to 37" hips, 44" long from natural waist to hem, 50" long in back.  Excellent condition, but as it's white, it either needs hemline cleaning, or hem up for you shorter women and no spot cleaning necessary. I've photographed the gown slightly hemmed up and not hemmed up to see the length of the train.  Either way is great.  For your next BLACK & WHITE Ball!!  With long black gloves!  Oh my! Also Listed in the Wedding and 1930-Today Category. 

$ 6,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 6
(all measurements are maximum)

[ORDER ITEM - #4321]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4321 - c. 1909-1914 JEANNE LANVIN, Paris Black Cotton Velvet Walking Suit with Separate Original Tasseled Sash! Very Old Label!  Labeled in hard-to-read woven gold: Jeanne Lanvin, 22, Rue du Faubourg, Paris. Jeanne Lanvin started her own line in 1909, so this could be one of the earliest known pieces!  Due to the surprising short bolero shaped jacket, I'm having a bit of trouble dating it specifically to year. Purchased at an estate sale from a wealthy New Jersey estate.  An obviously fashion forward, very tailored Parisian Couture skirt suit in black cotton velvet.  The bodice jacket has a lovely rope frog closure and black silk, nicely shaped collar.  The sleeves are long and each ornamented with 7 working velvet buttons. The back waistline of the jacket has embedded elastic and ornamental tabs with buttons on either side. The skirt is ornamented with 37 or 38 working velvet covered buttons down each side of the lower skirt.  The hemline is surrounded with a box pleated "ruffle".  The skirt is a hidden built-in inner wide waistband with hook/eye closures.  There is a separate (I can't believe this remained with the suit all these years!!) black silk sash belt with an amazingly wonderful long green passementarie and huge, long black silk tassel!!!    Measures:  34/35" bust, 28.5" waist skirt, 40" long from waist to hem in front skirt (may have been shortened), and 44" long from waist to hem in back.  The condition is Quite Good with a few fairly minor issues.  The black silk collar is delicate and tearing at back fold, there are 2 covered buttons missing from each skirt side, and 2 missing from back. Extreme minor wear at hemline and some re-tacking needed. All these issues are nit-picky for such an historic piece!  The only real issue is the silk sash which has fairly large holes and pinholes and is delicate.  But the fact that it exists at all is incredible!!    Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Category.

$ 4,250. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 6
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #4502]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4502 - c. 1950's OLEG CASSINI Russet Colored Lace Dress with Original Design Patent Tag!  For those of you who have vintage clothing worthy of a museum, this dress should be added to your collection!  The design itself is, of course as you can see, fabulous... but it's the original Design Patent tag inside that is so unique!  Frankly I've not seen a tag like this on any dress before.  Perhaps it's that rare, or perhaps I'm just not looking hard enough.  I know of two other black lace Cassini dresses of the same design, so obviously the dress was produced, but perhaps this could be the original sample?  Seems slightly better as the others with the bows at straps, and the shape seems a bit more elegant. You know Oleg Cassini as the official couturier for Jackie Kennedy during her White House years.  I'm sure this design was a bit too sexy for her, but would have worked beautifully on his finance, Grace Kelly. Russet color lace in "sunburst" design skimming over a more fitted sexy russet sheathe dress with plunging bodice of nude fabric. Tie bows at shoulders and back. The condition looks Excellent, but is Very Good, as there are small breaks in the lace under the arms (see photos) and one short lace line break on the bodice near front/side. Still a wonderful museum quality early Oleg Cassini dress with great tag! Measures: 34" bust, 24/25" waist, up to 36" hips, 26" long from waist to hem.  NOTE:  To keep dress is best condition, Final Sale Item! Also listed in the 1920-Today Category. 

$ 785. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 2/4
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #9910]
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Debbie Reynolds:
"What I remember most from this party is how much I loved my dress. Helen Rose did this outfit for me. It's pale green, and the coat is lined with the same beading as the dress. We had to pay for those dresses back then. The $7,000 cost was steep."
—at the Governors Ball, 1964

#9910 - RARE c. 1960's HELEN ROSE Couture Pink Beaded Dress!  Helen Rose was one of the few top Hollywood Designers from the 1940s-60s. She costumed over 200 films for MGM, was honored with 10 Oscar nominations and two Oscar wins! She designed wardrobe for a long list of stars. And her designs are memorable...such as Elizabeth Taylor's famous white wrap dress and slip from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".  She was Grace Kelly's favorite, designing her wardrobe for "The Swan" and "High Society" AND her personal wedding gown, as well as Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding gown to Nicky Hilton,  a white satin gown embellished with seed pearls and beading which had taken a number of beaders two months to complete! Helen's consumer line, "Helen Rose Couture", existed from 1957-1972. In 1957, the price for her retail version of the Liz Taylor "Cat" short chiffon dress was $250! So you can just imagine the original price of this beaded dress! Easily $5,000+ in the 60s! Fitted fully beaded dress with extremely flattering low "v" neckline both front and back.  Fabulous floral beaded and rhinestones over the entire bodice and wide band at hemline.  Awesome! If Helen Rose was good enough for Grace Kelly and Liz Taylor for their wedding gowns, well... By the way, don't forget to mention the Grace Kelly / Liz Taylor connection to every woman in the room! Measures tops: 33/34" bust, 23/24" waist (23" inner band), 35/36" in the hips, 39" long from shoulder to hem. This is an opportunity to experience the luxury and glamour that was reserved for filmland's most beautiful women. Near Mint condition!  The BEST of the BEST! Also listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 7,500.  ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 0/2
(all measurements are maximum, slightly smaller is OK!)
From WHITNEY HOUSTON
[ORDER ITEM - #4886]
Click on image for additional photos!  		#4886 - c. 1980's BOB MACKIE Couture Gold Beaded Gown! Previously Owned by WHITNEY HOUSTON! As Seen in the "Unmistakable Mackie" Book! One of the Holy Grail Mackie pieces!  Top couture Bob Mackie gown previously owned by Whitney Houston! This gown weighs an unbelievable 8 pounds!! Photographed in black and white for the "Unmistakable Mackie" book, this gown is encrusted with gold bugle beads! Looks like a 14k gold Oscar statuette as it drapes the body like the woman in the photo... less exciting on the dressform. This was not a Mackie gown meant for the general public. This is a couture piece with no lining. It's beaded only onto a black net background, so it's sheer, but only slightly as the beads cover every square inch!  Draping low cowl neck back.  Padded shoulders. Near Mint condition. Measures: 35"/36"  bust, up to 26" waist, up to 36" hips, 63" long from shoulder to hem in front 64" long in back. Sharon Stone's Mackie beaded gown from "Casino" sold at auction for $13,200.  And the original cost of this piece new would have easily been $15,000+.  These are the Mackies that will end up in museums... not the newer pieces that are just "pretty gowns".  Here's your chance to own the best of the best from Hollywood's fashion icon and masterful designer!  Also listed in Memorabilia Category and 1930-Today Category.

$ 8,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above)


[ORDER ITEM - #9825]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #9825 - c. 1830's (perhaps 1837) RARE 19th Century Gold and Silver Embroidered "Riegelhaube" or "Latch Plate Hood" with hand-written German Provenance from an Eleanore Speckner!  Comes with the Original Wallpaper Hatbox AND 8 Silver Filigree Hairpins! AS RARE as they come, this "Riegelhaube" or "Latch Plate Hood" was the head coverage for the Bavarian region - centered in and around Munich from 1755 through about 1850.  Originally much larger in the mid-1700's, they developed over 100 years to form the stiff classic shape of this one dating to approximately 1837.  What was originally a bow on the downfacing side, turned into a stiff symbol of a bow. The Riegelhaube is made of a rigid rag cardboard basis, encrusted over with silver or gold spiral metal embroidery, beading or spangles (sequins).   It's said that silver was for unmarried girls, gold for married, and black for widows/mourning... though no one is sure of that. However it was known that the caps took 200-300 working hours to create, at the price of several monthly wages! To see the Riegelhaube as worn, I found a painting of a Helene Sedlmayr, from 1831. (the painting is not part of this sale!  Geesh!). This Riegelhaube comes with the ORIGINAL green and red wallpaper hatbox and hand-written German note.  AS WELL AS Eight Extraordinary Krausnadel silver filigree hairpins used to hold the schopf (bun) together.  Traditionally only 2-5 pins were allowed used, so there are two sets here... 3 pins in the round pin set, and 5 pins in the floral pin set.  There is a variety to the pins.  And all the flower pins have tremblers!!   Condition of all elements is Excellent!! The hatbox the only piece showing wear at edges. The silver pins are tarnished as is the gold embroidered cap, but that is to be expected and I will not clean for those of you who want items this old in pristine "as found" condition.   Also listed in 1800-1840s and Hats, etc. Categories.

$ 2,850. for all pieces ORDER

 

[ORDER ITEM - #4315]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4315 - c. 1980's BOB MACKIE Fully Beaded Fringe and Crystal Dress! $7,000 Original Price Still Attached ! So WHY don't I sell this dress for $7,000?? Seems crazy to me that we should be able to buy 20-year-old dresses for LESS than the original price in NEW, UNWORN condition!! Part of the problem is that it's only these very early net Mackie dresses (and costumes) that were priced at this level. There were many Mackie mass-produced dresses that were produced later, and often people don't know the difference. Always seek out the fully beaded dresses and gowns on nude netting - these were lined in nude material to be worn out in public, but if the linings were removed, they were the same nearly see-through dresses that were worn by Cher, Diana Ross and others! This dress screams Ann Margaret during her Vegas days. So these, along with Mackie's beaded costumes, are the collectable Mackies! (There was a strange silk modesty strap that you step into to hold the dress down, but I detached one side as no human could fit into the dress the way it was. You can easily remove the other side from the lining, but I left it as it is original to the dress.) Measures: 36" bust, up to 28" waist, up to 36" hips (37" tight), 32" long from shoulder to hem of underskirt with additional 4" beaded fringe. Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 5,850. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 6 (a/b cup best)
(check measurements above)

[ORDER ITEM - #9346]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #9346 - c. 1980's RARE MICHAELE VOLLBRACH Gold Lame and Soft Green Wool Felt Kimono Shaped Evening Coat Trimmed in Peacock Feathers! Former Coty Fashion Design Winner! Attention all wall flowers!!!! You do NOT want this coat! However, if you have always craved attention, and you have a flamboyant style.. or if you are a couture collector... well then... you have just found the holy grail! :) Amazing piece.. part fashion, part sculpture.. by the incomparable Michaele Vollbrach! Just so you know... a quilted kimono jacket sold for $2900+ at Doyle's Auction House, so the prices for these extraordinary pieces are high.. for good reason! No museum textile collection should be without Vollbrach! FYI, "Michael" Vollbrach was recently wooed out of retirement to head the house of Bill Blass, but he's had to tame his wild streak, so it's not the same. Originally purchased in mid-1980's for $2,000. Purchased from Charlotte's in Akron, OH during a trunk show when Michaele Vollbrach was there! So no question this is a limited production couture, or one-of-a-kind piece. Unlined felt (see inside photo). Not for warmth! :) The peacock feathers are beautifully iridescent! The gold lame is shiny! Measures: 46" long from shoulder to hem. No closures, so will fit a variety of sizes.. just not small/short please! This will overwhelm you! Excellent, near mint condition. Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 1,750. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE Medium-Large (sizes 10-14, perhaps 16)
(check measurements above)
AUTHENTIC - BARBRA STREISAND Owned
and CECIL BEATON Designed Gown

[ORDER ITEM - #4343]
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4343 - c. 1970 Extremely Rare CECIL BEATON Designed Gown and Shawl for "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever" Purchased from the Collection of BARBRA STREISAND! The Paramount movie was released in 1970, starring Barbra Streisand with costumes designed by the legendary Cecil Beaton. Deep red silk velvet full length empire style gown with train, having attached nude silk under dress, featuring seven oval shaped cutouts revealing underdress, edged with gold bugle beading and decorative gold metallic thread flowers. "Paramount" label with handwritten notation "Barbra Streisand". The gown is accompanied by a matching long velvet shawl, ends featuring large, full double tassels. Snap hook and eye closures. Built in bra label reads "Saks Fifth Avenue". The photos of Barbra wearing this gown were taken by Cecil Beaton! A postcard of the photo accompanies this gown, as well as the COA. Very Good Condition with occasional loose threading, a few tiny holes at lower front. Cape is Excellent condition. Measures: 33/34" bust (A cup bra), up to 32" waist, 58" long from shoulder to hem, 110" x 22" long scarf with 7" tassles. NOTE: the Cecil Beaton Audrey Hepburn ascot gown from "My Fair Lady" sold recently for $110,000! Oh, and Barbra Streisand's Superman T-shirt (yes folks... a T-shirt!) sold for $6,000, her "Owl and the Pussycat" outfit sold for $15,600, and her signature sailor top sold for $28,800!! Also Listed in the Memorabilia Category.

$ 17,500. ORDER

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above
  ALL MUSEUM ITEMS BELOW AND ON NEXT PAGES ARE SOLD!


SOLD

#6765 - c. 1903/1904 MRS. BAKER, COURT DRESSMAKER, 15 New Burlington Street, W, London Elaborate and Opulent Trained Black Chantilly Lace Evening Gown and Matching Coat Ensemble!  Previously Owned by the Eminent Collector DORIS LANGLEY MOORE, the Founder of the Fashion Museum at Bath, England (Previously the Museum of Costume at Bath) and Prominently Featured in Ms. Moore's 1947 book "The Woman in Fashion"!  Comes with the 2 Original 1947 photos of Ms. Moore Wearing the Ensemble! QUICK NOTE FOR COLLECTORS:  Both Pieces were Expertly Relined!  From I have been collecting, buying and selling Antique and Vintage clothing for 45 years now (yes, I bought my first Edwardian white dress at age 10 at a flea market!!).  So, as you can imagine, it takes an extraordinary piece to take my breath away... I believe I gasped out-loud with a "Oh God"! And when it happens, I remember all over again that I LIVE for antique and vintage clothing!!!! If you are reading this, you probably feel the same way.  This outfit was previously owned by Doris Langley Moore, who loved it so much she had herself photographed wearing this outfit!  As I mention upfront, for those collectors who want items fully original, these pieces have been fully and expertly relined (most likely by a museum)... but the exterior I believe to be fully original on both pieces!!  And certainly the relining has allowed this pieces to remain in NEAR MINT condition! YEAH!  Trained Black Chantilly net lace gown with embroidered green silk floss leaves and pink silk roses with embroidered bows and trellis designs and tiny silver sequins.  One of the most elaborate gowns and coats ever seen! Labeled "Mrs. Baker, Court Dressmaker" from London.  I spent some time researching what this might have cost new (with inflation and exchange rate) and the gown alone would be close to $20,000... with the coat, likely $40,000! The matching coat has pagoda sleeves, deep collar, pastel colored chiffon roses and black velvet ribbon trims with silver sequins.  Measures:  34/35" bust, 23/24" waist, Skirt is: 42" long from waist to hem, 54" long in back. Coat is: 56" long from shoulder to hem. Condition is amazing with only tiny a few leg breaks in the Chantilly lace.  Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Section. 

$ 9,500. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 0/2
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #6707 - c. 1970's NORELL Coat of Deep Emerald Green Velvet and Sable Fur Trim!  Museum Quality! From American designer Norman Norell comes this museum quality velvet sable trimmed coat.  The coat dates from the 1970s and is made from an deep emerald or bottle green velvet in a Russian princess cut. Gorgeous sable fur surrounds the high neck, sleeves and hemline of the fully cut skirt. There are large velvet covered buttons and very wide and dramatic cinch belt at the waist. This amazing coat is fit for a princess or yes, even a museum, and is must-have for any serious vintage collector! Fully lined in green silk taffeta.  The condition is excellent, and the coat has no fading, stains, crush marks on the velvet and the sable fur is soft and supple and isn't shedding. The only item to note is the belt has a tear at the backside.  Totally unseen from the front. edge needs to be re-glued (see photo) and I will leave this small repair to a professional. CONDITION: Brilliant, near mint condition!   NOTE: Doyle Auction House in New York City sold a similar Norell velvet coat trimmed in a white mink rather than sable.  The Doyle estimate for that coat was $4000-6000.  Certainly a sable trimmed coat would have been valued at much more!! Measures: up to 36" bust, up to 32" waist, 46" long from shoulder to hem.  Also Listed in the 1930-Today and Furs, etc. Categories.

$ 7,500.  SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 2-8
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #7176 - c. 1926 Gold Beaded Flapper Dress with Incredible Sequined "Bubbles" on Cotton Netting! Likely French Couture!  This is one of those incredible flapper beaded and sequin dresses that you can't believe doesn't have a label.  Jean Patou?  Lanvin?  Someone who was totally confident in their design abilities as this is "wild" both in design and in the types of beads and sequins used... various colored spotted sequins, and the finest glass beads. I don't even know what else to say.  It's all about the photos.  Weighs a ton, but because it's on the European cotton netting, it survived the weight of the beads (and will survive another 80+ years)!  The skirt continues the awesome circle (or bubble if you want to be as cute as I try to be) motif all in the gold beading, and flairs at each side.  The front is exactly the same as the back of this dress.   In the second to last photo, you will see that one green bead.  I was told this confirms that this was totally hand beaded (as one rogue bead was inserted to show the human touch).  In the last photo you will see the only minor issue (otherwise near mint!!) there is one small area of tarnish in the gold just above the multi-colored sequin waist. It's mid center, but since the dress is exactly the same front and back, it can be worn with that in the back.  As it is, it's almost as though she might have been carrying a bouquet!   Why not get married in your finest, likely couture dress! 

$ 3,750.  SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 0-6
(check measurements above)  
AUTHENTIC - BROOKE SHIELDS

SOLD
 #4574 - c. 1983 BOB MACKIE, Worn by Brooke Shields for Cosmopolitan Cover Red and Black Bugle Bead Gown on Black Netting with Matching Opulent Fox Fur Trimmed Diva Jacket! From Bob Mackie's private collection of gowns purchased from the Sotheby's auction. As far as I am concerned, this was the most amazing piece at the auction! OK.. there were about 3 others that I also loved, but none nearly as opulent!! I've been searching for the Cosmo cover with Brooke Shields wearing this gown, but haven't located it yet. The gown and jacket are in Excellent condition and look incredible on! The red beading on the black netting gives an interesting coloration, with the detail pattern of the gown appearing more pronounced in certain lighting conditions. VERY high slight in the skirt shows almost all your leg when you move. Closes at back with hook between the back straps. Couture construction makes every body look it's best. The jacket is KILLER!!! Massive dolman sleeves and drapy back all trimmed in wide black fox fur around high collar, cuffs, and around entire edge. Fully beaded in all red beads and weighs a ton!! Measures: 34/35" bust, 25" waist, up to 37" hips. The finest early Bob Mackie pieces are coveted by museums. Here's your chance to own the best of the best from Hollywood's fashion icon and masterful designer! So fabulous that even Bob Mackie couldn't part with it for over 20+ years! Sharon Stone's Mackie beaded gown from "Casino" sold at auction for $13,200 - just the gown! Compared to that.. this is a steal! Also listed in the Memorabilia and 1930-Today Categories.

$ 13,500. SOLD

Approx. - Size 4/6
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6719 - RARE c. 1950's JEAN DESSES, Paris Numbered Couture Black Chiffon "Petal" Dress!  One of my most favorite pieces ever!!  Awesome black silk chiffon party dress by the renowned Parisian designer, Jean Dessès  This splendid dress is from a superb estate including the presumed elaborately beaded Norman Hartell dress below.  This dress is in OUTSTANDING, like-new condition, with the only flaw being two teeny pinprick-sized holes to the front neckline, where likely a large brooch was once pinned on, and one short slit in upper back (see photos - in bottom layer of chiffon), and the slightest "white dust" in a small area on the skirt (see photo). The dress is a boned silk taffeta and chiffon bodice above a stunningly pleated silk chiffon skirt with literally HUNDREDS of individually finished and applied silk chiffon "petals". The hand-craftsmanship is simply amazing: absolutely top-quality in every way.  Back metal zipper. Measures:  34/35" bust, 25" waist, up to 41" hips, 43" long from shoulder to hem.

$ 8,750. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6993 - c. 1950's Lipstick Pink Silk Chiffon "Jean Desses" (?) Draped Dress!  I have to attribute this dress to Jean Desses, but there is no label.  The dress below mine DOES have the Jean Desses label, so I will let you decide if you agree with me that this is Desses! Lovely lipstick pink (blue hue - the best!) silk chiffon... with three layers of skirting. Full ruching of the bodice and asymmetrically over the front skirt with "scarf" at one side of skirt. Tons of material!  Very Good to Excellent condition... with the only issues being the wear on one strap (see photo) and a hardly seen water spot on the "scarf" area of the skirt... which can only be seen when inspection, and absolutely lost in the folds.  Wearable size at: 35/36" bust, 27" waist, up to 40" hips, 42" long from shoulder to hem, 26" long from waist to hem.  Nylon zip with hooks over at side - nice tailoring detail. If this dress had a label, it would sell for more than twice this price! As it is, you are purchasing what everyone (including me) will believe to be Jean Desses.  

$ 2,850. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 6
(check measurements above)  

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6723 - c. 1957 Superbly Beaded Satin Cocktail Dress... possibly NORMAN HARTNELL! My "expert" dated this dress to 1957 and suggested the possible designers could be Mainbocher or Norman Hartnell. I first thought of Hartnell when I saw the dress.  Whoever the designer was (and it just kills me that the label is gone), it is one of the most extraordinary beading you will find on any dress of the era! Intricate variety of types of beads with 3-D shells evoking the sea... so the satin "sailor" collar with bow seem a perfect match.  Back metal zipper. Measures: 35/36" bust, 26" waist, 45" long from shoulder to hem, 30" long from waist.  Shown with a crinoline under - as it should be worn. Excellent condition with minor bruising of the satin. Interior bra attached.  There is no question that this is a major designer dress! 

$ 2,750. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #9986 - c. 1926/1927 EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ATTRIBUTED TO JEANNE LANVIN Ivory Silk Evening Coat with Fur Collar Lined in Brown Silk Velvet! This fabulous piece just came to me "out of the blue" from the descendant of a wealthy woman who travelled in only the best circles.  The family oral history is that this coat was a "runway" piece from Jeanne Lanvin's Parisian Couture house. My expert fashion historian dated it to likely Winter 1927 due to the bell-bottomed sleeves (introduced in 1926 - but at the height of fashion in the
Autumn/Winter collections of 1927, when couturiers used all their design ingenuity in finding clever dressmaker details, and decorative treatments, to emphasize these flaired, wide-bottomed sleeves.  Certainly, the extraordinary cartridge-pleating on this coat qualifies as a "clever dressmaker detail."  The placement of this decoration, both to emphasize the width of the sleeve and to suggest a slight flare toward the hem of the garment, reinforces this probability.   The quality of the materials, and the craftsmanship, do suggest that this is real couture, missing label notwithstanding.  In the Fall of 1927, both Doeuillet and Martial & Armand showed coats that vaguely resemble this one, but while there are no specific "designerisms," to verify the Lanvin attribution, there is also no compelling reason to doubt the family tradition that it is, indeed, by Lanvin.  This MAY be a "one of a kind" sample, and if so... it's certainly extremely rare!  The exterior is ivory silk tightly gathered into the "feather" scalloped edged design in the bell sleeves and stepped sides and back.  The interior is completely lined in a brown silk velvet. The large collar worn as you see or high and tight (as often seen in the 1920s) is a brown silky fur (not sure what).  There are no closures on the coat.. it just stays open as you see, or use a brooch to close... the fashion etchings from that era just show coats held closed when wrapped.  It's quite small... as shown on the size 2 mannequin, it really should wrap a slight bit more... so it's better for a size 0 today.   The condition is very good... Excellent in the structure and the detailing, but the plain ivory silk has large waterspots (light, but they are there) in the front (see photos)... and age spotting on the inside (not seen) under the velvet lining. This is really a coat for a collection or museum as it's SO special!   Or certainly if you have a Lanvin retrospective ball to attend....  well, this should be one of the highlights of that evening!  A RARE DESIGNER 1920s COAT! 

$ 5,000.  SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 0
 (check measurements above

SOLD on LAYAWAY

 

 

 #6704 - c. 1920's RARE French Silver Bullion "Hair" Cloche Labeled "Ideal, PARIS"! The ULTIMATE Flapper Cloche or Flapper Headpiece!  If you have been one of my website groupies for awhile, you might have seen the gold bullion "hair" cloche I sold some years back (still in my sold museum section). I bought that last one in London and hated to sell it as I had never seen another in my 35+ years of collecting.  So, since then I've been searching everywhere for others!  AMAZINGLY, I found two of these recently and again, it kills me to put these up on the website as I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!!   And since, if asked what I would most like to collect, it would be flapper headpieces.  But I know there are others of "me" out there also with flapper collections, so... WAAAHHH.... you get the opportunity to own these forever!  Absolutely amazing!! It's a cloche woven with silver bullion threads in the shape of a classic 1920's hairdo... complete with the finger wavy hairs all over, and the pinned up "longer" hair at the back and coiled at the sides in braids (Princess Leahish!). I suppose this is the ultimate hat for a "bad hair day"!!! Excellent condition with the only thing to mention is slight tarnishing... it might have been brighter silver when new, but frankly I like it "as is" with this patina and just a bit of "hair" out of place.  Net lining. This will easily fit a 22" head, and even a 23" head! Nearly impossible to measure, but it's large on my normal 22" head (as you can see in the photos) and will fit, but higher on the 23" head - see other photos).  I assume originally this was worn by a women who didn't yet want to cut her long hair into the fashionable "bob", so wore this over that full hair (which is why it's larger).  Absolutely a Museum quality piece!  

$ 3,450.  SOLD on LAYAWAY

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6819 - c. 1920's RARE Pink Silk "Hair" Flapper Cloche! The ULTIMATE Flapper Headpiece! Likely Parisian!  I will reiterate from the listing above... If you have been one of my website groupies for awhile, you might have seen the gold bullion "hair" cloche I sold some years back (still in my sold museum section). I bought that last one in London and hated to sell it as I had never seen another in my 35+ years of collecting.  So, since then I've been searching everywhere for others!  AMAZINGLY, I found two of these recently and again, it kills me to put these up on the website as I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!!   And since, if asked what I would most like to collect, it would be flapper headpieces.  But I know there are others of "me" out there also with flapper collections, so... WAAAHHH.... you get the opportunity to own these forever!  Absolutely amazing!! It's a cloche woven with pink silk threads in the shape of a classic 1920's hairdo... complete with the wavy hairs all over, and the pinned up "longer" hair at the back and coiled at the sides in braids (Princess Leahish!). This piece has the original tiny purply-blue flowers at the sidepieces!!  Nice!! I suppose this is the ultimate hat for a "bad hair day"!!! Excellent condition with the only thing to mention a bit of "hair" out of place for an ever so slightly "tousled" look, and the silk interior is torn (though in most cases this would just be a total loss, so nice to still have some of the original interior silk... with writing!). This will easily fit a 22" head, and even a 23" head! Nearly impossible to measure, but it's large on my normal 22" head (as you can see in the photos) and will fit, but higher on the 23" head - see other photos).  I assume originally this was worn by a women who didn't yet want to cut her long hair into the fashionable "bob", so wore this over that full hair (which is why it's larger).  Absolutely a Museum quality piece! Likely Parisian piece - has some writing inside with name.

$ 2,850.  SOLD on LAYAWAY

SOLD		 #3867 - c. 1950's Rare SELINCOURT COUTURE, London Green Changeable Taffeta Hooped Ballgown! I almost fainted when I saw this gown for the first time. I purchased it a few months ago in London at a small Vintage Clothing show. I walked around the first time and saw nothing I wanted. OK, there were a few "nice" items, but nothing I couldn't live without... which means I figure you can live without it, so why buy it. Then I took the second look around and spotted this gown hiding at the back of one booth, tucked away, hanging on a hanger nearly fully covered by other items. Wow! I don't think the dealer really wanted to sell it, since it was so well camouflaged. I got it home and finally got to see it on a mannequin and flipped! Better than I even thought! You are seeing it "as is" without any additional crinolines under. The entire skirt is hooped to create this ballgown shape!! According to "History of 20th Century Fashion" by Elizabeth Ewing, Selincourt was originally Selincourt & Colman, founded in 1857. They began making coats, mantles and fur garments. A dress business was added later. The gowns were very high quality ready-to-wear, manufactured in limited editions. Eventually, Selincourt absorbed a number of other dress businesses, and today (as of 1987) they have fifteen subsidiaries, including three couture houses. Excellent condition except for dark spotting at the back hemline and inside hemline at back, and light water spot at hemline. I hope a museum can clean to make perfect, as it's certainly rare and museum worthy! Blue/green changeable silk taffeta with gathered bodice, gathered skirt front with two tired flowers. Back metal zipper. Measures: 34" bust, 24" waist, 29" long in front from waist to hem, 47" long in back. Boned bodice. Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 2,250. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 4
(check measurements above)
AUTHENTIC - CHER
BOB MACKIE Gown
Worn to the Oscars in 1983!
SOLD on LAYAWAY

 #6656 - c. 1983 BOB MACKIE Gown Worn by CHER at the 1983 Oscars / Academy Awards - for her Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "Silkwood"!  Previously sold at CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE at their Oscars Auction!  The ULTIMATE in COLLECTABLES!  An original Bob Mackie design, dramatic sheer beaded nude-colored evening dress constructed on a sheer mesh foundation embellished overall in crystal clear bugle beading.  The plunging halter neckline and sides are further decorated with draped strands of bugle beads and silver diamantes. Comes with matching taffeta and beaded stole (33" x 46").  The gown weighs in at 4 pounds.  Sold at Christie's 1999 "Unforgettable:  Fashions of the Oscars" auction for $27,600.  And that's 1999 pricing!!  It was Lot #5.  The photo in the auction catalog is different from the dress they actually sold (which is the dress you see here). If you go on the Christie's website, you will see the special "Saleroom Notice" which says:  "The dress being sold is not the dress illustrated in the catalogue. Cher has donated this Bob Mackie dress which she wore to the 1983 Academy Awards when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Silkwood". Fabulous investment!!  Note:  Elizabeth Taylor's dress from the same Oscars sale sold for $167,000!!!!  And another black outfit from the Cher auction sold for $60,000! Fully beaded onto nude netting, and lined in the right places.  Great open back!  Rhinestones on sheer areas and straps. Measures 34" bust, 25" waist, up to 35" hips, 60" long from shoulder to hem.  Nearly Near Mint condition... there are a few areas of beads missing, but this is an easy fix for a seamstress (and there are a few beads you can "steal" from under hemline... or if you hem up, there are more, but these are clear glass bugle beads that you can get most anyplace)... and there is netting pull at seam at one small place at front (again, easy fix).  The only issue at all that can't be made perfect is one small area on front where the netting is stressed a bit (see photos)... only seen on close inspection.  The gown comes with the shawl with beaded edging and long beaded tassels. Minor tear and stain on shawl (not on dress) with missing beads on tassels (again easy fix!).  Also Listed in Memorabilia Category.

 SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 4
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6633 - c. 1964 EXTREMELY RARE, UNWORN, ORIGINAL RUDI GERNREICH  Topless Bathing Suit! Original Tags! Own a piece of history with this sensational craze of the 1960's!  When I say RARE, I mean it!  Here's the KEY... I've read only a few hundred of the suits were ever sold, though also read that 3000 were sold (which is likely a fabrication by Rudi himself... the master of public relations!).  Nearly impossible to find on the open market!  Most are in museums.  The scandalous "monokini" topless swimsuit designed by Rudi Gernreich caused quite a stir when it debuted in 1964... illegal to wear to most public beaches everywhere, and was even denounced by the Vatican press! My favorite quote re: this suit is that "most American women were completely unprepared (or unequipped) to wear it". A model named Peggy Moffitt did the topless modeling photos for the fashion shots in which were taken by her husband, photographer William Claxton at her insistence. New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) has one donated by Betty Furness in 1986.  They write: "Gernreich's paradox is that the bottom of the topless suit is very conservative, with ample coverage and made in the same wool material that had been used for Victorian bathing apparel. As a gesture akin to Conceptual Art, this suit merges an avant-garde sensibility with a nod to tradition.  Yeah, whatever... what they really meant was ... oh my god... "she's Topless!! :O  This navy wool suit was never worn, and has original tags! In near mint condition with the smallest tiny moth hole on front at one inch down from top and side (I took photos of that area so you can see it).  I'm not giving you the size, as I don't think you're gonna wear it. PLEASE!!   But if you have a museum-worthy collection, or if you ARE a museum, this is what you will never even find at auction.  See photos of the actual suit for sale by clicking on Peggy. This is an INVESTMENT piece!

$ 7,500. SOLD on LAYAWAY
OWNED BY BARBRA STREISAND!

SOLD		 #4340 - c. Spring 1966 Collection CHRISTIAN DIOR, PARIS Couture and Numbered Dress Owned by BARBRA STREISAND! Yup... Barbra Streisand loves vintage clothing! And this dress was purchased from her recent auction. Amazingly... I have the VOGUE magazine from March 15, 1966 with Barbra on the cover. The article?? "Barbra Streisand at the Paris Collections"! SO.. not only was this dress Barbra's... but we have strong proof (since the dates match perfectly)... that she bought the dress in 1966 during her photo shoot for Vogue!!!! So it's been in her collection since then. Imagine all the times she admired this dress... and now you can own it! Black stiff lace babydoll style with scalloped neckline, short sleeves and hemline. The entire two-tied lace skirt is finely knife-pleated. Black satin ribbon and bow at the slight empire waist. And, as you can see... sheer yoke and sleeves. Metal zipper at back. Excellent condition in everything but the fact that Barbra did not store the dress properly (amazingly!!!) and there is some mildew on the lining and satin ribbon. "Bad Barbra"!! Still with a bit of cleaning, it's nearly perfect! And a COUTURE dress with AMAZING history and PROVENANCE! Measures: 34" bust, 28" underbust, up to 38" hips, 37" long from shoulder to hem. Also Listed in the 1930-Today Section and Memorabilia Categories.

$ 2,750. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 6/8
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #6027 - RARE c. 1956 "I LIKE IKE" Ike Dress of Printed Cotton! Presidential Campaign Dress by JERRY GILDEN SPECTATOR ! As seen in the Smithsonian Institute!  Yup! Own a piece of history!  This dress (not this particular one, but exactly the same) is part of the "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" traveling Smithsonian exhibit consisting of more than 350 presidential objects - including a field telescope used by Washington during the Revolutionary War, the brass inkwell Lincoln used when he wrote the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation and... ta da... a Eisenhower campaign dress with the word "Ike" stamped all over.  This is the exact same dress. Photos of the exhibition dress can be seen on the Truman Library and LBJ Library websites.... just Google search "Ike campaign dress" to see.  Shown with crinolines under (don't come with it).  MOP buttons, size metal zipper. No belt - but neither does the Smithsonian dress.  Great gathering on bodice. Excellent condition with tiny light spots at skirt side. Hardly an issue.  Measures: up to 37" bust, up to 28" waist, 29" long from waist to hem. Historic piece! Wear it to your next Presidential Fundraiser! :)  Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.

$ 1,485. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 8
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #4796 - c. SPRING/SUMMER 1962 CHRISTIAN DIOR, Paris Couture Orange Poppy Printed Tulle and Chiffon Dinner Dress! Marc Bohen became head designer of Dior in 1961 after Yves Saint Laurent left. So... this is a Bohen designed Dior. Ain't I smart dating this dress! :)  However, if I was really that smart, I would know for absolute sure if the ruffles are supposed to be worn in the front or the back!  It's confusing, as the zipper is at "the back" under the ruffles, but the Dior dated and numbered couture label is attached at the front of the dress! I admit, I tried it both ways, but this seems correct as there are darts that seem to suggest "ruffles at back."   Besides, there are A LOT of ruffles and a bit overwhelming at front... and hard to sip soup! :)  Amazing construction of 6, count 'em 6 layers of skirt.  Printed poppy design tulle and chiffon layers, two sheer tulle layers, orange silk layer, and then peach lining. Excellent condition. Best for a small busted woman. Measures: 34" bust, 26" waist, 34/35" hips, 40" long from shoulder to hem.  A collectible and luscious piece of Dior fashion history!

$ 1,695. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 4 - small busted best
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #4534 - c. 1896 Museum Quality Champagne Embroidered Silk Taffeta Dressing Gown! Near Mint Condition! I'm often asked if it's difficult for me to sell my items as I am a collector at heart. Most of the time I can justify it "as my job".. but there are times I wonder what the heck I'm doing selling some of these most precious, exquisite gowns! I've come upon a few particularly amazing pieces lately. Perhaps I should just close down this website and sell something I love less... let's see... perhaps AntiqueGerbils.com? Yeah, that'll do! If you want to purchase this gown... PLEASE treat it well!!! It's come through over 100 years in near Mint condition... and deserves the only the finest home!!! Champagne colored silk taffeta gown with huge muttonsleeves. Embroidered with Japanese influenced pale pink, pale green and platinum embroidered flowers, leaves and one branch near front bottom. Open robe style with attached blush pink (smocked at neck and waistline) silk gauze front.. also embroidered. Hidden button closures. Patch pockets at sides. Lace at neck. Back of gown is watteau style. Gown is fully lined in a quilted pink silk. With the exception of one eraser size spot at back skirt, and a few very light spots barely seen nearby, and the fact that the blush pink front has slightly faded over time...the entire piece and lining is in near MINT condition!! Nearly like new!!! You just have to wonder what designer label is missing from this piece. Measures: 30/31" bust, 11" across back between armseams - so small back necessary (though it gets on me, so not overly small like some!), up to 30" waist, 55" long in front from shoulder to hem, 59" long in back.  Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Category.

$ 3,250. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 2
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #9933 - c. Autumn-Winter 1963 CHRISTIAN DIOR, PARIS COUTURE NUMBERED and DATED Coat!  Wow!  Step back into the past - and arrive back to 1963 in style in this vintage Christian Dior Couture Coat!!  Awesome funnel neck, 7/8 length sleeve, checked mohair,  "Jackie-O" coat  (eerily dated at exactly the time of President Kennedy's death of Nov. 22, 1963). Simple, yet classic tan and bone checked mohair.  Nice raglan seaming at the armholes.  Great neck!! Fully lined. Excellent condition with just some scratching of the wooden round buttons. The label shows some age, but the exterior coat does not. Measures: 44" bust and waist, up to 49" hips, 41" long from shoulder to hem.   

$ 985. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 6-10 (depending what you wear under and how large you like your coats)
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #9958 - c. 1920's RARE Silver on Ecru Net Deco Assuit Coat!! OK... I have to say that in my 35+ years of collecting and selling, I have only seen one other assuit coat as spectacular (that one is in a museum!)... and I only know of two others that have sold in the last few years.   First, for those of you who don't know... assuit cloth is a cotton mesh fabric embroidered with hammered metal pieces named for the Assuit region of Egypt.  This cloth was most popular in the 1920's. And from the style of this coat, there is no question it is from that era.  Most assuit items you will see are long scarves. These are still sold today.  What makes one more valuable than another is the amount of metal!  Most new ones, and many older ones are lightly embellished, and others (like this coat) hammer metal on almost every available square inch! Only the wealthiest of women could have afforded a coat such as this! Fabulous bell sleeves.  High asymmetrical collar which can be worn up or open as you see in the photos.  One button closure at hipline (note, I would add three snaps or hooks/eyes inside to hold coat in place as you see - currently I just pinned - just place to fit you.  Simple!) Fabulous pattern in the sleeves down front and around lower third.  Even the button is self-covered! Excellent condition with just a three very minor things to mention (other than the fact that I didn't press the lining - Bad me!)  1) The lining has some minor discoloration at upper back with one mark (this is ONLY on the lining!!).  2) there are some barely, barely seen, almost phantom diagonal lines of perhaps minor tarnishing throughout the coat.  On close inspection you can't figure out what they are as no tarnishing is seen!  So it's possible it was just a photosensitivity from blinds or something. It's hardly worth mentioning, as frankly it looks like part of the design - and who knows... perhaps it was! And 3) the very edges of the netting are a bit "tired"... again, just not as crisp and clean as it might have been new.  I'm being VERY VERY VERY picky, but I want you to know everything!   Measures: up to 42" bust, up to 41" waist, up to  48" hips,  25" long sleeves shoulder to cuff,  15" across shoulders, 16" across back between armseams, 44" long from shoulder to hem. Since it's a wrap coat, you can move buttons to fit. One extraordinary piece!! 

$ 2,450. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 2-12
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #4815 - c. 1893 EMILE PINGAT, Paris Museum Quality 2-Tone Beaded Dusty Rose Wool and Silk Velvet Mantelette with Striped Balls and Feather Fringe!  One of the most exquisite designer pieces I've seen.... in extremely desirable colors!  A soft dusty rose wool with a much deeper "beet-root" silk velvet at yoke and neck covered with beaded design.  The tiers of the cape are finished with a "grelot" fringe (typical of Pingat - you will see this same fringe on many of this other finest pieces!) with each bead covered with silk, striped in two shads of rose.  The extreme high neck and front is edged with a fringe of clipped female ostrich feathers dyed in a two-tone to match the grelot fringe.  The mantel is fully lined in rose colored "Pompadour" brocade, also typical of Pingat - as he was the first designer to use decorative linings.  Excellent condition with a few issues... there are only 12 missing balls on fringe, there are a couple moth nips on one "sleeve" and the lining at the top is shattered!!! The issues are minor compared to the rare beauty of this museum quality Parisian designer piece!

$ 3,450. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE Small
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #4453 - c. 1924 RARE Molyneux, 5 Rue Royale, Paris Fully Beaded Flapper Dress on Black Crepe Silk! Larger Size! According to www.designer history.com, Edward Molyneux opened his salon in Paris in 1919, and from the beginning his style was described as "extreme simplicity and perfect taste. He was best known for his wonderful handling of navy blue and black". As written by Caroline Milbank, "Molyneux was the designer to whom a fashionable woman would turn if she wanted to be absolutely 'right' without being utterly predictable in the 1920's and 30's." So... this is without a doubt a top of the line Museum Quality beaded flapper dress with the right style and coloration to be a classic Molyneux. Perfect addition for your personal museum collection! Gorgeous (and possibly genuine) turquoise beads, iridescent white and gold bugle beads along with rhinestones all in a busy leaf and vine motif on black silk crepe. The "belt" is just more beading and there are two large "flowers" at right hip. The dress has the look of a 2-piece outfit, especially the back, but it's really one piece (see last photo for a peek under the back at hipline). Excellent condition with just perhaps one or two rows of beads missing at hip (just below the "belt" on right side - see close-up photo). Measures: 44" around bust, waist and hips, 48" long from shoulder to hem.

$ 6,500. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 12, perhaps 14
(check measurements above)


 SOLD		 #3939 - c. 1996 RARE PACO RABANNE, Paris "Do it Yourself" Mod Rhodoid Plastic Disc Dress "Suitcase" Kit!  Said Rabanne in 1966, "I defy anyone to design a hat, coat or dress that hasn't been done before...The only new frontier left in fashion is the finding of new materials". Enter in the disc dress made of small rhodoid plastic discs that are connected by metal jump rings to create a new kind of dress. Rabanne even created a DIY kit fully stylized in a clear plastic (logo blazoned) suitcase to create your own dress!  This is one of those rare kits!  The dress fully made from this kit is currently selling for $3,500. You will be able to make one just like it in a mere 8-12 hours!  The discs are silver metallic finished plastic and the rings are gold metal. The kit contains 750 discs, 1300 rings, the Paco Rabanne metal tag, two pliers (!) and complete directions.  When I got this kit it was scotchtaped at ends - which was likely the original tape, but just to be SURE that this kit was complete for you... I slit open the tape and reclosed with new tape. And yes... it's all here... and other than the many scratches on the exterior case, it's like new! NOTE:  these kits are knowing or unknowingly being sold as 1960's, or 1970's kits by others... and dresses made from these kits have been sold as original 60's dresses!  But in researching, I came upon a New York Times article from 1996 describing these kits exactly.  There are those who are making up the dress from these kits and selling as original 60's dresses - and you can even see the mistakes in the shaping which prove this to be true! I won't sell what I know to be false. Still a fabulous piece of Paco Rabanne history!!   

$ 2,450. SOLD

SOLD
Click on image for additional photos!		 #4539 - c. 1921 MADELINE & MADELINE, Paris Bottle Green Silk Velvet Embroidered and Beaded 2-piece Dinner Dress! Sold at Bergdorf & Goodman, Co. OK.. pay attention now...  you may not know this label, but you should! A very important Parisian label, they opened their couture house in 1919, but unfortunately they were one of the first casualties of the Depression so Madeline & Madeline garments are very hard to find!  The rest of the label reads:  Modele Depose  and Marque Deposee (I suppose you want me to tell you what that means, but I'm one of those stupid Americans who can only speak American! :)    Very dark bottle green silk velvet dress (with nude net bodice (see last photos - too small for my mannequin so it's a bit funny looking) with great draping at skirt side embroidered with ivory silk floss and tube shaped seed pearls in floral and leaf design.  The same embroidery on the batwing overblouse with wide floss and beaded waistband.  Simply elegant!  Excellent condition with just some beads missing which hardly affects the design from afar and three small velvet crushes at front skirt (just need steaming out). Measures:  32" bust (underdress), 26" waist, up to 36" hips.  

SOLD
 

Approx. - SIZE 2/4
(check measurements above)


SOLD		 #3343 - c. 1977 Rare MICHAELE VOLLBRACH Paul Gauguin Kimono Art Gown! Former Coty Fashion Design Winner! An absolute work of art! Stylizing Gauguin's famous work, "Fatata te Miti", painted in 1892, Vollbrach used the color palette and images, and captured the look on fabric! I like it better than Gauguin's original! Recently lured out of retirement, Vollbrach is now head designer for the late Bill Blass. Story goes that Johnny and Joanna Carson (you know, of the "Tonight Show") were his prime backers, but when they divorced in the mid-1980's, they withdrew their support and Vollbrach closed shop and retired as an artist! So his early gowns are rare finds! I'm told this gown is from Michaele Vollbrach's 1977 "art" collection. Fantastic P. Gauguin printed silk gown in shades of lavender, flesh, black, blue, gray, red, with highlights of yellow. Kimono style. 14" side slit. Under the huge "scarf" which becomes the kimono sleeves, It's a tube shape with up to 38" bust and 40" hips.. as it Measures: 19" across bust flat, 19" across waist flat, 20" across hips flat, 54" long from shoulder to hem. In Excellent condition except for a 1.5 x 1.5" grease? mark on lower sleeve (see photo). If I get extremely picky, there is a light pinhead spot on back butt. The last fabulous Michaele Vollbrach garment I saw... a quilted kimono jacket sold for $2900+ at Doyle's Auction house.

$ 1,485. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 6 - 10
(check measurements above

SOLD		 #0157 - c. 1925 JEAN PATOU Paris, Cannes, Monte Carlo Couture Numbered Ecru and Black Silk Velvet Flapper Party Dress Trimmed in Rhinestones and Faux Pearls! Larger Size! Wow, if you are one of my website groupies, you might have seen my Alzheimer's is kicking in as I originally had this listed as Jeanne Lanvin! Eek!  Luckily I have my customers and webfriends looking out for me and proofreading for me!  Thanks Mark! OK... Jean Patou dress... got that... Patou, Patou, Patou!  There is a hand-written number under the label as you'd hope to expect.   The dress itself is a glorious design of crushed ecru silk velvet and black silk velvet skirt.  The free-flowing "necklace" is made of fully beaded clear round beads and tiny rhinestones in tiled diamond shapes and is attached at shoulders and at circle at front.  The same design continues at back with TWO free-flowing "necklaces". The low waistline which follows around the back uses faux pearls and rhinestones in a slightly different design which "pops" off the black velvet.  The front ecru velvet "scarf" down the middle of the skirt waves free as you walk. The condition isn't perfect.  There are large underarm stains, one pindot and one pinhead sized light spots, and one pinhead size dark penmark on the bodice (all three marks can disappear with tiny tack tucks in the velvet! - I'd do it if I had a devious bone in my body, but I don't).  There are also beads and rhinestones are missing from the trims which will only mostly bother you on very close inspection- except for one or two pearl trim areas on the waist (so add a pearl or two and it will look nearly perfect from afar).  So the dress is marked according to condition - really only the underarm stains are of great issue!  Rare to find a 1920s Patou dress on the open market, so snap it up for your collection! This has been in my personal collection for 15 years! Measures: 44" bust, 38" at low waist/upper hip, 46" long from shoulder to hem.  Meant to be worn slightly large. 

$ 5,750. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 10/12 ish
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #2787 - c. 1890 RARE DOUCET - PARIS Couture Black Velvet Beaded Waistcoat Jacket! Jacques Doucet was the genius at the helm of the House of Doucet, from 1853-1929. A contemporary of Charles F.Worth, the House of Doucet was known for maintaining a character of gracious elegance and unsurpassed fine workmanship. The firm was located on the famous Rue de la Paix, just doors away from Worth. Both Paul Poiret and Madame Vionnet worked with Doucet early in their careers. The arts and decoration of the 18th century fascinated Doucet and he collected garments of the period. Many of the items created by the house were based on historical prototypes. A plush blue-black silk velvet, designed after the court waistcoats of the late 18th century, with opulent and glittering decorative jet beadwork. Beautiful construction and workman throughout. A museum piece with the silk ivory lining in need of conservation, as it has nearly all shattered. I'm assuming a collar is missing (may have been a stand-up, or a lace similar to another Paris couture beaded jacket I have labeled A. Felix). The velvet is in excellent condition with only extreme minor bead loss in the exquisite design. Measures: 34/35" bust, 28" waist, 34" long from shoulders. An extraordinary and rare survivor, important for any clothing collection.

$ 4,250. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 6ish
(check measurements above)
Direct From GREENWICH, CT Estate

SOLD		 #9923 - c. 18th Century (likely c. 1750) EXTREMELY RARE Shield Shape French Gold Bullion and Silk Couched Embroidered Figural Pocket Purse with Gold Sequins!  Female Figure on One Side, Male Figure on the Other Side!! Dogs on Both Sides! :) SO rare, that the only other one I've seen of this quality (and even THAT one doesn't compare!) is from London's Victoria and Albert Museum (Museum number  T.89-1935!!  They list theirs as "Date: 1700-1799" and listed as "French".  Unbelievably intricate handmade figural and architectural designs of colored silk couched embroidery with gold bullion metal embroidered into fugureal designs and surrounding designs.  Wearing "modern day" dress (of the mid-1700's) of muted pastel color palettes. The side panels are more intense colors of a rose, burgundy and gold bullion embroidered  Top-closing, side-hinged metal frame with the intricate front and back embroidered panels sewn on. Measures: 4.5" high x 3.5" wide at top.  Excellent condition with only a few tiny gold sequins missing (on closest inspection) and slight pile loss in the design both sides ... but looks like it's meant to be cloud formations in the sky!  Any imperfections are of extreme minor nature.  For something this rare and age, most people would call it "Near Mint" condition!! Green silk interior.  All Original.  Opens by pinching the side hinges.  Mechanics are perfect.
 
$ 2,950. SOLD

SOLD		 #1160 - c. 1944 Black Sequin Ballgown Owned by Mrs. J. D. Rockefeller. Tagged with Date and Name from Bergdorf Goodman! Own a piece of history! As celebrity and society women's dresses are commanding top dollar at auction, here's your chance to purchase one. I was privileged to be in the main room of the Princess Diana clothing auction at Christie's in NYC in 1997. I can tell you first-hand about dresses selling for over $200,000! I only wish I had purchased one... but my bank account was nowhere close to the hammer prices of her gowns! However, Mrs. J.D. Rockefeller's January 23rd, 1944 dress can be purchased. A black chiffon overdress of 12 parts flared at the bottom decorated with bands of sequins over a black stiff taffeta slip with scalloped hemline. Side zipper. Excellent Condition!! I can't find anything wrong!! If I had more time.... I'd search though old newspaper and magazines to try to find a photo of Mrs. Rockefeller in this gown. I'm sure that photo exists, but I have no time to look. Whoever is lucky enough to own this would be smart to take the time. My other thought was to offer this gown back to Bergdorf's.... it would make a great museum display if they could gather together some of there couture gowns of the past. Measures: Dress: up to 42" bust, up to 35" waist, up to 48" hips, 18" around upper arms, 18" shoulders, 40" long from waist to hemline. Slip: up to 40" bust, up to 35" waist, up to 46" hips.

$ 1,750. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 12/14, possibly 16
(check measurements above)

SOLD on LAYAWAY		 #6105 - RARE c. early 1970's RONALD AMEY, New York Fabulous "Boho" Print Chiffon Gown!  Museum Quality Design! From 1960-1970 Ronald Amey designed elaborate evening clothes with his partner, Joseph Burke.  The prices ranged from $500 to several thousands! Amey bought out Burke in 1970 and continued for a short time on this own, so there are few Ronald Amey labeled pieces out there - and it's his bold brints that are most sought after today by collectors!  Ronald Amey was best known for his original use of fabrics and colors. I personally don't like to use that "boho" word, but it seems to fit this maxi gown quite well.  It's high class to be sure... but appeals to the bohemian in all of us!  This fabulous print is a flowing chiffon over silk taffeta with solid jersey inserts in bodice.  The  crystal buttons at the cuffs are beautiful. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. The look is killer! Museum quality design!  Measures: 36" bust, up to 28" waist, up to 31.5" at top of waistband, 41" long from waist to hem (57" long from shoulder to hem). Excellent condition with extreme minor pinhead size spots. Best example I've seen of a Ronald Amey.

$ 1,265. SOLD on LAYAWAY

Approx. - SIZE 8
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #4834 - c. 1960's RARE FONTANA, Roma Fabulous Printed Satin Dress with Original Satin Waistband! Museum Quality! Here's your chance to dress like a star! The House of Fontana was actually comprised of three sisters, Zoe, Micol and Giovanna. They opened their own salon in 1943 after building up a large clientele of Italian aristocracy, and in the 1950s/60s designed for US "royalty" including Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco, as well as Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Mansfield, Kim Novak, Raquel Welch, Audrey Hepburn (designing costumes for "Roman Holiday"!) and their best client, Ava Gardner who had Fontana design her personal wardrobe as well as for the movie "The Barefoot Contessa". This dress is incredible!!!! Simple in shape, but extraordinary in fabrication.  The signature on the satin print fabric is "Stroppa". I've researched and found that the artist is Leonardo Stroppa. Take a look at the close-up photos of the various turn-of-the-century tableaus!  Can-can girls, motorcars, antique bicycles, couples promenading, etc.  All in a gorgeous color paillette. Measures: 37" bust, 27" waist, 32.5" long from waist to hem.  Shown with extra crinoline, but has some under attached.  Excellent condition with just a hint of dinginess on waistband.  Break out the espadrilles and stroll the Italian Rivera as Ava Gardner might!

$ 1,465. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 6/8 (large bust)
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #4377 - c. Winter 1926/27 RARE Numbered JEANNE LANVIN, Paris Couture Black Silk Taffeta Robe de Style Dress with Silver Beading! LARGER SIZE! This is the iconic dress from the era by Lanvin. Tom Tierney used the dress to showcase in his paperdoll book. And a similar Lanvin is shown in the Kyoto Costume Institute Fashion History book, which describes the dress as "significant". Black silk tissue taffeta with rhinestones, bugle beads and seed pearls in amazing deco design. LARGE SIZE! Measures: 42" bust, 40" waist, 50" long from shoulder to hem. There are pinholes in the skirt (seen when held up to light), but looks nearly perfect without the light. The front ecru net panel at bust has some minor light staining, and just a small percentage of the seed pearls are missing. Any other beads missing are not worth even mentioning. There is no underpinning or lining. I shaped in the robe de style shape with tissue under. Pannier undergarment is necessary for the correct look. This dress can easily be the highlight of your 1920's clothing collection.

$ 7,500. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 12, perhaps 14
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #4641 - c. 1925 RARE LIBERTY & Co., London Phenomenonal Beaded Velvet Evening Coat! The best of the best!!! A gray velvet coat with completely beaded upper portion. Actually the beading design of huge clusters of flowers and large leaves embroidered of silk floss and beads is all constructed on a netting overlay on the gray velvet! Even the striped bodice "background" is beading! Beading design continues as border motif on sleeves and around dropped waist. The netting has been repaired (mostly under the collar), and there are places where the beading and embroidery is missing (again mostly hidded by the collar when worn down) - see close-up photos. The two large buttons may have been covered originally better. Still... even with the issues.. this is a rare, museum quality piece that will be a highlight in any collection. My apologies to the coat as it also deserves a steaming that I didn't give it!!!! So sorry!! FYI.. at the Doyle Auction in 2004, a c.1905 Liberty & Co. fairly plain black satin coat sold for $7,767. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't hold a candle to this coat!

$ 7,750.  SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above)
RARE MOURNING ENSEMBLE
SOLD


SOLD


SOLD
 

 #4858 and #4859 - c. 1907 and 1909 EXTRAORDINARILY RARE Two Mourning Gowns and Accessories from One Estate!  One DESBUISSON & HUDELIST, Paris Matte Black Sequin Ballgown for Later Stage Morning!  AND One L. MONNEY, New York 4-piece Deep Mourning Ensemble 2-piece Gown with Matching Parasol and Mourning Veil!  I'm hoping a museum, or museum quality collector will find this listing as I would love to sell both gowns together due to the rarity of finding these gowns together.  Often mourning gowns were discarded by the owners after the one year and one day morning period was over for three reasons... 1) it was considered bad luck to keep,  2) by the time you would need perhaps go into mourning again for the next close relative passing away, the dress would be out of style, so would not have been worn again by a fashionable lady, and 3) they were worn at all times, and therefore often worn out.  SO it's hard to find any complete mourning gowns that survived in Near Mint condition today.  To have the original summer 1907 2-piece deepest morning gown of the lovely crinkly crape-anglaise (mourning crape - spelled with an "a" to indicate mourning crape) with the original matching parasol (with wooden handle carved to match the crape material!) and trimmed crape chiffon veil is very rare indeed. I was told that the design of this gown was based upon a gown by Worth.  Then to have the original later stage fancy mourning evening gown of black net covered in matte black sequins (graduating in size from tiny at the shoulder to large at the hem with huge tassel of unpolished jet - if this gown was NOT a mourning gown, it would have been studded with shiny sequins rather than dull, matte sequins) from the same woman! Well.... this is a RARE FIND indeed. The original estate asked NOT to be identified so the provenance will, unfortunately not be provided (damn!). But there is no question it's from the same woman with extraordinary sexy proportions! :) Evening gown Measures: 35/36" bust, 24/25" waist, 76" long at back. Very Good to Excellent condition with some sequins missing, a bit of wear at back net waist. Note: not as shiny in person as in the photo as the sequins are matte finish.  The 2-piece wearable Excellent condition crinkly crape gown Measures: 35/36" bust, 24" waist, 12" neck, 43" long in front, 65" long in back skirt. Excellent condition 55" x 22" scarf. Excellent condition parasol. The hat in the photos didn't come with the gown, but I will throw it in for a complete look.  The hat is tiered dull black lace, but I've been told lace wouldn't have been for the deepest mourning, so.... 

$ 5,985.  SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 2/4, small waisted 6
(check measurements above)

SOLD
June 1983 VOGUE Ad / $7,000 Price!		 #4178 - c. 1983 RARE JACQUELINE de RIBES, Paris, New York Made in France and Numbered Dress! MUSEUM Quality! In looking through my old Vogue Magazines, I found a similar Jacqueline de Ribes dress... it cost $7,000 new (see below!)! Comtesse Jacqueline de Ribes was a socialite dubbed one of the most stylish women by Town and Country magazine. She emerged in the 1980's as one of the so-called "society" designers, a group that included Carolyne Roehm, and Christina Herrera. "Scandalous" is the only word to describe this fancy dress. It teeters on that fine line of "trashy" versus "runway chic". If you have a classy enough look, you can wear this dress and evoke Halle Berry rather than Bjork. You have to look at all the sides and back of this dress. It's awesome. It's one of those dresses that you want to own to try on in front of your mirror and wish you had the nerve to wear it! If any of you are headed to the Grammy's next year... this will get you on TV! Guaranteed! The dress is gathered black taffeta criss-crossed over black dotted velvet net with only YOU underneath. There are seams at the front sides to add even more architecture to the dress. Huge bow at one side. Gigantic pouf sleeves. Back zipper. Killer legs and stiletto heels are the only accessories you will need. Measures: 34/35" bust, 25/26" waist, up to 36" hips, 36" long from shoulder to hem. Originally had shoulderpads which were removed, but will come with the dress (in case they ever come back into vogue). Excellent condition with just one tiny break found in the underlayer of the netting at the front waist. Hardly visible. Make a statement! Grrrrrrrrr!

$ 5,000. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 4
(check measurements above
From WHITNEY HOUSTON

SOLD		 #4885 - c. 1980's BOB MACKIE Couture Gold and White Beaded Slightly Trained Gown! Previously Owned by WHITNEY HOUSTON!  One of the Holy Grail Mackie pieces!!!  Top couture Bob Mackie gown previously owned by Whitney Houston!! This gown weighs an unbelievable 7 pounds!! This gown was not meant for the general public. This is a couture piece with no lining. So it's sheer, but only slightly as the beads cover most every square inch of the nude net background. The body shows through at certain areas. Measures: 35" bust, up to 26" waist, up to 36" hips, 60" long from shoulder to hem in front, 63" long in back. Excellent condition.  If there are any beads missing, you will have to spend hours searching. Sharon Stone's Mackie beaded gown from "Casino" sold at auction for $13,200.  And the original cost of this piece new would have easily been $15,000+.  These are the Mackies that will end up in museums... not the newer pieces that are just "pretty gowns". Here's your chance to own the best of the best from Hollywood's fashion icon and masterful designer! NEW LISTING! Also listed in the Memorabilia Category.

$ 7,500. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 4/6
(check measurements above)

SOLD		 #6455 - c. 1927 HOUSE of WORTH, Paris Numbered Black Cotton Velvet Coat! First off,  to find this coat with the original belt still attached is just SO cool!  So many times over the years, belts have been lost... so this is a treat.  An Oh-So-Simple shaped coat with unique tailoring (as you would expect from the prestigious House of Worth!).  The neckline is sublime and can be worn three different ways (I've shown all three - as long as you don't mind seeing the hooks).  And then, ooh,  the elbows are tucked and nearly molded to the crook in the arm! The coat is lined in black silk in quite good condition, though needs re-sewing at the armholes... however it allows you to currently see that the coat has some batting inside for warmth.  The exterior of this coat is in Excellent condition with one tiny exception.... someone tried to get their too large hand into the cuff and there is a small vertical tear that should be mended at one cuff (see photos), but it hardly shows... and I have a largish hand and I don't have a problem with the coat so she must have been HUGE :). Due to wrap, size can be changed, but currently Measures: 33/34" bust, up to 28" waist, 38" hips, 44" long from shoulder to hem.  However, you can move a couple interior hooks to fit a larger size.  Still you would want a smallish back and thin-ish arms.   You probably know that the most expensive antique gown was a Worth court gown which sold for over $100K, so.... Worth is THE name in antique clothing!!!

$ 1,450. SOLD

Approx. - SIZE 0-6
(check measurements above)

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