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#4125 $1,400 Boué Soeurs-style French lingerie dress, c.1924. Featuring hand-embroidered front bodice panels and silk ribbon bouquets in the manner of Boué Soeurs. The lace mix includes panels of handmade filet lace. I love the small cap-sleeve effect on the lace shoulder straps. The skirt is delightfully pulled up with a silk ribbon drawstring in front. The style and finish of fine clothing from the mid 1920s in Paris has never been equaled. NEW LISTING | |
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#4127 $750 French metallic lace cloche, c.1923. The frame is totally covered with bronzed gold metallic lace, while the crown is lined with gray silk and interlined with metallic gold lamé. The bouquet of silk ribbon flowers on one side is to die for. The flowers have soft pastel and metallic gold stripes. The striped ribbon used to fashion the leaves is textured with ruffled edges. Here is a verisimilitude that nature herself would envy. NEW LISTING | |
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#2270 $1,200 Caftan-style evening dress, 1920s. This superb example of Orientalism features a black silk chiffon caftan worn over a black satin slip. The caftan is embellished in front with a wide panel of gold metallic lace. The garland of silk ribbon flowers with bronze metallic edges is a thing of beauty. | |
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#2239 $1,250 Brussels/filet lace dress, early 1920s. A long tunic of embellished lace covers a silk slip with a wide border of fine Brussels bobbin lace. The tunic is fashioned from hand-knotted beige linen thread. The flat surface is embellished with textured appliqués of handmade needle lace. The gossamer floral motifs are of the last degree of charm. | |
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#2394 $1,100 Reserved Beaded flapper dress, c.1925. Made from ivory silk crepe with a wide hem border of black silk velvet. The skirt is densely decorated with faceted, black glass beads in a design reminiscent of Persian tile art. The assertive, beaded pattern stands in opposition to the delicate, feminine, floral motifs on the shoulders, creating an almost hypnotic aesthetic tension that holds the viewer's eye. | |
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#2315 $950 Silk chiffon & lace dress, 1930s. Diaphanous dresses from the 1930s are treasured by collectors for their fluid grace. The ultra-feminine dress combines delicate, pale peach chiffon with matching silk lace. The body-hugging style is broken above the hipline with flirty bias-cut lace ruffles. The lace skirt falls in gentle folds. The silk lace motifs are executed with consummate artistry, creating a delicate floral design of the utmost feminine allure. | |
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#6792 $1,200 Reserved Stecker beaded silk flapper dress, c.1925. The torso is fashioned from black silk crepe de chine; the skirt is heavier orange silk crepe. It closes on one shoulder and side with snaps; the other side has a decorative beaded panel. The skirt and side panel are elaborately embellished with black glass beads and bronzed metallic beads. With its striking orange-and-black palette and Eastern-style beading pattern, our brilliant flapper dress perfectly captures the mood of the period. | |
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#6918 $800 Beaded velvet evening blouse, c.1938. It closes in front with a metal zipper and can also be worn as a jacket. The sleeve caps have narrow pads to support the slight puff. With its coral and turquoise combination, the beading pattern is reminiscent of Navajo jewelry design. The pattern is outlined with burnished metallic gold beads. | |
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#6919 $875 Beaded crepe evening blouse, c.1939. Made from black rayon crepe with a persimmon crepe neckline border, the blouse closes on the side with a metal zipper. The blouse is gently fitted at the waistline with darts above a bias-cut peplum. The beaded decoration—with a profusion of coral, turquoise, and burnished gold metal—is spectacular. Here is the showiness and brilliance in clothing celebrated throughout the Great Depression. | |
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#6906 $475 Handmade eyelet jacket, 1930s. Fashioned from beige hand-embroidered eyelet cutwork, the jacket is bolero length in front and longer in back. The jacket closes in front with one snap at the neckline. You can wear the it with jeans, or as an evening jacket, or as a blouse. The fine wheel-and-diamond cutwork pattern has a mesmerizing fascination. NEW LISTING | |
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#2396 $2,600 Paquin velvet evening cape, 1920s. The layered cape has an attached upper shoulder cape with rows of ruffles across the back. The shoulder cape creates the illusion of sleeves, but there are no armholes. Our clutch-style cape has no closures and is lined with black silk crepe. This exemplar of Madame Paquin's genius exhibits her originality and flair for glamorous, romantic clothing. | |
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#6807 $12,500 Fortuny stenciled silk gauze wrap, c.1920. The caftan-style wrap allows a body-clinging gown to show through. The 3/4-length wrap is cut square with openings for the arms. The hand stenciling is done with real gold metallic pigments aged to a mellow, burnished color. His stenciled pieces are built layer on layer, achieving the effect of an old fresco. From the "alchemist" of textile decoration, whose magical effects have never been reproduced. | |
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#2391 $950 Chiffon evening cape, 1930s. Dramatically shaped with fluttering double layers of black chiffon that plunge from just below the bust in front to full length in back. The amazing scalloped edges are thematically repeated in the multi-layered petal collar. Is it the black chiffon cocoon or the exotic scalloping that creates an inviting yet enigmatic intimacy? | |
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#6888 $475 Lilly Daché satin hat, late 1930s. Fashioned from alternating red and burgundy satin ribbon, the hat can be worn straight or at a jaunty angle. The most famous milliner in 20th century America created draped turbans, brimmed hats molded to the head, half hats, colored snoods, and romantic massed-flower shapes. What an amazing piece of soft sculpture! | |
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#6886 $450 Lilly Daché felt hat, late 1930s. The classical shape of the brimmed hat is almost obscured by the large red taffeta bow and black feathers. I love the graphic red-and-black design. The early Daché label is a special find for the serious collector. The same label design, minus the street address, was used in Daché clothing designs in the 1950s. | |
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#4108 $1,200 Bias cut floral silk crepe dress, 1930s. Fashioned from navy/black silk crepe printed with large, cheerful floral bouquets. The floral motif is carried through with brilliant and delicate taste. The bias cut with the softly draped and almost bare back (fabulous back interest!) creates the fluid sensuality that we associate with glamorous 1930s dresses. | |
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#2378 $850 Hand-embroidered tea dress, early 1920s. Lavishly embroidered with flowers of padded satin stitch and French knots. I love the contrast of realistic embroidered flowers to stylized flowers in the handmade filet lace trim. Rows of pin tucks complete the design. All elements combine to produce an harmonious whole, a superb monochromatic design in a treasure of early handwork! | |
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#6639 $10,000 Gallenga stenciled velvet cape, 1920s. Best known for medieval and Oriental designs stenciled in shades of silver and gold, she is renowned for the mysterious, Gothic quality of her designs. In this literally and figuratively "fabulous" cape, the wide stenciled border with her signature features a magical landscape of stylized plant forms, exotic birds, and mythical beasts. | |
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#2242 $1,250 Beaded tulle flapper dress, 1920s. This eye-catching beauty is gracefully styled with cap sleeves, deep open-side armholes, side-hip fullness, and a pointed hem. The dress is almost totally covered with a textured assortment of black glass beads. Small faceted seed beads subtly sparkle; bold bugle beads define the rosettes of stylized flowers. | |
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#4082 $850 Ethnic-style embroidered flapper dress, 1920s. With ethnic-style embroidery, the silk crep de chine flapper dress and matching rectangular shawl have a simple, direct charm enhanced by the heavenly lilac hue. Both pieces are hand embroidered with cross-stitch patterns (stylized birds) of purple silk floss. The fashion cognoscenti of the 1920s valued ethnic decoration, which endowed the wearer with an aura of drama and mystery. | |
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#4008 $1,250 Sold French hand-embroidered tea dress, c.1923. Fashioned from sheer cotton voile that has mellowed to pale beige, the dress personifies the graceful elegance of the early 1920s. The mint green taffeta medallions are a delightful contrast. They are surrounded with raised floral embroidery of padded satin stitch. The strong lights and darks in the design prefigure modern fashion sensibility. | |
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#6663 $850 Sold Beaded appliquéd flapper dress, late 1920s. The free spirited, fun loving mood of the flapper era is personified by the flirty, beaded dress. The bold floral decoration features black satin appliqués outlined with cut-steel seed beads and studded with rhinestones. The design has just enough sparkle to be confident without appearing ostentatious. | |
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#6858 $750 Gold brocaded lamé shoes, late 1920s. The gold metallic brocaded lamé fabric has developed a beautiful, mellow patina only achieved over time. The straps close with metallic gold buttons that have rhinestone centers with just a hint of sparkle. A glittering memento of 1920s high style glamour. | |
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#6857 $750 I. Miller metallic brocaded shoes, early 1930s. Fashioned from colorful printed silk with bronze metallic accents. The silk is bordered with gold kid leather. The sexy style features cut-outs on the sides and shapely Louis heels. Israel Miller designed shoes for famous names from the theatre like Ethel Barrymore and Mary Pickford. | |
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#4043 $375 Sequined evening cap, 1920s-1930s. The cap is fashioned from black cotton net that is totally covered with glittering silver blue sequins. I love the mixture of textured sequins on the crown. The cap has a look of streamlined modernism—so fresh and relevant today. The Juliet cap was in vogue in the 1530s and the 1960s. Now is time for another revival! | |
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#2291 Sold Metallic brocaded satin/velvet evening dress, 1930s. The form-fitting torso is made from scintillating, metallic brocaded satin with plaid panels on the sides. The brocaded pattern covers both the solid center area and the plaid. The wide ruffle at the top of the silk velvet skirt is tacked up on the torso with backing for support. Here is the brilliance of 1930s glamour materialized in fashion! | |
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#6890 $475 Lilly Daché straw hat, late 1930s. The hat is fashioned from taupe colored straw. The design is an artfully crafted, fanciful rendition of a classic man's hat. The floral and feather decoration is the work of a master milliner. From the greatest name in American millinery design! | |
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#6506 $950 Velvet evening dress, 1930s. The beguiling velvet evening dress, artfully cut in concentric rings that conform to the underlying curves of the body, gracefully skims the hips before flaring out in the circular lower skirt. I love the low cut neckline, framed with a draped collar flounce of beige lace, in the seductive and ladylike dress. | |
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#4105 $550 Sequined net evening cap, late 1920s. Here is the Twenties look of streamlined modernism, seen in all areas of design, in this cap with a charming turned up brim; a look that again seems fresh and relevant. You will be the party's darling cynosure in this one-of-a-kind, elaborately embellished cap with gold and orange silk braid, bronze metallic braid, and bronze sequins on a ground of black net. | |
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#1653 $1,250 Marcelle André evening dress, c.1930. Made from heavenly aubergine silk chiffon with lace inserts, the skirt has an amazing, intricate cut and molds to the hips before falling in soft full folds. The dress comes with a matching satin slip that has a nude silk chiffon top. Magnificent labeled French couture! | |
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#1725 $3,950 Sold French sequined flapper evening coat, c.1925. A museum quality coat with exemplary styling: cocoon-shaped and lined with luxurious black silk velvet, it is in almost mint condition. I love the ribbon-pattern borders on the hem and sleeves. The totally sequined (very much au courant) coat glitters with brilliant surface decoration. The visually arresting, graphic black-and-gold design, so popular in the flapper period, is as strong today as when new. | |
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#4119 $475 Mixed lace cardigan jacket, 1920s. Fashioned from ivory cotton tulle that is machine embroidered with an all-over zigzag pattern. Bands of lace outline the front opening, cuffs, and sleeve caps. The hem is trimmed with a wide border of floral lace. The airy lightness of the design is a treat for the eyes. Wear the it with jeans or as an evening jacket. Either way, you will have the unique vintage "look." | |
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#1956 $1,250 French wedding dress, c.1921. While simple in silhouette, the design is uniquely detailed with an asymmetrical bodice opening and a stepped hem border on the tunic skirt. The exquisite dress can be worn without a belt; belted only in front; or belted only in back. The unpretentious floral embellishment has the utmost feminine allure. | |
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#2245 $2,250 Beaded lamé evening dress, 1930s. The gold and purple silk/lamé brocaded with metallic gold and the layered effect of the Persian-style pattern produce an unrivalled example of textile art. The combination of majestic purple and aristocratic gold filigree is breathtaking! The brilliance of the fabric is complemented by the skillful cut of the dress: the softly draped bodice, fitted hips, and pleated skirt panels. | |
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#6889 $450 Lilly Daché silk turban, late 1930s. Fashioned from Oriental-style printed silk embellished with appliquéd metallic cording. The ingeniously wrapped design shows that Daché was a grandmaster of soft sculpture. With Hollywood designer Travis Banton, Daché also created hats for the movies, including Carmen Miranda's famous tutti-frutti turban. | |
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#6887 $450 Lilly Daché straw turban, late 1930s. Fashioned from lightweight navy straw mesh, which is artfully wrapped on the bias to achieve the desired shape. I love the jaunty pink, gros grain ribbon bow. A famous Daché maxim: "Glamour is what makes a man ask for your telephone number. But it also is what makes a woman ask for the name of your dressmaker." | |
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#1640 $875 Beaded silk chiffon jacket, c.1928. What a brilliant kaleidoscope of color! The jacket is covered with a profusion of glass beaded roses in shades of rose, blue, green, and clear crystal. The flowers and leaves are outlined with metallic silver beads. The jacket showcases the final flowering of the brilliant Art Deco style. | |
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#0534 $1,400 Sold Metallic lace evening dress, c.1923. The outer layer is fashioned from dazzling silver metallic lace. The slight hint of gold comes from the champagne-colored, metallic lamé slip. The slip is a work of art in itself with vines of silk ribbon roses that subtly peak through the lace. More roses embellish the front waistline (reminiscent of Aesthetic Dress), creating a lifelike, almost 3-dimensional feeling. | |
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#2185 $1,950 French sequined evening jacket, 1930s. Lavishly hand embroidered with multi-colored, sequined flowers. The heart-shaped leaves are quite thrilling! The designer rivals nature in the brilliant profusion of color and form. A work of wearable art with the showiness and brilliance celebrated in the 1930s. | |
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#1654 Sold Vionnet velvet/ermine cape, 1920s. Illustrating her evolving style, the typical straight 1920s shape is modified in back with draping made possible by the supple quality of the silk velvet. Extensions from the ruched shoulders form a large, softly draped bow at the back of the neck. The bow is more than decoration; it forms an ingenious cape-collar. A very rare garment from greatest "dressmaker" fashion has ever seen. | |
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#1531 $950 Adair French silk crepe dress, c.1925. Featuring a blouson top, fitted hip-band, and softly pleated skirt. Spectacular geometric pattern of variegated earth-colored beading. The spirited design and cheerful color, so sunny and happy, will lift your spirits at any time of year. A happy marriage of color scheme and design motif of the American Southwest. | |
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#6628 $950 Chanel-style black flapper dress, c.1926. It is fashioned from black sheer silk chiffon over a black crepe slip. The floating back cape gracefully emphasizes the dip of the skirt. The flirty handkerchief hem of the bias-cut skirt that dips lower in back is a delightful touch. | |
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#4065 $700 Reserved Irish crochet lace jacket, 1930s. It features an inventive assortment of large motifs on the collar and center-front opening as well as three dimensional roses throughout. I love the scalloped hem border. This versatile example of textile art can be worn open as a jacket or worn closed as a blouse. Wear it for the evening or with your jeans. | |
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#2160 $650 French hand-embroidered silk nightgown, 1930s. The soft curves and luxurious silk set the mood; the exquisite hand embroidery and dainty finishing details have an irresistible feminine appeal. Early handmade French lingerie is not only exquisitely beautiful but also has a well deserved reputation for working "bedroom magic" on the wearer's partner. | |
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#4017 $475 Lace bolero, early 20th century. This fabulous bolero is a real show stopper! It is fashioned from three different patterns of machine made ecru cotton lace. The style is unstructured and comfortable with sleeves cut-in-one with the bodice. Sexy and ultra-stylish! | |
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#4084 $850 Hand-embroidered white eyelet dress, c.1919. A wearable/collectible noteworthy for the padded satin stitch flowers, open work eyelets, and seeded filling. With the "Armistice" square front neckline popular in the late Teens, the style is transitional to the more casual construction of the 1920s. The simple, yet intriguing, abstract floral design has a pleasing symmetry that is a delight to the eyes. | |
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#4099 $750 Reserved French wide brim straw hat, early 1920s. Romantic wide brim hats from the early 20th century have enduring appeal because they beautifully frame the face of the wearer—so chic and stylish! The bouquet of superb silk ribbon flower art around the crown will beautifully adorn your face. | |
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#6834 $475 Lilly Daché straw hat, late 1930s. I love the way Daché sculpted the hunter green straw. The hat has the early Daché label. The same label design, minus the street address, was used in Daché clothing designs in the 1950s. The floral, feather, and velvet ribbon decoration on the turned-up brim is the work of a master milliner. | |
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#4101 $475 Flapper velvet skull cap, late 1920s. This essential flapper accessory is fashioned from black silk velvet and is lined with black felt. The hard-edge skull shape is softened with bouquets of black velvet petals that frame the face. Skull caps are perfect for bad hair days—just tuck your hair up inside the cap and forget about it. | |
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#6641 $15,000 Fortuny silk Delphos tea gown, 1920s. Based on the pleated linen chitons worn by Greek maidens 2500 years ago, the Delphos gown has preserved the poetry of line of the Greek robe. Incredibly soft and liquid, molding to the curves of the body, the gown is an unconditional statement of beauty, which adapts itself to the wearer and the occasion. Comes in the original box. The ultimate in high style glamour! | |
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#6643 $12,000 Sold Fortuny stenciled velvet short jacket, c.1930. The pattern is hand stenciled in many layers of subtly changing gold pigment, reproducing the Renaissance fresco effect. The "Lace" pattern is a synthesis of two ideas (blocks based on Islamic tiles with borders based on 17th century lace) to create a new and different motif—the Fortuny aesthetic dialectic at work. | |
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#2184 $3,800 Liberty lamé evening cape, 1920s. By 1925, Liberty textiles had moved away from the nostalgic images of Art Nouveau to more streamlined Art Deco styles. The cape features bold Deco-style gold tulips on a textured ground of black and gold. The label reads "Liberty/London/By Appointment to her Majesty the Queen." Appropriately, the cape has the regal opulence associated with royalty. | |
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#2230 $1,100 Devoré velvet flapper dress, c.1925. Fashioned from plum colored silk velvet cut to a ground of dusty rose silk chiffon. The monotone plum hue allows the design to focus on shape rather than color. I love the contrast of Deco stylized roses on the bodice with naturalistic, softly hued roses on the skirt. | |
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#6785 $850 Flapper printed velvet day dress, c.1925. Both the slip and the over blouse slip over the head with no closures. The style is effortless and easy to wear. The simple style is nicely detailed with open work at the neckline and pointed sleeves at the wrist. A draped, bias-cut front panel softens the straight lines of the skirt. A stylish "fashion uniform" from the 1920s! | |
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#1103 $1,100 Burgundy silk velvet coat, c.1920. Fashioned from luxurious burgundy silk velvet and embellished with a unique collar of embroidered silk. The Persian-style floral pattern is beautifully hand-embroidered in shades of rose, olive, and burgundy silk floss on an ivory silk ground. The subtle and sinuous line of the floral motif traces out the contours of the heart—a hauntingly beautiful design. | |
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#2363 $850 Sold Devoré velvet dress, early 1920s. The luxe dress is fashioned from cream-colored velvet, cut to a ground of matching silk chiffon, and trimmed with faux pearls. The wide, angel-wing sleeves are of delicate silk lace. The lace is also used to cover the bodice of the satin slip, which shows above the draped cowl bodice. The soft, sensual drape of real silk velvet is perfect for a sophisticated and stylish hostess. | |
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#2309 $1,150 Tambour-embroidered chiffon blouse, 1920s. Fashioned from black silk chiffon, the picturesque blouse is covered with tambour-embroidered, silk floss flowers. The flower centers are embroidered with metallic bronze cord. The brilliant arrangement of ordinary flowers has a natural, unaffected charm. | |
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#0979 $850 Beaded silk crepe party dress, c.1929. The combination of the sophisticated long torso and the coquettish ruffled skirt is stroke of design genius. Add the striking contrast of cobalt blue and sable black and you have an unforgettable fashion statement! | |
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#2125 $950 Sold Hand-embroidered ivory silk dress, early 1920s. A fine example of the vogue of incorporating Chinese hand-embroidered silk shawls into garments. The asymmetrical design includes the hand-knotted fringe borders of the shawl. The embroidered panels are layered over a matching silk crepe de chine under dress. Brilliant, creative clothing construction! | |
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#6484 $1,200 Copy of Schiaparelli couture coat, c.1936. Made from a black wool/fur blend and lined with black taffeta. The red velvet collar is appliquéd with gold leather stars and turquoise-colored glass beads, showing her celebrated flair for color in eccentric combinations—typical Schiaparelli whimsy and daring. |
