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#7165 $1,800 Lanvin/Castillo jeweled evening jacket & obi sash, c.1950. Made from turquoise silk organza, the brilliant evening ensemble is an exemplar of the Castillo style. Both pieces are richly embroidered with metallic gold braid, silver sequins, glass beads, and glittering rhinestones. Both are completely hand finished in the couture manner. With a dramatic Art Nouveau motif, this masterpiece from Castillo-Lanvin captures the thrilling rediscovery of glamour and elegance in fashion in the post WW2 period. Here is a spectacular labeled piece from one of the great couture names of the last century. NEW LISTING | |
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#2539 $1,450 Valentino embroidered evening coat, 1960s-70s. This sublime mini coat, uncluttered with unnecessary seams and details, is a masterpiece of surface decoration. Made from substantial weight silk, the surface is totally covered with a highly textured assortment of braided trims and bobbles. Several rows of iridescent cord add a subtle hint of sparkle. The coat was featured in Vogue when it was new. The fine surface decoration bestows on the coat Valentino's heart-rending, pretty elegance like a fashion godmother's blessing. NEW LISTING | |
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#2525 $850 Mademoiselle Ricci wool swing coat, c.1965-1970. The House of Nina Ricci in Paris has been known for luxurious, feminine clothing since it was founded in 1932. With its soft tailoring in a delicious iced pink hue, this delightful double-breasted coat could not be more feminine. It features comfortable, deep set raglan sleeves with cuffs; large patch pockets; and a swing back. The coat closes with self-bound buttonholes and matching plastic buttons. After an age in the wilderness, pink has again been taken up by several very influential designers. Indeed, French Vogue has just given Barbie's favorite color its endorsement. NEW LISTING | |
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#2448 $800 Norman Norell double-breasted wool coat, late 1960s. Master of ready-to-wear that looked like couture, he made luxe garments known for their cutting edge style. Priced comparably to French couture, the Norell coat became the emblem of stylish society and the token of youthful flirtation. The impeccable coat showcases the Norell trademarks: the use of bright, cheerful color in simple classic design. The minimally accented, knee-length coat features a long straight torso with a softly gathered skirt below the hipline. The raspberry hue lends an almost electric excitement to an alluringly feminine coat. NEW LISTING | |
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#2558 $900 Zandra Rhodes printed chiffon dress, 1980s. Rhodes' innovative print designs set her apart from other designers. This ethereal creation floats over the body like a pastel butterfly. The soft lilac color, enhanced by Rhodes' signature pearl trim, is alluringly feminine. The dress is dramatically styled in back with a plunging neckline, cowl-draped bodice, and longer skirt. Hemlines go up in a boom and down in a recession. The modish long silhouette is about adopting a stance and facing the downturn with the appropriate (and entirely insincere) modesty. NEW LISTING | |
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#1085 $850 Zandra Rhodes "Sparkle" chiffon dress, 1970s-80s. Rhodes' "Sparkle" pattern in this dress is justly celebrated. The enigmatic zigzag motif hints at an arcane, portentous mystery. Rhodes made extensive use of this beautiful and mesmerizing print in her first American fashion show and again in our black and white version in a later collection. The fluid styling is ingenious. The neckline adapts to the pose of the wearer, draping lower in front or falling off one shoulder. The sleeves are slashed open and outlined with pearls to reveal the wearer's upper arm underneath. A sophisticated woman understands the discreet, almost intimate, allure of this style. NEW LISTING | |
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#6895 $750 Galanos silk sun dress, 1980s. In this winning sundress, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in haute couture. Fashioned from substantial-weight silk faille, the dress appears effortless on the outside; inside it is totally lined with charmeuse hand stitched along the top. The back zipper is also hand stitched. The brilliant, 5-color floral print is so pretty and feminine—and will win all hearts! Here is woman's beauty in bloom. | |
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#2524 $950 Scaasi taffeta cocktail dress, late 1950s. Although Scaasi is known as a superb colorist, he shows here that he can do the "little black dress" with equal mastery. The effect is based on his finely honed sense of shape. Made from black silk taffeta, the only adornment is a large velvet rose at the deep "V" of the front neckline. This beauty is intricately constructed with features expected in high end 1950s clothing. With the signature off-the-shoulder neckline, draped torso and sculpted skirt, this stunner makes a sophisticated, dramatic fashion statement. | |
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#2540 $900 Teal Traina mini dress, early 1960s. With an inspired choice of fabric and superb construction, this fab dress is one of the best from Teal Traina that I have seen. The body of the dress is fashioned from a white, three dimensional, feather-like weave. The wide bodice band is substantial-weight, cream colored satin. The simple mini style highlights the luster of the fabric. The meticulous attention to detail and complex construction indicate the dress was expensive when new. This beauty may have been designed by Geoffrey Beene, one of Teal Traina's protegés. | |
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#6914 $650 Victor Costa halter sun dress, 1980s. In this masterful adaptation of Paris couture, the bodice is lined with white cotton/synthetic and is boned for support. The skirt has a built-in crinoline petticoat. The dress closes on the side with a nylon coil zipper. Costa ingeniously arranges the stripes to form a diamond pattern at the front and back waist. He uses the diagonal motif with mesmerizing mastery, drawing the eye in to focus on its slightly concave (="female") shaping. The aesthetic tension is increased by the 45-degree rotation of the diamond. We do not need Dr. Freud to explain the subliminal excitement of the brilliant design. | |
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#7028 $750 Suzy Perette evening dress, late 1950s. The signature black velvet and taffeta theme has the sexy yet demure style incredibly popular at the time. The dress features a plain apron-front style of black velvet that opens in back to expose the elaborately draped taffeta skirt. A large red silk rose at the center-back accents the skirt. Men cannot help themselves: they are drawn to a woman who intimates the seductive sophistication of the evening. This is a dress for such a woman. | |
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#6720 $475 Hawaiian sarong dress & bolero, 1940s. What a fabulous tropical print from the golden age of Hawaiian textiles—sexy, carefree, and fun! I love the sarong style of the dress, which has a built in bra and closes on the side with a metal zipper. The straps, which button to the back, can be worn straight or crossed. The matching bolero jacket is a perfect cover for bare shoulders on a cool evening. |
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#6937 $700 Oscar de la Renta silk party dress, 1980s. Our party dress is so fresh and youthful with its sunny color and jaunty plaid! This beauty combines a fetching, girlish appeal with a woman's allure—a dynamite combination. The diagonal lines of the bias-cut side panels add visual interest while molding the dress to the torso. The skirt is interlined with organza to hold the shape, while the bodice is boned for support. The dress closes in back with a nylon coil zipper. The seams are detailed with self-covered corded piping. Boom or bust, de la Renta knows what his ladies like. | |
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#1884 $1,950 Adrian two-piece crepe evening dress, c.1942. The stark, dramatic look conveys the glamour and sophistication for which Adrian-garbed characters on screen were known. Made from expensive heavy-weight crepe, the dress hangs perfectly. What an ingenious use of diagonal seams, rather than the usual darts, to shape the bust area; the seam placement creates a fluid sculpture from fabric. The only adornment is the oversized black silk faille bow on the skirt. The skirt has a side slit that goes almost up to the bow. The sophisticated gown from most important costume designer in film history is the personification of Hollywood glamour. | |
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#7134 $850 Chanel Boutique dress & jacket, 1980s. The stylish suit is fashioned from beige wool crepe. Both pieces are lined with matching silk woven with the CC logo. The superb tailoring emphasizes the clean lines of the minimalist styling. The dress closes in back with an invisible zipper. The double-breasted jacket has four patch pockets and closes with CC logo buttons. We see in this classical suit everything that Coco Chanel stood for: dignity, restraint, indeed a style that allowed women to dress as comfortably and confidently as men do. | |
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#2521 $850 Lillie Rubin taffeta gingham party dress, 1950s. Made from from taffeta gingham, using an inspired combination of luxurious silk taffeta with gingham plaid. The result is lighthearted and refreshing and yet alluringly stylish. It is shaped with curvilinear, princess line seams accented with black lace ruffles. Black velvet bows complete the decoration. The dress is beautifully constructed with two layers that close separately in back with metal zippers. The black lace ruffles add a sexual frisson to the girlish charm of the dress. | |
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#7063 $1,250 Beaded silk organza evening coat, late 1950s. The versatile coat can be worn as an evening coat or as a dress. It was made from champagne colored silk organza totally covered with a mix of faux pearls, rhinestones, and silver beads. The coat/dress is lined with matching silk organza and closes in front with a separating metal zipper. The coat would be fabulous as a wedding accessory; or wear it with skinny black pants. It can be worn closed to the neckline or worn daringly open to the waist. In this case, the provocative silhouette and dazzling decoration evoke the exotic allure of the East. | |
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#1613 $1,450 Galanos silk chiffon evening dress with stole, c.1980. I love the casual elegance of this spectacular evening gown; the materials are sumptuous, and the style is flawless. The backless bra halter falls in soft panels at the sides of the skirt. The rest of the skirt is composed of five layers of silk chiffon; the under layers are red in front and black in back. The four under layers, straight-cut with deep side slits, are attached and close in back with a metal zipper. The full outer layer—with larger-than-life printed poppies—floats over the underskirt. The inspired floral motif walks the line between youth and sophistication. | |
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#7012 $1,050 Randolph Duke beaded evening dress, c.2000. This fabulous evening dress from the master of elegant evening wear has two layers. The outer layer is made from black net lavishly decorated with swirling patterns of clear crystal beads and metallic beads. They shift from silver to muted bronze, depending on the light. The centripetal beaded motif subconsciously draws the viewers' eyes to the wearer. The lining layer is beige lycra stretch knit with a hint of gold sparkle. | |
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#7007 $750 OMO/Norma Kamali taffeta cocktail dress, 1980s. The fab dress is an example of Kamali's lighthearted approach to fashion. I love the open back with bows, so fetching and feminine. It is not surprising that Kamali chose the delightful lilac/mauve color well ahead of its current vogue. The bodice is self-lined and nicely finished inside. The fullness of the skirt is ingeniously supported with a padded roll just below the hipline so that the skirt will never look flat or wilted, even without a petticoat. | |
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#7029 $650 Hong Kong beaded sweater, 1950s. Made from a finely knit blend of lamb's wool, rabbit hair, and nylon. The beading art is spectacular, both for the abundance of beads and the superior quality of the work. The 3-dimensionaleffects, achieved by using ropes of glass beads to form flowers and leaves, amplifies the brilliant color. How delightful to greet the coming of spring with this lovely floral sweater! A closer look will reveal myriad combinations of opaque beads, iridescent beads, and metallic beads used to create the charming symphony of flowers, completely natural and unsnobbish. | |
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#7011 $800 Vera Wang silk jersey cocktail dress, 1990s. The perfect little black cocktail dress has it all. The torso, made from silk/spandex jersey, will mold to your figure like a Ceil Chapman dress. The shoulder straps and gracefully draped, double-layer skirt are of bias-cut silk chiffon. The unadorned black design, relying solely on cut, conveys a timeless sophistication, epitomizing Baudelaire's dictum that every dress style is beautiful in its own time. | |
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#7009 $1,050 Gianni Versace Madame X evening gown, 1980s-90s. Versace captures the spirit of the infamous plunging neckline and decorative straps that might slip off the shoulders at any time. From there, he takes off with a modern interpretation as body-conscious as the original: a thigh-length, body hugging torso of heavy crepe and a bias-cut, circular lower skirt of sheer chiffon, revealing the legs. The decorative straps have Deco-style, silver-tone discs and top stitching. This is the most imaginative "Madame X" dress I have ever seen. | |
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#7010 $1,050 Bob Mackie beaded evening gown, 1990s. The eye-catching couture line gown has all the dramatic flair of the costumes that he designed for Cher. The deep navy satin-back crepe hue could easily be mistaken for black. The Deco-style beaded stripes combine silver, metallic lined crystal, and charcoal gray beads. The straps crisscross in back and attach to each side of the halter bodice with hooks. This fab gown has a ladylike elegance as well as Mackie's signature sex appeal. | |
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#7008 $950 Naeem Khan beaded/embroidered cocktail dress, c.2003. The simple sheath style is the perfect backdrop for the intricately detailed textile. Made from peach colored silk shantung, the stunning dress is embroidered with beads, silk floss leaves, raised satin ribbon flowers, faux pearls, and sequins. The up and coming designer, Naeem Khan, has already established a loyal following of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Beyoncé, and Queen Noor of Jordan. | |
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#6551 $950 Adrian velvet hat, 1940s. From the most important costume designer in the history of film, the unique, softly sculptured velvet hat is an ingenious takeoff on the beret. Like a traditional beret, the top can be tilted and draped to suit the wearer. Because this distinctive hat is so visually arresting, it lends a romantic aura to the wearer. Like all great fashion, it is memorable as well as collectible. More than any other designer, Adrian created and sustained "Hollywood glamour." | |
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#1701 $1,250 Beaded silk velvet evening ensemble, c.1940. The super chic velvet evening ensemble reminds us why the 1940s were synonymous with glamour. I love the haunting beauty of the deep rich green hue, which appears almost black. The strapless dress features a softly draped skirt with a provocatively deep slit. The unlined bolero style jacket, open in front, reveals the low-cut neckline of the dress. The jacket and dress bodice are embellished with sparkling bouquets of rhinestones and clear crystal beads. What a dramatic and sophisticated fashion statement! | |
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#6976 $750 Oleg Cassini sequined party dress, 1980s. Made from pale yellow silk chiffon, this fab dress has a long sequined torso above a flirty ruffled skirt. The bodice is decorated with large blossoms of gold sequins, pearlized sequins, and faux pearls. The dress is beautifully finished with no raw seams on the inside and closes in back with an invisible zipper. The debonair and amusing Cassini is best known as the couturier who shaped the entire look of First Lady Jackie Kennedy, for whom he created 300 outfits. In this beauty, you will be noticed; and when you leave the room, you will be remembered. | |
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#1989 $1,250 Ceil Chapman beaded satin dress, c.1950. The sexy and stylish party dress has everything you could want in a Ceil Chapman piece. It is finely made and tastefully embellished with glittering beads. Fashioned from exquisite sea foam green satin, the dress is almost totally covered with opaque white glass beads and iridescent sequins. The beading, drawing attention to the bust, is signature Chapman. The construction details whisper "quality." This beauty bespeaks wealth and status in a confident, understated manner. | |
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#6789 $750 Julia evening gown for Leona Helmsley, 1970s. The floral print is embroidered with ribbon work flowers and sparkling metallic cord leaves. The cap sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulders. The violet and pink ribbon-work flowers are executed with exemplary mastery, imparting the tender femininity of the great Rococo painters. While the gown has the brilliance and sparkle of high style evening wear, there is also an undeniable drop dead sexiness that makes this beauty right for a younger (or young at heart) woman. | |
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#6975 $650 Suzy Perette cocktail dress, late 1950s. Perette's dresses are always pretty; this one is inspired. The signature black velvet and taffeta theme has the sexy yet demure style that was incredibly popular. Fashioned with a black velvet bodice and black taffeta skirt, the dress has a close fitting bodice with a flattering heart-shaped neckline and short sleeves and is lined with burgundy taffeta. The petal-shaped taffeta skirt has three overlapping layers and a large velvet rose at the waist. Here is the Paris look without the couture price tag. | |
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#1894 $1,250 Galanos Hollywood evening gown, c.1951. Made from heavy pink crepe embellished with rows of silver-lined crystal bugle beads. The straight lines are broken only by directional beading in the bust area and a deep slit in the front skirt. The directional beading accentuates the body's curves. The result is design magic—sexy, svelte, and streamlined. This early Galanos piece has the exquisite workmanship that made him famous. Some of the details are subtle, e.g., the beading—perfectly matched, and it does not extend into the seam allowance. The result is an effortlessly elegant evening gown. | |
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#6885 $750 Malcolm Starr evening dress, 1970s. The exquisite dress in demure pink has the superb construction and materials which Starr always delivered. The dress is fashioned from substantial-weight silk shantung with interlining used in the skirt to support the shape. This beauty is completely lined and finished with no visible raw seams and closes in back with a metal zipper stitched by hand. The dress is totally au courant with the current Paris couture season: Starr's beauty has the refined, A-list look seen on the runways this season. | |
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#6973 $750 Courreges wool maxi dress, 1970s. Made from navy wool crepe, the dress has fab floral cutouts around the neckline backed with sheer mesh with sequin centers. The neckline and sleeves are bordered with wide bias binding. Courreges is best known for the futuristic space-age designs with mini skirts launched in 1965. Through the late 1960s, his designs remained simple with a lack of nostalgia. He remained a designer who always looked to the future. We once adored Courreges' brilliant gaiety; still, his joyful legacy is undimmed by time. | |
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#6782 $750 Frank Starr party dress, 1950s. The sculpted bodice of pleated pink taffeta ends in a large back bustle bow. The full-circle taffeta skirt is softened with a layer of matching pink tulle. The unabashed femininity of 1950s party dresses discreetly celebrate the female figure. They are ultra sexy while remaining demure and sweet. Don't be surprised if Prince Charming wants to take you away to his palace forever! Starr's affordable designs always have elegant details that make them stand out in the crowd. | |
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#6960 $950 Oscar de la Renta jeweled velvet evening dress, 1990s. The matador-style bolero and the solemn black column show de la Renta's Spanish cultural roots. The jeweled bolero is actually an attached bodice, richly embellished with Persian-style motifs, rendered in colored crystals, beads, sequins, and palettes. The brilliant kaleidoscope of color displays de la Renta's flair for dazzling design. Nothing could be more au courant than the matador style that has been taken up this season by Giorgio Armani. As usual, de la Renta was ahead of the fashion curve. | |
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#2519 $500 Bes-Ben wide brim straw hat, 1950s. Whether "fun" or conventionally decorative, Bes-Ben hats appeared fresh and innovative because of Ben's unerring sense of scale and proportion. Made from ivory nylon straw and trimmed with matching silk organza flowers, our dramatic wide brim hat is an attention grabber with its luscious, larger-than-life flowers. Wear it to Ascot; wear it for a wedding; or wear it just for fun! From the 1960s on, these unique hats have become strong collectibles. One Bes-Ben hat set an auction record of $18,400. | |
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#6996 $1,250 Mink fur coat, 1970s. Still soft and supple, the luxe coat came from the estate of a wealthy socialite. The finely shaped coat does not overwhelm the slender figure. Made from fully let out brown/black mink pelts, the plush coat is lined with black satin with a wide decorative hem border. The collar can be buttoned up high to keep your neck warm or buttoned lower to form a lapel. It closes in front with elastic loops and decorative mother-of-pearl buttons. In front are vertical set-in pockets lined with dark brown velvet. | |
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#6637 $750 Beaded chiffon party dress, 1970s. Fashioned in two parts from heavenly pale, peach silk chiffon, the ladylike and sexy ensemble conveys the self-confidence of a woman with social status who knows where she is going, yet enjoys her femininity. The gracefully flared skirt falls in soft folds below the hipline. The skirt is attached to a matching satin slip; the beaded over blouse is lavishly embellished with faux pearls, silver beads, rhinestones, and iridescent sequins. | |
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#6978 $650 French wool crepe halter dress, 1980s-1990s. This sexy double-breasted halter version of the little black dress is made of black wool crepe. It closes in front with self-covered buttons to just above the knee; the halter closes at the back of the neck with a self-covered button. You can see why Marilyn Monroe adored the halter style. The skirt has two beautifully tailored welt pockets. "In 2003, a beautiful designer cocktail dress retailed for around $2,000. Today it is approaching $4,000." Our classic de Bémonville beauty is finer than today's designer cocktail dress. If it fits right, then you are the big winner! | |
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#7067 $1,200 Emmy Fisch beaded evening dress, 1950s-60s. Made from soft aqua satin and lined with matching faille, the empire-style gown has a dramatic back train. It would make a lovely wedding dress for a bride who does not want traditional white; or wear it in the evening as originally intended. The front bodice, sleeves, and back train are embroidered with faux pearls and silver-lined crystal beads. For a glittering evening affair, the large pearl drops in the beading pattern will contribute their precious sparkle. An important gown from a talented Spanish designer! | |
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#2413 $600 Chantilly lace cocktail dress, 1950s. For centuries Chantilly lace has conveyed a subtle yet unmistakable sexual tension because it both flaunts and covers up the female figure. This sizzler is made from black satin covered with black Chantilly lace. The dress hugs the torso to below the hip, where the dress flares out in a full-circle hem flounce. The dark floral bouquets of Chantilly lace were perfect for the ultra-feminine styles of the 1950s. Chantilly both flaunted and covered the female figure—a combination that has driven men wild for 400 years. | |
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#6939 $750 Victor Costa evening dress, 1970s-1980s. Costa's version of the black evening dress is a stately, body-conscious statement. The only adornment is the glitter of large Swarowski crystal buttons on the bodice. The bodice is lined and shaped with boned seams for support. The skirt has an attached net crinoline. Despite the uncharacteristically straightforward presentation of a standard fashion theme, we see the subtle sophistication of the evening—the allure of the night still beckons. This beauty shows why Costa, was known for exquisite adaptations of Paris couture. | |
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#2397 $850 Mollie Parnis lace cocktail dress, 1950s. Fashioned from heavy embroidered lace backed with delicate tulle, the party dress is beautifully constructed and finished. The lace skirt is attached to a black silk crepe slip. The lace tunic is attached to the slip at the neckline. The top of the tunic closes in back with satin-covered buttons on the bodice and snaps on the skirt. Our beauty is more "dressy" than many LBDs thanks to the gossamer refinement of the embroidered lace. Here is the dress for a stylish woman in every sense of the word: she is animated, intelligent, and captivating. | |
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#7014 $750 Beaded satin cocktail ensemble, 1960s. The resplendent beaded cocktail sheath comes with a full coat with three-quarter length sleeves (perfect with long gloves). The neckline of the dress is embellished with a yoke of iridescent sequins, gold-lined crystal beads, and large faceted clear crystals. The sparkling embellishment against the glowing satin creates such brilliance that even the shadows will take notice as the wearer passes by. The waistline is accented with a self-covered belt. The coat can be closed at the neckline with self-covered buttons. | |
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#6994 $1,400 Fox fur coat, 1970s. The wide lapel collar and slightly flared shape make the clutch-style coat comfortable and lightweight to wear. The horizontal pelts alternate with bands of gray leather. The silk lining is brightly patterned. Still soft and supple, the long haired coat was custom designed for a former fashion model. The opulent, luxurious look will be prized by the woman who knows her own worth! | |
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#6983 $700 Eztévez beaded silk cocktail dress, 1980s. The uncluttered silhouette and low cut back are signature Estévez. This is what well dressed, well heeled women of today look for—the refined, best-dressed-list look. He designed for a woman who favored sexy yet tasteful clothes. Made from soft black silk faille and lined with black China silk, the dress closes in back with a nylon coil zipper. The only embellishment: the over-sized shoulder bows with beaded fringe. The figure flattering cut is shaped with princess line seams. | |
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#6868 $650 Scaasi Boutique evening dress, late 1980s. Whether designing couture or ready-to-wear, Scaasi's aesthetic consistently focused on shape over embellishment. The sculptural party dress is signature Scaasi with its elongated, fitted torso and elaborate pouf skirt. Fashioned from sparkling silver-colored lace and lined with white taffeta, the dress closes on the side with a coil zipper. The ruffles are hemmed with nylon horsehair to hold the shape. This is an exemplar of how the master of monochromatic design achieves his effect through a finely honed sense of shape. | |
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#2229 $850 André Laug faux snakeskin coat, 1970s. The coat is a fine example of the restrained Laug aesthetic. The beautifully textured rayon fabric drapes like silk. The numerous vertical bodice seams open into inverted box pleats above the waist, creating a softly sculpted Empire line. The coat showcases the languid grace of Laug's elegantly understated designs. His discreet good taste was especially popular with a wealthy American clientele, often old guard and old money perhaps because of the balance between Old World sophistication and New World simplicity. | |
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#6864 $750 Miss Bergdorf sequined evening dress, 1970s. The black-on-black design is a timeless classic; the deep front slit in the skirt and the plunging-to-the-waist back add sizzle. Fashioned from black crepe covered with sparkling black sequins, the dress has a built-in boned bra. The eye-catching evening dress is very sexy and very now. Yet today's longer look is a nod to the 1970s: the longer look "lifts us up above the mundanities of daily life," as designer Sonia Rykiel puts it. | |
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#6869 $750 Scaasi satin cocktail dress, 1950s-60s. With saturated color and dramatically shaped skirt, this stunner is both high spirited and sculptural. Made from rich royal blue satin, the bodice is lined with black China silk. The dress has a "Harzfeld's/Kansas City" store label as well as the Scaasi label. A rare example from Scaasi's early career, here is special find for the serious collector. Arnold Scaasi, who has made evening wear for 5 First Ladies, is an important name in fashion because he consistently produced exquisitely beautiful cocktail and evening wear. | |
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#6945 $850 Hanae Mori black silk/wool suit, 1980s. The cut is gracefully feminine; the tailoring is impeccable; the silk and wool brocaded black fabric is the ultimate in luxe. The jacket is superbly shaped with princess-line seams and comfortable dolman sleeves. The versatile suit can be dressed up or down because of its understated, refined elegance. With strappy high heels and glittering jewelry, the suit would be perfect for dinner or cocktails. Mori's exquisitely feminine style can be seen in everything she produces, whether a classic suit or an original textile design. | |
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#7135 $450 M Missoni skirt & sweater set, c.2000. With their silky drape, Missoni's casually chic styles are popular with young and old. The signature Missoni skirt features a long tunic sweater and a hip-hugging mini skirt. The sweater has long wide sleeves, "V" neck, and deep side slits. The skirt is elasticized at the top. In 1969, Vogue editor Diana Vreeland recognized the imaginative range of Missoni fashion and offered to launch them in America. She declared: "Who said there are only colors? There are shades too!" The subtle color gradations on our striking skirt and sweater set exemplify Diana Vreeland's prophetic words! | |
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#7051 $950 Sling-back platform evening shoes, c.1947-50. The acme of American style in the late 1940s, the knockout shoes are made from red silk satin with gold kid open-work embellishments. The insoles are of cream colored satin, and the soles are brown leather. The straps are elasticized for comfort in back across the ankles. The gold tone buckles are set with small, amber colored glass stones. In 1970 Saint Laurent did a reprise of the broad shouldered 1940s look. It is coming back again on the runways. These super sexy stunners would look perfect with a 1940s-style outfit. | |
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#6377 $985 Philip Hulitar strapless dress & bolero, 1950s. The lovely strapless dress comes with a matching bolero. Both pieces are fashioned from floral-printed corded silk. The dress is lined with black taffeta; the bolero is unlined. The intricate inner construction holds the shape of the dress and flatters the less-than-perfect figure. The delightful puffed skirt is an inspired fashion flourish. This beauty has that pretty elegance you crave in high fashion. | |
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#1616 $875 Mary McFadden quilted silk evening coat, c.1980. The cardigan-style coat is fashioned from dark olive green silk painted in the Indonesian batik method. I love the contrasting raspberry silk lining! The coat features McFadden's signature "line quilting." It is lightweight and easy to wear, and it hangs perfectly. It can be worn with simple black pants; it would also be spectacular over a simple slip dress. Lightweight and easy to wear. | |
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#6779 $750 Chanel floral charmeuse dress, 1970s. The elegantly simple dress from Chanel is a masterpiece of understated refinement. Fashioned from rich silk charmeuse printed with brilliant flowers, the style is timeless and ladylike. The black satin hem border and wide black suede belt add a sophisticated touch to the soft, feminine design. Floral prints are again totally au courant. They burst into bloom for the spring collections. | |
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#6790 $350 Hanae Mori lace shell, 1970s-80s. I never tire of the allure of black lace, associated with romance and mystery. Made from black cotton guipure lace and lined with black rayon, the sides of the shell are vented for comfortable fit over the hips. The shell closes in back with a nylon coil zipper. Mori's exquisitely feminine style can be seen in everything she does. Here the designer plays on the depth of black by adding another layer of black below the lace surface. The design is simple and understated, yet suggestive of the unfathomable mystery of black. | |
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#6716 $750 Maria Snyder embroidered silk dress, early 1990s. Fashioned from heavy-weight black silk crepe and lined with black China silk, the decoration shows the whimsical eye of an artist. The padded, raised circles are embroidered with gold and silver cording and are outlined with iridescent glass beads. The circles reverse from gold outer rims on the front to silver on the back, a subtle touch. Our dress is beautifully made in the tradition of high end fashion. | |
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#2357 $600 Galanos satin cocktail dress, 1980s. The emerald green satin dress is self- lined with a reversible garment construction that hides all the seams. I love the split pleats of the skirt. With meticulous construction and attention to detail (comparable to French couture), the exceptional cocktail dress for the self-assured and stylish woman is signature Galanos. The couture quality will make you feel like a pampered princess. The understated design is subtle and tasteful. Cognoscenti will recognize the fine details. | |
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#6933 $800 Pucci cotton skirt & blouse set, 1970s. The versatile set can be worn as a dress or as separates. The blouse can be tucked inside the skirt or worn loose as in the pictures. The skirt can be worn with a slinky shell, while the blouse can be paired with jeans. Both pieces are signed Emilio throughout. With their joyful, explosive colors and patterns, Pucci's original designs trump current Pucci versions. Associated with 1960s pop culture, Pucci's fashions were precursors of the active sportswear of the 1970s. His work remains synonymous with style and status. | |
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#6200 $950 Pedro Rodriguez beaded mini dress, 1960s. Made from substantial-weight ivory silk satin and lined with matching silk, the dress closes on the side with a metal zipper. The beading is a work of art! The flowers are rendered in shades of pink, pale blue, yellow, and silver/gray seed beads. The abstract floral motif in delicate, feminine hues seductively entwines itself around the wearer's body—subtle, yet alluring! We can see why Rodriguez was so admired for his beautiful, elaborately beaded eveningwear. | |
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#6788 $750 Jacqueline de Ribes little black dress, 1980s. The elegant Vicomtesse Jacqueline de Ribes, who had worn haute couture clothing most of her life, in 1983 was voted the "Most Stylish Women in the World" by Town and Country Magazine. In the elegant understatement of black-on-black textured design, the velvet bodice frames a center-front panel of black beads and sequins on black silk. The skirt is textured black silk/wool. With an urbane black-on-black design, the stylish and ladylike dress sparkles just enough to stand out without being too showy. | |
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#1974 $1,275 Helena Barbieri embroidered silk gown, c.1965. The lovely yellow is accented only by the play of texture. The designer inventively uses appliqués, cut from the embroidered fabric, to add texture and depth to the feminine, ladylike design. The lifelike appliquéd leaves look so delicious and grabbable! The full-on primary yellow is powerful. It is a declaration of confidence; which is why it is often worn by actresses on the red carpet. | |
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#2263 $650 Little black cocktail dress, 1950s. This LBD pairs a form-fitting black silk crepe bodice with a sculpted black taffeta skirt. The shape of the skirt is supported with built-in side crinolines. The dress, completely lined, closes in back with a metal zipper. Unlike other colors that have their place in the sun for a few years, black is never dated or out of fashion. This stunner exudes the self-confidence of a woman who knows where she is going, yet enjoys her femininity. | |
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#6656 $750 Adrienne Vittaddini beaded dress, 1980s. Made from a blend of cotton piqué and spandex and shaped with princess line seams, the gay dress captures the simple yet seductive look of her better known knits molded to the shape of the body. The clean graphic design of black daisies with large crystal centers on a ground of crisp white piqué is Vittadini at her best. The design is unfussy and feminine. | |
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#6943 $750 Bill Blass ultrasuede coat, 1970s-1980s. The originator of American casual fashion created a look that was comfortable, assured, and impeccably tailored. The coat has a classic tailored shirt style with buttoned cuffs, back yoke, notched collar, and large patch pockets. All the details, like the top stitching around the edges, are crisp and defined. Blass superimposed houndstooth plaid, a staple of the English manor-house design idiom, onto a modern synthetic fabric. The fresh (and unexpectedly successful) result looks almost better than the original—typical Bill Blass design magic! | |
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#2165 $1,250 Hannah Troy watered silk evening gown, c.1960. Made from ivory watered silk taffeta printed with bouquets of romantic roses. I love the draped bodice and huge bow. The crystal pleating at the top of the skirt controls the fullness without adding bulk.The draped bodice and huge bow are so chic! The watered silk print achieves a masterful Impressionist effect: we can almost see the brushstrokes used to emphasize the changing quality of light. | |
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#2228 $850 Beaded crepe cocktail dress, 1940s. This Hollywood style dress has the built-up shoulders popularized by Adrian in his designs for Joan Crawford. Made from white rayon crepe and decorated with bands of clear crystal beading with accents of pale amber beads, the hard line of the shoulders is softened by the draped sleeves and outrageous bare midriff. The bias-cut skirt peplum flares to a deep "V" in back. They won't forget you in this show stopper! | |
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#6437 $950 Oscar de La Renta evening dress, 1980s. Known for delicate opulent designs, the designer departs here from his signature, elaborately decorated creations, showing the Spanish influence on his work. The dress is fashioned from an artful combination of sheer silk chiffon and dense silk velvet. The pleated chiffon band that wraps around the bodice draws attention to the form-fitting, velvet torso and fish-tail train. Sexy and ultra-stylish! | |
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#6379 $675 Dior-New York little black dress, c.1955. Made from heavy-weight black silk crepe and inter-lined with black China silk. The sleeves are lined with black taffeta to support the shape. In the hands of a master like Dior, the perfectly cut little black dress stands on its own as soft sculpture. Dior saw in the LBD another expression of traditional female glamour and mystery. This beautiful Dior LBD can worn as is or dressed up for evening wear. The sculptured sleeves make this glamorous eveningwear stand out in a crowd. | |
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#6859 $450 Reserved Charles Jourdan cantilever sandals, 1970s. Shoes with cantilever soles first appeared in the 1940s when a designer ingeniously carved out the popular wedge heel. The style took off in 1956 after Martin Friedman patented his design for a cantilevered sole/heel cast from one piece of metal. In this dramatic version of the cantilever design, the sculpted drama of the sole is accentuated by the bicolor motif of silver and black patent leather. Very 1940s! | |
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#6560 $750 Escada wool gabardine blazer, 1980s. Our stylish blazer, totally on trend this year, has a refreshing twist on the classic nautical theme. The decorative bands on the sleeves are gold and white sequins instead of the usual braid trim. The cut is long with gentle shaping through the waist. It has a patch pocket on one breast as well as inside flap pockets on the lower front. The smart blazer epitomizes the advantage of being a sophisticated grown up in an era that so often celebrates the cult of youth. | |
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#6874 $750 Saint Laurent wool double knit tunic & skirt, 1970s. Made from black wool double knit, the outfit is precisely cut and finished, a self-assured design statement. Bulk over the hips is reduced by using black silk crepe de chine for the hidden top portion of the skirt. The tunic laces up the front with self cording. The cuffs close with self-bound button holes, a detail found in expensive tailored garments. From one of the great names of 20th century fashion. |