Museum Collection
ADDITIONAL
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Museum
Collection
ADDITIONAL
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image for larger and additional views!
 [ORDER ITEM - #4648] Click on image for additional photos! #4648 - c. 1989 BOB MACKIE Red Beaded and Sequined Gown on Black Netting! As you know from my website, early Bob Mackie gowns and dresses originally sold for up to $18,000.(!).. and this was 15-20 years ago!! With inflation...well, I can't count that high! Only these very early net Mackie dresses (and costumes) 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 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 gown is the same "Grapes" design that was used by Mackie for the Sharon Stone nude illusion net dress for "Casino". That gown just sold at auction for $13,200! These "Grapes" gowns were from Mackie's 1989 California Collection - a salute to the Napa Valley. Black netting with blood red bugle beads and sequins fully lined in removable black silk. Boned bodice. Measures: 36/37" bust, up to 27" waist, up to 37" hips, 43" long from natural waist to hem. Back zipper. Excellent condition! Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category. $ 5,250. Approx. -
Size 6/8 (with 27" waist)
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#9908 - c. 1980s BOB MACKIE "Flamenco" Red Chenille Roses on Black Lace Gown Sequin and Beaded Gown! Need something special to wear to make him want to learn to Tango? Oh baby! I like to think I specialize in Bob Mackie gowns as I believe his early gowns are works of art! So I've seen quite a few of his pieces. This particular gown is one of the most unique! Still seems to be a fairly early piece, as it has the same label as the best netted gowns. Exciting sexy "flamenco" gown with red chenille "roses" embroidered all over the black lace with black sequins for sparkle. The sleeves are the best part! WAY off the shoulders dripping with long black beaded fringe at elbows! Form fitted shapely gown (see the seaming at back of skirt!). Nude rayon layer under black lace and then lined in silk. Excellent condition. Bring out the senorita in you! Measures: 36" bust (wide shoulders necessary!), 26/27" waist, up to 38" hips, 2" hem, 57.5" long from shoulder to hem. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#9913 - c. 1967/1968 Ivory Silk Chiffon Gown with Golden Beaded Bodice and Matching Ivory Wool Caftan Coat! Moroccan Look! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3974 - c. 1879 VIROLLEAU & CANIVET, Paris Navy-hued Black Velvet Beaded Bustle Gown! Ah, where do I start on this gown?? This is one of the most amazing beaded creations I've seen! I guess we have to start with a pause .. (one-one thousand, two-one thousand... ) to just sit and have you appreciate the incredible look of this gown! All the fabulous decoration you see is jet beading on both the front and back of this amazing Parisian creation. Now once you get your breath back, we can go on... because there are problems... mostly in the interior but that's what keeps the price affordable for a gown of this caliber. The first few letters of the label is missing, but I've been assured by the previous owner that the correct designer name is Virolleau & Canivet. The important "Paris" and the address is still readable as: 143 Place de la Bourse, Paris. There are large velvet side panels that were added to the bodice to increase the size. These panels match perfectly, but are unbeaded, and don't really show when displayed or worn as they are hidden beneath the wide sleeves and beaded cuffs. The lining inside the bodice is a mess as you can see in the photo. Navy hued velvet. The beading on the skirt is in fabulous condition... though there are missing beads to the tasseled fringe. There is wear to the velvet at the skirt waist. Lovely "v" shaped crenellated hemline on lower unbeaded "underskirt"! Measures: 41" long skirt from waist to hem. If you don't expect perfection you will be thrilled! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3715 - c. 1885 Black Jet Beaded Bodice with Original Tiered Chantilly Lace Skirt Bustle Reception Gown! So the Vanderbilts have now invited you to the formal dinner party. You plan to go with your new filthy rich beau and need to look the part! You were smart enough to have this little number was hanging in your closet for this very type of occasion. Total high society outfit! The bodice material is called grenadine (like a heavy netting) which is "embroidered" with jet beads all over.. and trimmed in black chenille for decoration at the sides! The black chantilly lace of the skirt is echoed at the neck and cuffs. Pretty little bowknots of yellow faille ribbon add a hint of color at the collar and cuffs. The all chantilly lace skirt has six tiers and bustles up at the back. Photographed with a bustle undergarment (not include). Measures: 30" bust, 23" waist, 36" long from waist to hem. There are some browning threads of the beading, but it's still overall Very Good to Excellent condition. And an absolute dream to look at! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3407 - c. 1897 Silk Ottoman and Velvet Promenade Gown! Ottoman? What the heck is Ottoman? I don't know. Who do you think I am?? :) I have to get my fashion textile expert to name these fabrics for me. I'd call it a silk faille, but it's a bit heavier, looking more like a corduroy, but it's silk. Anyway, the color - hmmm, let me call my expert again. He says "faun". Ok... I'll go for it. Trimmed in a rust-red (that's the best he could do for this color!) velvet and matching rust-red silk satin ribbons. Exquisite combination of fabrics and textures and color. She looks like a perfect doll wrapped in a large bow at the bust. This is actually the continuation of the velvet ribbon belt. It wraps around the back from the back bow and then rises up on the sides to the front large bow and closes with a loop. Fashion changed dramatically from 1896 to 1897, from the huge mutton sleeves of '96, to this mini shoulder pouf in '97. Measures: 30" bust, 23" waist, 38" long skirt from waist to hem. Excellent condition. Nearly perfect. Very strong, clean and wearable if you are small enough. The velvet on the large lapels have a slight "beading ghost" (was likely stored against a dress with beads, so you see the minor crushing of velvet - picky, picky!!) and I found only one true pinhole in the skirt. If you are a large doll collector/maker... this is the ultimate gown. Or for any display, it's like new! You will love it! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #3982 - c. 1898 Lord & Taylor Exciting Lavender and Lt. Green Striped
and Beaded 2-piece Afternoon Gown! I'm sure I
owned this in 1898! I love it! No, it's more than that...
I LOVE it! I feel like I should charge $20,000 for this
as it's that special to me! Yes, this is one of those
items that will physically pain me to see it go. I just
don't know how to explain the disease I have.
"Antiqueclothingitis"? I mean, just look at
this creation! Even the label is lovely! Horizontal
stripes of light green black and lavender taffetas with
black velvet trim. Steel beading and decorative velvet on
the net bodice insert. Yoke is decorated front and back
with net, sequins, beads, rhinestones, lace and steel
coil braid in a bold floral design over the lavender
taffeta. The bodice has a "tromp l'oeil" black
velvet and beaded vest attached! High neck also
decorated. Skirt trimmed with black lace and sequin
ruffle. Black lace at cuffs. Black net at green taffeta
ruffled hem. Comes with a black velvet belt, but it's too
small, so perhaps the belt was re-sized. I show it with
an extra petticoat under. Very good to Excellent
condition. There are some small issues: the inner ivory
gauze of bodice has some tearing and the purple taffeta
lining as tears under arms and around collar. There is
one small hole at upper sleeve (see photo), a netting
tear at back hem, and some very light spots on upper
skirt. You'll have to give up a little perfection to get
a gown this incredible! Measures: 31" bust,
23/24" waist, 41" long skirt. in front,
slightly longer in back. If you have a purple or green
room and need a display gown, you will find no prettier!
: ) SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #3876a - c. 1891 Afternoon Reception Gown of Olive Green Ottoman Silk with Matching Brocaded Cut Velvet! LARGE WEARABLE SIZE! Near MINT Condition! I wouldn't normally look twice at an olive gown... with my olive skin coloring... but... The color is prettier than in the photos... slightly less yellow (I hate my camera.. oh well).. See the close-up photo of the sleeve... that's the closest to the correct color! Anyway, this is exquisite! Only one word to use. Opulent! Heavy ottoman silk for great weight forms the basis, but it's the brocaded velvet (like cut velvet) that raises this gown to the level of Worth Couture. Please look at the close-up photos! Small velvet hanging balls outline the wide cuff sleeves, and squared lapels. Bodice is also trimmed in black lace which echoes the black lace underbodice over ecru faille silk to "pop" the design. Near MINT condition, inside and out. And in a VERY wearable size! Measures: 40" bust, 37" bodice waist, 38" skirt waist, 42" long from waist to hem in front, 46" long from waist to hem in back. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #3622 - c. 1884 2-piece Brocade and Taffeta Afternoon Bustle Gown! So perfect, it could be a doll. Elegant grey/green and muted red create a lovely brocade, trimmed in grey/green taffeta with a double pleated ruffle at the hemline, back bustle and apron front. Collectable on their own are the 16 buttons of alabaster with bronze overlay. Lace cuffs. Excellent condition with just the skirt waistband shredding for some unknown reason since the rest of the materials are strong, and like new! If you pressed me, I might tell you that there are extreme minor spots, but really, other than the waistband, it would be hard to find it in better condition after 120 years. Photographed with bustle undergarment (not included). Measures: 30" bust, 23" waist, 37" long from waist to hem. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] c. 1893
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#3097 - c. 1885 Deep Moss Green 2-piece Silk Satin Winter Afternoon Bustle Gown! MINT CONDITION... Looks UNWORN! Like a throwback to another time... makes you feel like you just stepped into a time tunnel... or you are in your own version of "Somewhere in Time" since you won't believe the condition of this 120-year-old bustle gown. The color is so hard to describe, and I had to lighten the color to show any detail.... but it's a dark deep moss green... but not a yellowish green.. more blueish, but not quite. Not an army green, not an olive green, not brown, more well... just an elegant moss green. Yeah, I know.. this doesn't help, but it's a great deep color... really! Amazingly, even though this is a teeny-tiny gown with a 29" bust... it has padded cups as well as lightly padded sleeves to keep the wearer warm!!!! Has all the original interior bustle ties, and even an interior pocket in the skirt. All the 17 outstanding set of steel 3-D buttons are present on the bodice. Check out the low slung bow a the side of the skirt and the pleated hemline, not to mention the yards of draping on the skirt. Measures: 29" bust, 23" waist, 24" skirt waist, 39" long from waist to hem. Near Mint condition. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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#9712 - c. 1880's Teal Silk Dressing Gown, Wrapper or Robe d'Chambre with Intricate Petti-Embroidery Paisley, Fabulous Passementerie Dangles and Watteau Trained Back!! Museum Quality! I love getting items from family when the provenance is SO wrong! It's funny! Luckily some family members understand the old "telephone" game where you tell someone a short story and "pass it down"... and the story ends up totally different at the end of a short line of people. Imagine how messed up family stories can get over 100+ years! However, some family members will NOT listen! It's amazing! They show me a 1950's dress and tell me their Grandmother wore it in 1920! And when I tell them that's likely impossible, they tell me I'm wrong. Oh well... I find it humorous! :) Anyway.. the family story for this gown was: "A pre-1900 evening gown that was worn by my great grandmother to an Inaugural Ball." However this same woman told me that her dad had a 3" scar on his forehead "from the war." It wasn't until I she was in her 40's that she found out it was from a neighbor kid who hit him with a 2 x 4! See... I LOVE this stuff! :) Anyway.. the dressing gown or home gown is an absolute beauty! It is a beautiful dark teal green heavy silk with fabulous watteau back and museum quality petti-embroidered paisley trim! You HAVE to look at the paisley very closely to even notice that it's embroidered! Awesome! The dozens of passementerie dangles seem to be everywhere, even on the cuffs! Even the 40 steel cut buttons down front are lovely (one missing middle). Unfortunately there are some problems. the underarm staining, minor dark spots, and "mud" spot on the train are forgiveable, but there is a pinwheel shape tear at the back of the lower gown that will need repair to look nearly perfect (see photo). Measures: 38" bust, 13.5" across back, 55" long from shoulder to hem in front, 64" long in back. At my 5'2" it touches the ground in front. This gown belongs in a museum for the paisley and unique-designed upper watteau back! (Sorry I didn't press this gown better!!!! I was too lazy. Bad Deborah!). SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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#4757 - c. early 1870's 4-piece Light Coffee Colored Silk Taffeta Trained Afternoon or Reception Bustle Gown! Looks Unworn! Comes with the Original Bustle "Buskette"! Perhaps "she" tried it on for the big event she was scheduled to attend, but at the last minute she wasn't able to go.. or... this was intended as a wedding gown for a poor bride whose intended got cold feet, or worse. But it's been beautifully preserved over the last 130+ years and looks practically new! De-assessioned from a Denver museum, from the Griggs-Black collection. The gown is three pieces.. the underskirt, the overskirt with train and the button-front bodice with great 3-D silk decorative buttons (see photo). Wonderful shaping to the bodice includes the bell sleeves with three matching bows on each bell, and tailored peplum. The bows are echoed on the overskirt. The back bustle includes large crossed tab tails! Quite unique! In addition you get the original brass and wire bustle pad! The interior of the bodice is a polished cotton and again looks unworn. Mint condition. Measures: 29" bust, 24" waist, 40" long skirt in front, 55" long in back, 19" long overskirt in front, 38" in back, 14" across bodice back between armseams. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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c. 1870/1880
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
 #4848 - c. 1887 EMILE PINGAT, Paris Red Bengaline Mantel Dripping with Black Jet Beading! As you may know, Pingat was know for his elaborate surface decoration ... and often relied on beading to make his pieces stand out... and that is what this mantle is all about! A fairly basic red bengaline mantle... waist length in back and nearly knee length at front. And just like a cape, it just wraps around the arms, but there is also an extra length of material at the front of the sleeve. OK.. that's the basics. Now comes the fancy black jet beading passementerie. Large spiral circles cover front and back and around bottom. Oh, and then... ta-da... The incredible jet black beaded fringe!! Short in back, and extremely long in front! The collar frill is of horsehair lace (with some fading into red at the back of the lace). Basically excellent condition "as is", that means that there are a few issues... the fact that the lining is gone, but label remains. Most all of the beading in intact including most all of the long heavy jet bead fringe, however you can see that the thread holding on all the beads has turned to brown, so.... you will need to do some re-stringing from time to time. Not difficult, just time-consuming. Guaranteed Pingat!!! A showpiece for the woman who wore it. Especially in RED! Hmmmm.... a high-priced woman of the evening perhaps?? Getting Parisian designer goods from her "customers"? Hmmmmm. :) If this were in Mint condition, the price would triple! So for those of you who don't mind beading when necessary... it's a steal! $ 1,885. SOLD
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 #3783 - c. 1908 Rare White Lace Lingerie Gown with Peach/Pink Silk Mull Lining! It is nearly impossible to find these white lace gowns with the original tissue thin silk linings still intact. One of the major reasons, besides the fact that the silk is extremely fragile, is that the silk lining would have to be removed from the gown to clean, and then replaced. Many times, they were just not replaced. Now... take your time looking at the amazing lace gown! Details include: Irish lace, appliques, dripping crochet balls at bell sleeves, high neck, ruffled hem, chevron lace design, etc, etc. Too many amazing details to mention. Just look. Excellent condition except for two small age marks (see photos) and small tears in the silk mull lining. If you decide to wear this gown, you will want to remove the lining and store away. The neck on the dressform is large, so I didn't want to stress the dress to close in closeups. Measures: 33-35" bust, 26/27" waist, 57" long from shoulder to hem in front, 59" long from shoulder to hem in back. A gown to die for! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
 #4187 - c. 1892 Broiderie Anglaise Lace
Cotton 2-piece Summer Gown! A rare early 1890
white! There are loads of "whites" (that's a
term for white cotton or linen summer day dresses) still
found from 1900+, but I've seen only a handful from the
earlier 1890's. Maybe the summers were cold that decade?
:) But even if you found others from this decade, very
likely they won't be as fabulous as this particular
outfit! Excellent condition... if you twist my arm, I
will confess to extremely light yellow spots on the
skirt. One final bleaching in the sun would likely bring
this to near mint condition! Very crisp! Measures:
30" bust, 25/26" waist, 29" long back of
bodice, 41.5" long skirt. I was told the name of the
lace (I don't want you to think I'm an expert in that
area!). But I can tell you that it's a great openwork
lace.. not at all fragile and looks handsewn! The long
bodice has includes the top tier of the
"skirt".. and has hidden buttons down the front
with covered placket. The skirt includes the two lowest
tiers and is plain at top. Material is a fine cotton
linen gauze. I'm sure there's a name for this... very
fine! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #3893 - c. 1909 Black Dotted Silk Edwardian Gown with Great Detailing! Near Mint condition! Had to say that upfront as it's so hard to find! Gorgeous detailing on this black dotted silk gown. Heavily embroidered on net panels with 3-d rosettes in what I believe are stylized daisy and sunflowers. Runched sleeves with same design. High neck with celluloid stays. Front and back of gown dripping in triple ball tassels. I've had to lighten the color to see details.. but the gown is all black with no color change on the embroidered panels. Three layers of fabric... the dotted silk, black gauze under and taffeta under that. Only issue I found was one heel tear in back lining - so she wore it... once. Measures 34" bust 25" waist, 58" long in front shoulder to hem, and 66" long in back. Gorgeous gown. Go back in time as the condition will make you feel like you bought it new! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #9287 - c. 1908 Gorgeous Black Sequined Evening Gown with Small Train, Ecru Lace and Gold Metallic Lace Trim! LARGER SIZE! It's 1908, and you've been invited to dinner with the Vanderbilts... what to wear? You want to attract the eye of the Vanderbilt heir... so you need a gown with sparkle, yet classy. This seems the perfect gown, yes? He sees you. He falls in love. He marries you. You are now filthy rich... and it's all because you worn this gown! :) OK, back to reality... It's 2004 and you are married to an Average Joe and you will have to forgo eating for a month to purchase this gown on layaway! :) As well you should since these larger sizes are very hard to find!! Check out all the photos so you can see the high neck and 3/4 length sleeves in an off-white soutache net trimmed in gold metallic lace. Then comes a ribbon of black velvet. The rest of the gown is fabulous black sequins in ribbons and bows design on black silk chiffon. Lined in black silk. Condition is very good / Excellent. Really the only issue is some browning of the threads and, or course, some sequins missing. Measures: 42" bust, 37" slightly high waist, 59" long from shoulder to hem in front.
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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 #3876 - c. 1925 F. Wolter, Chicago Black Seal Fur Coat with Fur Trim! When I was in high school, my boyfriend's mother had a seal fur muff. I was so in love with that muff that I seriously entertained marrying him just so I would eventually get the muff later on in life. Not that I'm shallow or anything... just pratical! Anyway, instead of a muff, I got the whole coat! This is the ultimate 20's fur coat with the most beautiful lining of embroidered crepe de chine. I've been told that the collar and cuffs are mink. It's the same striped mink that was labeled on my other previously sold 20s museum coat, so must be true! Classic 20's wrap shape with large high collar and wide cuffs. Very heavy coat. With the most incredibly fabulous embroidered lining!! A real "wow". They wouldn't have bothered unless this was an extremely high-end, expensive coat when new. Measure: 46" long from shoulder to hem, 19" long sleeve from underarm is long on my 5'2" body. Very good condition to Excellent condition with just a few issues. I saw one tiny pelt that needed to be tacked down at armhole, and one of the fur covered buttons has some wear under... and could use a re-sewing. Low price is only due to the fact that I prefer to sell dresses than coats, so if you love coats... well, baby...! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #2845 - c. 1920's Black Silk Velvet Cocoon Coat! The classic 1920's cocoon coat for your evenings out. Soooooo soft black silk velvet. Lovely gathered large collar can be worn up or down (as you see in the photos). The front is all gathered and closes with a heavy pearl clasp (which seems to roll over a bit so hard to see). The bottom is a feminine skirt around most of the back and sides. Fully lined in original off-white silk. Excellent condition. Ready to wear. I've lightened some of the photos so you can see the detail of the shape. The first photo is most accurate... a lush black silk velvet! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #4546 - c. 1927 Silver Hued Orange Silk Velvet Coat! As you know if you have seen vintage velvet before... it's nothing like the crap they sell today. This is a luxurious fabric. This particular silk velvet is orange, but as you can see even in the photos, shines to a near silver color under lights. Interesting shape of the long lapelled neckline down to the waistline with a bit of a "sailor" tie below, tulip hemline, long belled sleeves. Just a total charmer. You could wear this more as an overdress, or even a dress if you want... just jazz it up with some jewelry... so you get a possible dress OR coat! Cool man. This is one of those pieces that would look smashing over vintage, OR with your modern wardrobe. Excellent condition. 34" long in front from shoulder to hem, 42" long in back. Hard to measure otherwise, but will fit small to medium (shown on 35" bust, 25" waist, 36" hip mannequin - and she has plenty of room in front... across the back just can't be huge). If you are a small size 2-6, you can even wrap the front and wear as a dress!! Looks great! Fully lined in orange silk lining. Even feels great on! $ 465. SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE
Small/Medium |
 c. 1950's SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #9665 - c. 1990 - 2000 EAVIS & BROWN, London Platinum Colored Silk Embroidered and Pearl Beaded Dress Jacket! Yes.. Eavis & Brown, the famous English Couturier team who created Heather McCartney's (you know, the new Mrs. Paul McCartney) wedding gown. The gown took months to create, and was said to be worth 19,000 Euros (that's $25,000!). Their designs and beading are phenomenal! And oh baby.. how I LOVE this jacket!!! I must have tried it on 20 times... each time hoping that it would somehow fit me.. this time. That it would magically shrink to my size. However, I finally had to come to the realization that it's too large for me, and I will have to pass this on to someone else. (Excuse me a moment while I weep uncontrollably.... Waaaaahhhhhh!) OK... now if you are a lucky size 10, it's a blush blue/silver color silk (which I called platinum) encrusted with faux pearls and lightly colored pink, blue and ecru silk embroidery. The shape of the jacket is just what I love... fitted through the waist and flared out (like a skating skirt) especially at back. Measures: 36-38" bust, up to 32" waist, 31" long from shoulder to hem, 24" arm from shoulder to cuff. Small padded shoulders. Near mint condition! This jacket is the worthy of royalty... and likely cost MUCH more than this new!! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
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 #3551 - c. 1916 Miss Penfield's Walking Suit of Chocolate Brown Ratine with Black Soutache from F. SQUARENINA & Co., from the Bavarian area! Good Size! Such a great dark chocolate color that my mouth starts to water! The material is called ratine, but it's a midweight twill of perhaps a wool/silk blend. The black soutache trim design is fabulous!! I don't need to describe it... just look! If you don't love it, you probably shouldn't be on my website!! :) The skirt is pleated all around with an interesting soutache panel hanging down front and back. The skirt is not meant to be floor length... in 1916 skirts we worn at low calf. The jacket is gorgeous! Wrap front, great design, flap pockets, pleats at back. The skirt is unlined, but the jacket had been fully re-lined in white when I purchased it, but the seamstress forgot to leave a slit for the buttonhole at front!! So... that is something you will have to take care of to probably wear. I didn't resew the buttons at waist as it's really a question of your waist size, so again, I'm leaving that to you. My job is to find the gorgeous antique and vintage pieces out there! I can't do EVERYTHING! :) Measures: 38" long skirt, 34-38" bust (but with a 13" across back between armseams, so that's small), 29/30" waist skirt, 29" long jacket from back neck to hem. Excellent condition other than the button issue and could use hooks on waistband!
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#4043 - c. 1911 Brown Wool Ratine Suit with Passementerie Trim! Great tailoring! Great details! Great stitching! Great velvet trim! Even includes the attached passementerie "necklace"! All it needs is a steaming (so sorry I photographed it without dealing with that. Please try to imagine the suit without wrinkles!) I mean, really!! Other than that, Excellent condition! Oh, and look at that skirt! I've never seen such interesting tailoring.. looks like an overskirt in the front, and then on the side, it turns into horizontal pleating, and then back to the vertical! That's genius! The back seam of the jacket is top-stitched, and the detailed button back is perfectly decorative. Brown top-stitched cotton velvet trim at collar and cuffs. Take a look at the fashionable 1912 etching which shows the enormous hats of the era to be worn with the tailored suit. Measures: 34-36" bust, 24" waist, up to 40" hips, 40" long skirt from waist to hem. Skirt is unlined. Ratine is a fiber with an uneven, pebbled surface.. this suit is a striped ratine. Really lovely fabric with a silky sheen., perhaps a wool/silk blend. (Any light spots you are are due to the camera, not really there! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display |
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in
Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #9838 - c. 1860's Handmade Black Chantilly Lace "Collar"/Shawl! - Bolero Shape! Near Mint condition! SO pretty! From the same estate as the other wonderful handmade Chantilly lace pieces... this is perhaps my favorite. OK, it IS my favorite, but I didn't want the other pieces to hear me say that! So please... don't repeat it outloud as you are scrolling through this page. Shhh! This looks like an open circle with cut front when laid out flat. When worn, you can see how pretty the bodice... and a lovely drape at the back. Floral design. Measures: 40" around the inner circle, 7" wide. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #9834 - c. late 1860's Huge Black Handmade Chantilly Lace Shawl! Near Mint condition! Take note! There is machine made Chantilly lace... and then there is handmade, handstitched Chantilly lace. BIG difference!! This incredible Handmade Chantilly black lace shawl comes directly from a Greenwich, CT estate - you know Greenwich? Where the REALLY rich people live! :) Probably the wealthiest community in the entire USA. Just to give you some idea of the quality! :) The design is exquisite, both floral and transitioning into the more geometric styles of the 1870's/1880's. Measures: 110" wide x 57" at longest point of triangular shape. Near Mint condition. Has two short seams that need to be rejoined. This alone will confirm it is handmade. As stated in the "Secrets of Real Lace" book, "Huge pieces of Chantilly lace, including shawls, were produced by making the lace in strips 4-5" wide, and joining them with ingenious invisible stitching.... What appears to be tears is just the Chantilly coming apart at the seams. The original method of joining the strips - a technique known as "raccroc" can be done by using extremely fine tread, such as silk organzine." I could probably fix the two short breaks, but I like to sell "as is" so the experts can do what they wish. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #9830 - c. 1860's Handmade Black Chantilly Lace Fichu with Long Lappets! For the wealthiest women of the era... only handmade laces would do! This is the "creme de la creme" of the Chantilly lace collection from this Greenwich, CT estate. Incredibly long that even my adjustable dressform couldn't get tall enough for the entire length of this piece. Measures: 174" end to end. The lappet sections are 36" each attached to the 102" long fichu collar. The design is another gem.. this one of floral bouquets. Can be worn crossed over at front or just belted at waist. See photos for other ways to wear it. An heirloom piece to cherish. Excellent, near Mint condition. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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#6162 - c. 1910 Gigantic Monogrammed Black Ostrich Feather Fan with Faux Tortoise Shell Sticks! The largest I've ever seen!! I had to fight off a little old lady to get this fan! No wait... I'M the little old lady! Damn, I keep forgetting I got old somewhere along the way. :( Luckily I still get the "you can't be that old", but since I will probably be the only woman out there without plastic surgery, at some point even the 110 year old ladies will look younger than me. They'll look like aliens... but they'll look young!! :) OK... now on to the fan at hand.... Fabulous and huge black ostrich feathers on faux tortoise shell sticks. There is a goldtone monogram on the guard stick. Original black silk ribbon. Excellent condition. Measures 31" x 18" when open!!! Don't miss out.. these don't come along often!
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
#3099 - c. 1911 Black Jacquard Silk and Metallic Net Lace Trained Evening Gown Trimmed in Rhinestones, Finished with Heavy Beaded Triple Tassel Ornament! Wearable Size! - Info already listed on page SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #1057 - c. 1930's WORTH Burgundy Velvet Opera Coat!! If you know Antique Clothing, you know WORTH. This extraordinarily soft burgundy velvet coat has extraordinary detailing... .just what you'd expect of a Worth piece. The coat has the Worth Label and coordinating numbered tag under the label. I can't guarantee the date of this piece. It COULD be 1890's from the sleeve style and the catalog number, however the style of the construction of this piece relates much more to the 1930's. I've had this coat/label confirmed by an expert as authentic. The condition is NEAR MINT on the exterior... all the velvet and detailing. I've never seen a more luxurious treatment of velvet than on this garment's collar! The sleeves are "leg-o-mutton" in style with large puffs all the way to the elbow. The "buckle" design in velvet is masterful. Matching burgundy silk lining. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study
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 #0021 - c. 1898 Gorgeous Off-White Linen Battenburg Jacket! I bought this battenburg jacket in Los Angles back in the early 1980's for $1500. With inflation, I should price this jacket at $3000 or more, but, alas... I will give you a chance to own this for the next 20 years or so! Seems a shame for me to hog ALL the great stuff! :) And since it's so wearable, it really should be worn so it can be admired by all. The jacket is nearly perfect. I call it a "butterfly" design, though I think I'm probably seeing things. Small puffy sleeves define the dating of this piece to 1898. Measures: 34-36" bust, 29" long from back neck to hem. Excellent condition! The few broken brides you see at the back in this photo were re-sewn. So easy, even I could do it! And I can't even sew on buttons!! :) SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #6010 - c. 1900 Fabulous Off-White Lace Jacket / Coat! Larger Size! I'd love to give you a name for this lace, but I'm afraid I failed "Lace 101", so I only know a few basic laces. One of my customers, Rita, suggests it may be Venetian Rose Point. That's more than I know, so.... I just call it a fancy 3-D openwork daisy design lace with tiny flat saucers (think little UFO's) at the edges. There are no closures on the piece, just open down the front. There are slits in the sides and in the sides of the slight bell sleeves. It's just the perfect piece for your closet. Very wearable. Can be worn with your Gibson / Edwardian era duds, or over a modern sheathe dress (try all sorts of possible colors!), or with a pair of jeans or evening pants... heck, it would even work as a bathing suit coverup! Take it on your next vacation! Belt it, pin it closed, keep it open. Loads of possibilities. Near mint condition. Measures: up to 38" bust, up to 34" waist, up to 43" hips, 38" long from shoulder to hem, 14" slits at sides, 10" slit at back. Excellent, near mint condition. Color is just off-white. Can be worn by a small gal just as well as a medium sized gal. Looks fine on me at size 4. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #1196 - c. 1895 Parisian Grey Silk and Beaded Fancy Ball Gown! Morin Blossier - rue Daunou, Paris Label! Yes... it's true.. I nearly tackled a guy to purchase this gown! At an antique show... this was purchased by someone two minutes before I was going to purchase.. but did I let that stop me? I asked the dealer who bought it and she pointed to him out on the sidewalk....and I asked if he would he sell it to me. To my delight, he said OK. Anyway, now that you have the complete story, if you've been able to read all this and keep your eyes off the dress. Excellent condition heavy grey silk satin 2-piece gown with huge sleeves with black chiffon over. The same black chiffon at neck line and then comes the beading... black and steel beads dangling in a scalloped pattern on the front of the skirt and both front and back of bodice! Completely intact!!! How is that possible!!! Lined in grey silk in remarkably good condition (just a few minor splits but still fairly strong). The beading has oxidized with the fabric in storage and there are "phantom" bead marks on the silk (see photos).. mostly under the beading. However, there is one area on the front of the skirt that must have touched beads in storage and that is marked as well. If perfect, would be in a museum, or sold at Doyle's Auction House in NYC. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #6028 - c. 1950's CEIL CHAPMAN Ecru Lace Dress! You know Ceil Chapman dresses are coveted. But some just fall short of capturing her true talents. I think she just burned out after a while, and some of the later dresses aren't as special. Just my take on it. So my job is to find the best Ceil Chapman dresses! Ecru lace fitted bodice dress with off-the-shoulder short sleeves and full skirt. The skirt has lovely graduated pleated shell design amidst the lace. Metal zipper at back. Near Mint condition. Measures: 33/34" bust, 25/26" waist, 25" long from waist to hem. Meant to be worn fitted. No Wide Backs! But Wide Shoulders will keep the sleeves up better. Shown with extra crinoline under. Also shown with ribbon waist and flower - just for fun - doesn't come with it. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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#4463 - c. 1940's ADRIAN Perfect Gray Flannel Suit! Best grey lightweight flannel wool suit you will ever find! In "British Samek Material". The beauty of this suit is in the details.... Some of which are so subtle as to barely be seen, but it's a masterpiece of tailoring! Square shouldered, nipped in waist, three button front, notched collar... and then the fabulous "ribbon" detail of the same material which creates a "V" design at back. Now.. look even closer... and you will slightly see what looks like phantom ribbon designs in various places. Two wrap around the upper arms, one creates a horizontal "v" at front shoulder and front bust. Joan Crawford's broad-shouldered look was created by Adrian... so this is a classic Adrian design! Measures: 34/35" bust, 26" waist, up to 37" hips, 29" long skirt with 3.5" hem. Fully lined jacket Near mint condition except for one moth hole about 5" up from hem on skirt. Worth an invisible weave for this classic collectable suit!. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 SOLD on LAYAWAY  #4748 - c. Fall 1995 GEOFFREY BEENE Dark Gray Wool Knit Dress with Fringed Mohair Shawl Coat. Photographed as Plate 121 in the "Geoffrey Beene: The Anatomy of this Work" book by Brenda Cullerton! I know this is a collectable outfit, but you will be hard-pressed not to wear the coat!!! SOOOOO soft and cozy.... like wearing a bathrobe... Yet extremely rich and classy looking on. The dress is a back zippered sexy, tight-fitted hourglass shape knit... simple, basic, except for the "bit of whimsy bra" which matches the boucle of the coat. Measures: up to 38" bust, up to 32" waist, up to 40" hips (even though it's labeled size 6!), 39" long from shoulder to hem. The coat is unmeasureable, but just a smidge shorter than the dress and in a wrap style. Marked size 4 but certainly easily wearable up to a 10ish. Mint condition. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#4357 - c. 2000's GEORGIO ARMANI Black Label Silk Cutwork Velvet Fancy Jacket! $4,775 Original Price Still Attached! My mother recently said "Why don't they make beautiful clothing anymore?" I happened to have this jacket with me at the time. I pulled it out for her to see, and she said "Wow.. Like that!!". I told her the real answer. They still DO make beautiful clothing these days... you just have to pay top price... unless, of course, you buy it here for more than 80% off original price!! Gorgeous, amazing, unique evening jacket of black silk velvet with sweeping floral cutwork over what looks like a white linen! Mandarin (chinese) shape of the black satin trim with the self-covered buttons. Oriental flare to the design as well. Wear with flowing black or white satin pants! For those of you who love to be "dressed" without wearing a dress! Would be equally perfect over jeans! Labeled size 42. Excellent condition. Measures: 34/35" bust, up to 36" hips best, though can be larger if you don't mind the back vent opening, 33" long from shoulder to hem. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
#3247 - c. 1950's CLAIRE McCARDELL Silk Mini Pleated Dress! Claire McCardell was the innovator in easily wearable clothing, and this one is qui SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
#3534 - c. late 1940's Collectable CLAIRE MCCARDELL Striped Cotton Dress! One of the nicest Claire McCardell dresses I've seen for sale. Ms. McCardell has been named as one of America's most influential designers. In 1955, one of only three fashion designers to grace the cover of Time Magazine. And with good reason. Claire's career took off in 1940 when she returned to Townley Frocks to design under her own label. Over the next 18 years, she pioneered "American Sportswear", designing practical clothing for women with practical lives. She used simple fabrics like cotton, denim, gingham and jersey and often used closures with nearly industrial hooks. This cotton dress proves what a forward thinker she was.. has all the classic elements: a cotton print that has a distinctive American Southwest feel to it, a fitted bodice with comfortable inset 'Mutton Chop" style sleeves; and a full skirt. The closures are indeed the oversized brass hooks and eyes (a classic McCardell detail.) Excellent condition, however it would have been worn with a belt that is now missing. Measures: 34/35" bust, 25" waist, 26" long from waist to hem (with additional 3" - so it was likely hemmed up). A collectable museum classic... or perfectly wearable if you prefer! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
 #4621 - c. 1965 EXTREMELY RARE SIMONETTA & FABIANI Light Off-White Wool Coat! The Italian Duchesa Simonetta Colonna di Cesaro (yup, a real Duchess!) married designer Alberto Fabiani (her second husband) in 1953. However they followed their own separate careers until they merger for their French Haute Couture label "Simonetta et Fabiani, Paris" in 1962. In 1965 Simonetta moved back to Rome, so this label only lasted for 3 years! Rare piece indeed!! Second label under reads "1006". As written... Simonetta is fast becoming a legend. As beautiful as any of her models, she and her family were imprisoned several items by Mussolini during WWII, but always dreamed of opening her own couture house. Finally at 24 years old, she established herself as the youngest, but most exciting designers in Italy. She is best known for clothes that are sophisticated, dramatic and cleanly cut. And is especially famous for her coats, which are almost always tent-shaped. Her husband, Fabiani was best known for consistently elegant and superlative workmanship. This coat tailoring evokes the mod styling of Pierre Cardin and Extremely heavy off-white fuzzy wool coat with great tailoring and seaming! With large wooden buttons, I believe! Wide-bodied shape tapers a bit at bottom. Two vertical pockets at front. 3/4 length sleeves. Fully lined. Excellent condition... with just a two light areas of dirt, and extreme minor wear just to the top fuzz layer of the wool (see close-up photos). Still rates 9.8 out of 10! Measures: 39" long. Nearly impossible to measure as it's supposed to be worn oversized, and depends on what you wear under. Similarly tailored Fabiani coat was photographed for Oct 1, 1965 Vogue. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #9720 - c. 1930's Royal Blue Silk Satin Embroidered Concubine Coat wih Mongolian Lamb Lining! Wearable Size! Oh baby ... break out the shaggy sheepskin Mongolian Boots and a pair of skintight matching off-white jeans or leggings and perhaps an off-white cashmere turtleneck and top with this amazingly beautiful coat! Damn! What an outfit!!! You will stop traffic! Or just wear with blue jeans for a more casual look, or a body-hugging off-white dress for the theatre. Certainly there are lots of oriental coats and kimonos out there to wear.. many from the 1960's which are paper silk and not nearly as beautiful as these older orientalia. And I have never seen one before with the Mongolian lamb fur lining! It gives it a very special flare! Here's the info... royal blue silk satin coat with white embroidered roses and scattered sakura, medallions of peonies and chrysanthemums. The sleeve bands and side vents are of white satin with black silk embroidery. Excellent condition with just a hint of wear. Measures: 34-36" bust, 40" long from shoulder to hem. 3/4 length sleeves. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
#4370 - c. 1953 PAULINE TRIGERE Heavy Dark Blue Wool Winter Coat with Enormous Shawl Mink Collar! Should I start by mentioning that in April 2004, a signature Pauline Trigere coat sold for $4,780!? These are things you need to know just to confirm how special this vintage coat is! Gorgeous dark blue heavy and padded wool coat with the "New Look" shape with wasp waist and full hips.... topped off by the enormous brown mink shawl collar! Cuffed sleeves are just turned up, but can be worn turned down as well. Fully lined and padded with an extra wool layer (with a bit of a fluffy feel) for extra warmth! Two buttons at the waist can be moved for larger waist size.. currently 34/35" bust, 25" waist, 48" long from shoulder to hem.. But if you use only one button at waist to close, and pull the mink collar tighter around, you can fit up to a size 8 with 32" waist.. and perhaps a 36/37" bust! (Remember you are wearing clothing under, so leave some room!!) But you'll probably want to wear this coat with a skimpy little dress for two reasons... one, so it will fit nicely under... and two, so you can remain "chilly" so you never have to remove your coat! :) The compliments will just keep coming! Excellent condition. Long waisted, and full, so best for taller gal. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back] |
#2656 - c. 1890 4-Piece Linen Bathing Outfit! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#4368 - c. 1939 WOOLF Bros. Hunter Green Wool Evening Coat with Copper Metallic Embroidery! I have NEVER seen a more beautiful 1930's coat! I can just imagine Katherine Hepburn in this piece. Beautiful hunter green wool. Princess lines. Just the start of the padded shouldered 1940's. And oh, what glorious copper metallic embroidery down the front from neckline to waist. Please look at the close-up photos of the embroidery! Easier than explaining. Measures: 34-36" bust, up to 30" waist, up to 38" hips, high underarms, fairly skinny sleeves, 59" long from shoulder to hem. Don't hesitate... buy it on layaway, or ask your boyfriend, husband, mother, sister, boss... anyone... to buy it for you!!!! Excellent condition. Fully lined. Meant to be worn fitted to to body, so don't expect lots of room like a modern coat. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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 #4550 - c. 1958 Black Coat with All Off-White Fringe Lining! Zowie!!!! Jackie-O and Zsa Zsa Gabor both at the same time! At first glance this coat just looks like a lovely, elegant, simple coat with 3/4 length sleeves and attached wrap neck scarf. But you wonder why there are no closures.. UNTIL you MOVE... and the coat slightly opens ... and your friends mouths will open at the same time! "OH MY".... and then you "flash" them with the inside of this coat!! Just amazing! The entire lining is rows and rose of off-white silky fringe... movin' and shakin' with every slight movement you make. I only wish you could wear this coat inside out, but I tried and you can't. Sorry! You'll just have to make sure you sashshay enough! Excellent condition. Feels silky and great! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
 #3128 - c. 1947 High-Style "New Look" Black Wool Coat with Mouton Lamb Trim! As Dior as you can get without a Dior label. This is a high style late 1940's black wool coat - which still has the original storage tag that reads "Mrs. Dale Littlefield". The coat the fitted bodice with a large mouton lamb collar, with very full skirt, and very wide mouton lamb cuffs. The coat is lined in black silk and closes down the front with large black buttons. It has a black satin sash belt with belt buckle made of wool and trimmed with mouton lamb along the edges. This coat is in excellent condition. There is no moth hole damage. The lining is also in excellent condition. This is a very wearable coat. Measures: 34/35" bust, 28" waist, 23" long sleeves (they are long!), 45" long from shoulder to hem with up to 5" extra in hem. It was obviously hemmed up and can easily be taken down, but I'm leaving for you since it will need a pressing either way. Just try to find a better looking coat these days!! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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#0193 - c. 1920's Silk Velvet Party Dress Trimmed in Bright Rhinestones! People often ask me if it's hard to sell my clothing... being a collector at heart. I always give the party line (that I try to convince myself is really true)... that I'm OK with it. But that's only on my good days. On my bad days, I wonder what the heck I'm doing! How can I let these beauties out of my life??? Am I nuts? Luckily for you, the bad days are few and far between... so I take the photographs and the dresses go up on the website! But then when I look at the photos, I fall in love all over again and I want to buy back my own stuff! :) Yup, I'm nuts! So I have a black silk velvet dress for you with deep scalloped hemline. Barely there tiny cap scalloped sleeves trimmed in rhinestones. Slightly dropped waist has three bands of the same scalloped design in brilliant rhinestones. I photographed the dress with a crinoline slip under in some photos, and no crinoline under in others. You can tell from the numbering system, that it's a low number which means I've owned this for quite a while, so you are going to have to treat her well!! Or else! Excellent condition, near mint. Measures: 34/35" bust, 29/30" waist, 42-46" long from shoulder to hemline. Side snap closure. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back |
 #2784 - c. 1924 EMERY BIRD THAYER CO., Kansas City Black Silk Flapper Robe de Style Dress! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #4186 - c. 1951 NETTIE ROSENSTEIN Black Taffeta "Little Black Dress"! 1947 Coty Award Winner. In 1937, Life Magazine profiled Nettie Rosenstein as one of the most revered American Designers. Lord & Taylor issued Rosenstein an award in 1938. Her clothing ranged from $89.50 to an astounding $795. Her specialty was grand, as well as more casual evening clothes. And, not surprising when looking at this dress.... Nettie Rosenstein is credited with having invented the "little black dress", creating black dresses in daytime lengths, but by the dressy detailing and bare necklines, could be worn to most evening occasions. This dress has a definite Dior look to it! Amazingly tailored! Diagonal button closure, but with a zipper front closure under! The "shawl" is a separate pleated piece with attaches with hooks at front.. can be worn with or without. The dress comes with the original padded hip slip, do give the dress the appropriate shape. Wrap skirt ends in a large rounded "drape" which echoes the "drape" at the front heart-shaped bodice. Would have originally been worn with a thin black leather belt cinching in the waistline to the fashionable wasp waist. Measures: 36" bust, 26" waist, 32" long from waist to hem. Excellent condition, just needs hook/eye on slip. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3060 - c. 1980's JACQUES FATH, PARIS 1950's Style Black Velvet and Silk Evening Dress! At first glance, this is a 1950's dress... no question! However, it's really a 1980's version of a 1950's dress, by a top designer name... who frankly, probably originally did design this dress in the 1950's! Measures: Near Mint condition. Nothing wrong. Silk lining. Zipper cuffs. Measures: 32" bust, 25" waist, 35/36" hips, 24" long from natural waist to hem, 22" (shoulder seam to hem). One of the best dresses I've ever had! I would kill for this to fit me! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3934 - c. 1960's L'AIGLON Floral Lightweight Cotton Sundress! So fresh and beautiful! Has the classic "Audrey" bodice design with the high boatneck and bows at each shoulder strap, but finally I've found that look in something other than black! Yeah! And it couldn't be prettier. Perfect for the hottest weather... a thin, unlined, lightweight cotton print of pink and green roses bordered in pink, white and black blocks. Shown with a crinoline under which doesn't come with the dress. Back metal zipper. Measures: 34/35" bust, 27" waist, full hips, 28" long from waist to hem with 7" hem. Excellent condition with the only thing to mention that some paint has chipped off the pink metal zipper. Geez! No belt, but has belt loops (god only knows why! Certainly doesn't need a belt!). The best sundress on the internet! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #3730 - c. 1950's The Best, Deadstock, Never Worn, "Lucy" Style, Fifties Dress... ever! I'm sorry, I don't usually hype a dress in the descriptive heading, but that really is the best way to describe this dress! If I was asked to find a dress that Lucy Ricardo would have worn on an early episode of “I Love Lucy”, this would have to be the one! Every detail from the gray silky atomic print fabric, to crisp white ribbed pique sleeve ends and Peter Pan collar with a velvet bow, to the extra full swing skirt with a built in crinoline, down to the double waisted dress with large patch pockets and skinny little belt.. it just screams Lucy! Or Deborah Kerr if you prefer! Extremely figure flattering style! Condition you ask? Deadstock! Mint. With original tags! This darling dress has never been worn! Photographed with an additional crinoline under. If you have a 50's collection or museum, you need this dress. Measures: 32/33" bust, 23/24" waist, 28" long from natural waist to hem. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#4867 - c. 1957 BALENCIAGA Lilac Lace Gown! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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 #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. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#4380 - c. 1950's I. MAGNIN & Co., IMPORTERS Bright Massive Plaid Organza Gown with Matching Huge Scarf! Wow! OK, I admit it... when I first saw this gown off the mannequin I really was SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back]
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#3106 - c. late 1950's EDWARD ABBOTT / WILSON FOLMAR Orange Crinkle Metallic Cocktail Dress with Matching Cape! Amazing material. It's an orange and gold metallic crinkle rayon in a fairly heavy weight. Take a look at the bra cups sewn into the dress! Best for a small cup. Dress is structured and tailored, lined in orange silk. Coat is lined in orange rayon! From the era of "the sack" look... here's a combination of the popular oversized, poufy "oval" shape coat/cape, paired with the extremely form fitted, sexy as hell dress. I'd date it 1959. The coat/cape requires a woman with great "carriage" to pull it off... you know... if you are the type of woman who practices walking the runways in your bedroom late at night, then you have probably learned the posture. The dress, however, just requires a great figure. Measures: 34" bust, 25" waist, 34" hips. Back metal zipper. Edward Abbott / Wilson Folmar label. Excellent condition. Extremely well-made garment would have been extremely expensive when new. A great piece of fashion history for collector. A great dress to wear to knock 'em dead! SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Study [Back]
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 4639 - c. 1960's Coveted STAVROPOULOS, Athens, New York Cut Silk Ombre Velvet Gown! Stunning!! In my research... seems George Stavropoulos was born in Greece, studied in Paris, developed his well-known custom salon in Athens from 1949-1960, emigrated to New York in 1961 where he opened his celebrated design house. Drawing on his Greek ancestry, his designed ethereal classical chiffon gowns. "He did not use ornamentation or embroidery, preferring his clothing to stand on the simple beauty of their silhouette." His gowns were coveted in the late 1960s and early 1970's and beauties such as this gown in a superb ombre changeable cut velvet silk chiffon are considered fairly rare. Red, orange, purple, pink, violet, brown, gold Balloon cuffed sleeves. Simple wide neckline. No waistline, just cinch or not as you wish. I added the black tie belt as I prefer to have my clothing fitted, but it's really up to you... can certainly be worn free-flowing. Created from 4 layers of 4 colors of silk chiffon... ecru, blush, brown and then black. Excellent condition.. can't find anything wrong except for one missing self-covered button at back.. which isn't a problem if wearing a sash/belt.. Absolutely in vogue to wear with today's style! But also extremely collectable, or a museum piece! Measures: 35/36" bust, bias cut waist/hips, so unmeasureable, 58" long from shoulder to hem. SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
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SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category for Research/Display [Back] |
SOLD - but on display in Museum Category
for Research/Display [Back] |
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