1960s Norman Norell Tassel Oversized Rhinestone Scoop Back Evening Dress
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Bright and brilliant cream and rhinestone dress by Norell / Tassell! The dress is maxi length, with long sleeves, a bateau boat neckline and an amazing scoop back. The modest columnar silhouette of the dress is contrasted by the dramatic oversized rhinestone detailing on the neckline and plunging back, adding complexity and a bit of sensuality to the dress.
Norell Tasell refers to the designer dream team of Norman Norell and Gustave Tassell.
1960s Stavropoulos Black Silk Evening Dress
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Stunning black silk maxi length empire waist evening dress by George Stavropoulos! The evening dress is strapless with the slightest sweetheart neckline -the mostly straight neckline bows gently in at the sternum. The empire waistline of the dress is accented by a deep black velvet ribbon that wraps around the wearer's body. The dress is topped off (literally!) by several gorgeous layers of sheer black silk chiffon. The chiffon emerges from the neckline and streams down the dress -lightly skimming the black body of the dress- ending in layers and layers of flowing ruffles at the hem. The chiffon gathers at the back of the dress, creating a very small, subtle train - like effect. The empire waist coupled with the flowing layers of chiffon seem to reference Stavropoulos' Greek heritage, harkening back to the fashions of antiquity. The dress floats beautifully when worn.
George Stavropoulos was born in Tripoli in 1920. He studied fashion in Paris, and eventually opened his own salon in Athens in 1949, where he made a name for himself creating elegant chiffon draped grecian - style dresses often cut on the bias. He immigrated the United States in 1961, opening a boutique in New York where he continued to receive acclaim for his floating silk satin and chiffon creations. Stavropoulos created his gowns almost exclusively by hand, and did not use heavy ornamentation, preferring that his designs stand out due of their elegant, flowing silhouettes and fabrics.
Clients include: Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Lady Bird Johnson, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Barbra Streisand.
1970s Louis Feraud Vibrant Graphic Pink Blue and Black Swirl Knit Maxi Dress
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Brilliant late 1970s slinky knit maxi dress by Louis Feraud! The dress has long sleeves, a jewel collar, and a cinched waist further accented by a knit tube belt. The dress features an amazing Peter - Max - style technicolor rainbow - like swirl across the shoulders and skirt, giving the dress an energetic appearance of being in motion. The shoulders have a slight puff sleeve to them, predicting the impending, rampant, voluminous balloon sleeves of the 1980s.
Louis Feraud was born in 1921, in Arles in the south of France. Feraud’s early life was idyllic, he was the son of a baker and spent his childhood under the mediterranean sun. His happiness was short lived, and in his youth he became an operative in the French Resistance. After World War II Feraud worked various jobs, including as a ski instructor. He eventually established his first boutique in Cannes in 1954. His clientele included wealthy vacationers, and his first big break was when Brigitte Bardot came in and purchased a white sundress. He would go on to design many of her film costumes.
By 1956 Feraud had opened a couture house in Paris across from the Elysee Palace. A few years later, in 1958, he presented his first haute couture collection alongside other Parisian fashion luminaries including Dior, Givenchy, and Lanvin. Feraud created his first ready to wear line in 1970, and introduced his menswear line in 1975. He won the “Golden Thimble” for his 1978 Haute Couture Spring/Summer line and went on to win again in 1984. In 1991 he was chosen as “Prince de l'Art de Vivre” and in 1955 Feraud was made a “Officier de la Légion d'honneur.”
Feraud dressed the Paris elite in bright, striking colors. His silhouettes ranged from traditional suits to avant-garde ruffled pieces. Throughout the years, he employed designers Jean-Louis Scherrer, Margit Brandt, Helga Bjornsson and Per Spook to help materialize his vision.
Clients include: Kim Novak, Ingrid Bergman, Danielle Mitterrand, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor
1960s Metallic Gold and Black Knit Wear Mini Dress
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1994 Isaac Mizrahi Spring/Summer Runway Green Aluminium Paillette Diet 7-Up Dress
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In a 2016 interview with Julien Sauvalle of OUT Magazine, Mizrahi recalls the arduous work that went into creating his recycled pieces, “It took us three years to make those dresses. We paid homeless people to collect Coke cans and Budweiser cans -- two of my favorite things -- and then 7Up cans, so it was green, red, white, and gold. We split them open and washed them, then shipped them to Paris to Langlois-Martin, who makes these beautiful paillettes, and then they were sent on to India to have them sawn onto panels. It took us years."
Second image shows Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell at an Isaac Mizrahi show in November 1993.
1940s Mary Black of London Red Paisley Dress with Bustle
$600.00
ABSOLUTELY Gorgeous 1940s dress in a lush red and gold paisley floral print! This maxi evening dress features short lightly capped sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with ruched point, a low scoop back, and an amazing bow - like bustle! The skirt is pleated in the back, giving the skirt greater volume. This form fitting dress with a generous skirt highlights one silhouette but has room to move.
Mary Black was born a Londoner, but she relocated to New York due to and during War II. Mrs. Black was into classic silhouettes, sometimes using used bright and bold prints to add contrast and interest! She sold her dresses both to exclusive boutiques and a few high end society types.
While her name has never been well known her dresses have been seen a number of museum collections and have stood the test of time as she used quality fabrics and had wonderful construction.
1960s Lambskin Leather Shift Dress
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1960s Couture Cardinali Mod Shift Dress W/ Rhinestones & Gold Passementerie
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1960s Couture Metallic Gold Brocade Maxi Dress with Sequin and Pearl Bead Detail
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1960s Maisonette Silk Cocktail Dress w/ Gold Bead & Blue Rhinestone Detail
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1960s Oscar de la Renta Yellow and Gold Checkerboard Print Evening Dress
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1991 Christian Lacroix Couture Navy Linen and Gold Silk Shantung Evening Gown 32
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Museum worthy and quite wearable 1991 Couture Navy and Gold gown. Dress contains inner corset with boning and zipper and an inner belt. Detachable large gilt gold breast brooch based on 17th Century strapwork design. Gathered at hips and under mini skirt. Absolutely fantastic.
Gilt Brooch- 9.5" Length X 5" wide
French Size 32
1980s Galanos Backless Green Dress
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This gorgeous and glamorous Galanos long green dress is the elegance you need in your life. Scoop neck with long bat-wing sleeves are buttoned at cuffs with five silver rhinestone buttons. Open back tying at neck. Gathered at waist with back zipper. Back slit. Dress is a Size 2/4 Slit 17 inches Seam allowance can be let out 1/2 inch Hem can be lengthened 2 3/4 inches
*All garments and accessories have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping. They are ready to enjoy upon arrival!
1950s Tur Zel Black Silk Sweetheart Evening Dress
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Gorgeous black silk evening dress by Tur Zel! The dress is a tightly fitted maxi floor length sheath silhouette with a nipped waist and an exaggerated sweetheart necklace. The sweetheart bust accented by a silk bow-like twist with the knot located at the dip. The dress also has a slit that comes up to the knee.
Miami was the mid century fashion capital of the American South, capturing both local clientele and those spending their winters in sunny Florida. Many of the nations finest salons, including Tur Zel, were located on Lincoln Road.
1970s Emilio Pucci Metallic Silver Knit Gown
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1970s Mollie Parnis Boutique Purple Velvet Dark Floral Dress
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Fabulous deep purple velvet dress by Mollie Parnis! The dress features a knee length skirt, long sleeves, and an exaggerated spread arrow collar with V - neck. The dress has a series of buttons on the front for closure. The dress has an A - Line silhouette with a pinched waist accented by a wide, satin ribbon (tied in a bow!) in indigo. The dark floral print on the dress presents foliage, flowers, and birds, and makes us think of Barbara Hulanicki's Biba and William Morris' verdant prints.
Paired with some really high under, at or over the knee boots and your ready for a day or night to remember!
1950s Black Floral French Lace Scoop Back Cocktail Dress
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1960s Donald Brooks Black Wool Evening Dress
$435.00
Beautiful empire waist evening dress by Donald Brooks. The dress is composed of soft wool, is floor length, has a scoop neck with thin shoulder straps, and a scallop - like underbust with princess seams. There are four buttons in back, bringing together the empire waist, as well as zipper for closure. The dress has a simple yet striking silhouette with clean lines and fine detail.
Donald Brooks had an extensive career in commercial fashion and costume design, his commercial work was dramatic and sensational, taking cues from his costume designs. He first worked for Townley Frocks in 1959, replacing the late, great Claire McCardell, before opening his own company in 1964. He later created a boutique line in 1971, and then closed his business entirely in 1973. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Brooks designed under different manufacturing firms, in 1986 he created an evening wear line, and in 1990 he became a consultant at Ann Taylor.
Brooks also designed for stage and screen, and received Oscar nominations for best costume design in “The Cardinal” (1963), “Star!” (1968), and “Darling Lili” (1970).
1980s Stanley Platos Martin Ross Floor Length Umber Lace Evening Dress
$365.00
Elegant floor length maxi dress by Stanley Platos Martin Ross. The Dress features long sleeves and a slip - like layering dress. The bottom layer of the dress is brown, floor length, and sleeveless, with a straight - across neckline. The top layer of the dress is lace with beautiful, undulating tiger - like stripes. The lace comes up to the neck -creating a sort of shallow turtle neck- and down to the sleeves. The lace has delicate fringed ends. The dress has a sheath silhouette with a delicately cinched waist. Neck to waist zipper.
Stanley Platos Martin Ross opened in 1982. Prior to opening his own design house, Platos worked under Givenchy and Valentino. Clients of Platos include Mary Tyler Moore, Linda Evans, and Ethel Kennedy
1960s Sarmi Red Velvet Evening Dress w/ Sheer White Silk Skirt Accent
$1,100.00
Striking dark burgundy velvet evening dress by Sarmi. The dress is sleeveless, has a high jewel neckline, and a high, left-to-right sloping waistline. The highest tip of the waistline is marked by a large velvet bow. The dress has a fabulous slit in the skirt, giving way to a long, gathered white silk panel. Beautiful.
Italian Count -and fabulous fashion designer- Ferdinando Sarmi, was known for his extravagant textiles and materials, creating sumptuous evening wear and swanky day wear. He got his start in 1951 working for Elizabeth Arden, and in 1959 Sarmi opened his own eponymous label that would last until the 1970s.
1980s Naeem Khan Silk Aqua Sequin & Beading Evening Ensemble W/ Tassel Jacket
$785.00
1980s Nina Ricci Couture Strapless Black Evening Dress
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Amazing fit and flair evening gown by Nina Ricci. The black dress is maxi length with a strapless bodice, and curve - hugging silhouette with ruching detail that runs from just below the velvet bust down to the knee. The front of the dress features a striking oversized bow that frames the wearer's decolletage. The dress includes ruched opera - length glove - like sleeves with glossy black mink fur at the top. Included is a large black velvet rose brooch for additional accessorizing. Perfect for any black tie occasion or lover of 80s drama.
1960s Madame Grès Black Haute Couture Silk "Heavenly Bodies" Dress
$43,500.00
Absolutely astounding black silk gown by Madame Gres! The dress is maxi length, with an empire waistline, a v-neck neckline, and the most amazing, voluminous sleeves. The sleeves are truly amazing; they billow out from the shoulder, drape, cape-like, over and around the arm, gaining length as they approach the wrist. The sleeves end in a cuff that gathers the crescendo of the black silk sleeve. The dramatic, theatrical, spectacular sleeves contrast with the subdued, classical, pillar-like empire-waist body of the dress. The dress is an wonderful piece indicative of Gres' experimentation with form and structure in the 1960s and 1970s. Absolutely amazing!
The MET Costume Institute owns an identical Madame Gres dress, and was on view at The MET Cloisters in Gallery 06 as part of the "Heavenly Bodies" exhibit. The MET is also in possession of another dress that is essentially alike, but made of brown silk.
Born in Paris, around the turn of the 20th century, Madame Grès (nee Germaine Émilie Krebs, AKA Alix Barton, Alix) pursued sculpture before turning her interests towards fashion. Grès was initially a hat maker, but her eye for design soon propelled her into haute couture dressmaking. By the 1930s, Grès had made a name for herself and counted a number of famous women in her client list, including: Wallis Simpson - the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Matilda of Greece, Paloma Picasso, Grace Kelly, Marella Agnelli, Marie-Helene de Rothschild, Edith Piaf, Jacqueline Kennedy, Dolores del Río, Barbra Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, and Greta Garbo.
During the German occupation of France in World War II, Madame Grès was ordered to design stark, utilitarian clothing, but defied the occupation government and continued to design sumptuous dresses in the red, white and blue of the French tricolour flag. Bewilderingly, despite being Jewish, German officers were said to have asked Grès to design dresses for their wives. Grès bravely refused. Both her refusal to design for the wives of occupying officers, and her refusal to design drab garments, played a part in the forced closing of her design house; her plenteous use of fabric during wartime was the excuse given.
After the war Grès began to design her famous Grecian goddess gowns. Although her earlier work reflected the sculptural, grecian motifs that she exhibited in her later work, she truly came into her own by designing the Grecian goddess gowns. Like her earlier work, the Grecian goddess gowns championed simplicity and the liberty of movement, and were designed with the wearer in mind: the body was to shape and mold the dress, not the other way around. Grès experimented with form, function, movement, and structure, creating billowing pleats and narrow pinches that would steer the direction of her designs. Grès career stretched across several decades, and her designs still remain timeless and unparalleled.
1960s Gene Shelly Fuchsia Sequined Floral Soft Wool Sweater Knit Dress
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1960s Larry Aldrich Vibrant Floral Mod Dress
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1963 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Evening Dress Owned by Claudette Colbert
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Historically significant 1963 Yves Saint Laurent garnet red couture beaded evening ensemble. This two piece midi skirt and top ensemble was acquired from the estate of Claudette Colbert, preeminent Hollywood Golden Age leading lady. The ensemble consists of a calf-length layered sheer chiffon skirt with structured hem and silk waist band, and a sleeveless top with a mock turtleneck. The top features red and green glass seed bead and chandelier bead loop fringe created by the legendary Maison Lesage. Francois Lesage worked with Yves Saint Laurent and other European designers and houses, providing them with the finest embroidery, beading, and sequin work French couture embroidery could create. This evening ensemble is truly one - of - a - kind!
Zipper closures.
Bust: 34 in
Waist: 26 in
Top L: 22 in
Skirt L: 29 in
1960s Betty Carol Mam'Selle Red Floral Velvet Dress
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Stunning Betty Carol for Mam'Selle velvet red and pink floral dress. Off the shoulder with a matching folded bow. Dress is figure complementing in a fit and flare silhouette as well as a high low hem. Multi red color but not neon. Fabric seems to change color when hit by light. If you love red and pink, this dress is for you!
Modern size 2
*All garments and accessories have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping. They are ready to enjoy upon arrival!
1940s Claire McCardell Black Cotton Dotted Dress with Metal Closures - Rare
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Claire McCardell black cotton dotted fabric dress. The fabric is a heavy woven fabric. The bodice has double bust darts from the waist with brass colored hook closures liken to a bustier. It is inner-lined with black fusing. The gathered skirt from the natural waist is 28.5" long with no lining.
Surprise - it has pockets! Claire McCardell was an American fashion designer who was head designer for Townley in the late 30s & 40s.
1920s Gold and Indigo Devore Velvet Evening Dress with Mink Trim
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1980s Yves Saint Laurent Silk Jersey Red Plunge Front Dress
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Dramatic plunge front cocktail dress by Yves Saint Laurent. The silk jersey dress is knee length, has long sleeves, structured shoulders, and a drape front. The dress has a dramatic neckline that ends at the waist, cinched together with a baroque gold-tone fasten reminiscent of coral. The buckle features a red multifaceted oval center jewel, and various small rhinestones ornamenting the extremities of the buckle. Fabulous.
1920s Sheer Black Lace Fluted Ruffle Dress
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1980s Naeem Khan Black and Gold Tiger and Cheetah Sequin Silk Dress
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1970s Lanvin Vibrant Green and Blue Floral Dress w/ Sheer Bodice & Scoop Back
$1,700.00
1970s Custom Isabell Gerhart Green Evening Dress with Ostrich Feather Bolero
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Amazing custom evening dress and ostrich bolero from Isabell Gerheart. The sheer green dress has an empire waist with V - neck halter, creating a ruched neckline that gives way to a flowing, Grecian-like skirt. The show-stopping bolero folds over itself at the shoulders, the shortest hem is playfully adorned with swanky green ostrich feathers.
Custom made by expert designer/dressmaker at the Isabel Gerhart Boutique, which was for years considered “the” shopping stop for international travelers and locals alike looking for couture and custom designs.
1980s Givenchy Black Velvet and Green Taffeta Silk Bow Evening Dress
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Striking doesn't even begin to describe it! Fabulous maxi full length evening dress by the one and only Hubert de Givenchy! The green taffeta silk has a slight iridescent duochrome pink sheen. The dress has long sleeves, a turtleneck, and a body-skimming fit and flare silhouette with an exuberance of silk below the knee. The neck features a large silk bow with a rhinestone ring around the center knot. The skirt has four mermaid - like tiers and is nothing short of voluminous. The dress is nothing short of A M A Z I N G.
Hubert de Givenchy is known best for his elegant and innovative haute couture. He began his career working under Elsa Schiaparelli, Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, and Lucien Lelong. As a young man, he worked alongside Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior who were also making their mark on Parisian fashion.
Givenchy designed Audrey Hepburn’s iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” dress, popularizing the modern “little black dress”. He also designed much of Hepburn’s personal wardrobe. Givenchy was always reinventing himself and with that, revolutionizing the state of fashion. He is credited for creating the “baby doll” dress and “balloon coat,” two designs emblematic of the 1960s.
Clients include Ingrid Bergman, Maria Callas, Nona Hendryx, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Empress Farah Pahlavi, Comtesse Jacqueline de Ribes, Baroness Pauline de Rothschild, and Diana Vreeland.
Total Length- 59" Bust- 35" Waist-30" Hip- 36" Sleeve length-27"
1970s Oscar de la Renta Couture Gold Evening Dress with Fur Cuffs
$1,950.00
Gorgeous evening dress in geometric gold and orange print by Oscar de la Renta. The dress is a full maxi length, with a high mandarin collar, and long sleeves with soft , wheaten-brown fur. The print is a pixelated stripe with the occasional spike, and is reminiscent of ikat weaves. The dress has 23 buttons on its center front, each button is functional, allowing the wearer to choose how low to let her neckline drop. The dress is elegant and accommodating. Zipper back.
Modern size 2 - 4
Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-American fashion designer who dominated the international fashion scene for decades. De la Renta trained under Balenciaga and Academy Award winning costume designer Antonio del Casillo, and worked under Lanvin, Elizabeth Arden, and Balmain. De la Renta’s career endured for over 50 years, becoming one of the most respected and admired designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
His clients included Oprah Winfrey, Jaqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, Hilary Clinton, Ann Hathaway, Penelope Cruz, Sandra Bullock, and Amal Clooney.
1970s Halston Red Silk Long Sleeve Evening Dress
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Simply sublime 1970's Halston red silk long sleeve evening dress. Scoop front neckline that falls into a V shape at center back. Shoulder pads. Draped at bust, with gathering at front neckline. Gathering where the zipper is at center back, and only lasts halfway down. Straight skirt.
Modern US Size 6
Wrist: 7 1/2 inches
Hem can be lengthened by 1 1/2"
*All MRS Couture garments and accessories have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping. They are ready to wear upon arrival.
1984 Valentino Pink Silk Plunge Back Evening Dress w/ Cape and Beading Detail
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Amazing hot pink maxi length evening dress by Valentino with plunging back AND cape detail. The silk dress has long sleeves and jewel neckline, as well as a slit on the left leg that reaches just below the knee. The most prominent detail of the dress are its cape and plunging back. Although low, the back sits between the pooling shawl-like draped sides of the cape, giving it a refined feel. Beaded appliques (reminiscent of willow leaves) lay on the shoulders -pinning the cape down- and at the bottom of the back. Padded shoulders. Zippers on wrist for a fitted look. Label missing.
Bust 34 Inches
Waist 28 Inches
Hips 36 Inches
Length 58.5 Inches
Sleeve 23 Inches
Size 6-8 M
1970s Bill Blass Neon Pink and Purple Sheer Stripe Dress
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Absolutely striking bright, neon pink and purple dress by Bill Blass. The dress is maxi floor length, has long sleeves, and a round jewel collar. The dress has a pinched blouson waist and a keyhole opening with button at the back of the neck. The dress is composed of a sheer and solid striped fabric printed with with pink with purple stripes and abstract lines. The skirt of the fabric is mostly purple, with pink stripes in between. The sleeves have a wide purple stripe at the cuff.
Modern US Size 10- Medium Bust-38" Waist 28" Hip 38" Sleeve Length-23"
Bill Glass grew up in Depression - era Indiana, where he sought refuge from the bitterness of life in cinemas. Blass looked up to the silver screen and found inspiration in the leading ladies and their fantastical costumes.
Glass studied at Parsons School of Art and Design in New York, funded by his winnings from a Chicago Tribune dress design contest, and later by his commissioned sketches for Seventh Avenue garment houses. Glass’ career and education were interrupted by WWII, where he was assigned to US 603rd Camouflage Battalion, a part of the famous “Ghost Army” Allied collaboration known for their creative deception techniques.
After the war, Blass remained in New York, working under Anne Klein, Anna Miller, and Maurice Rentner. In 1970, Blass purchased and renamed Renter’s firm.
Blass achieved internationally recognition when he joined the American team of designers -consisting of Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Anne Klein with Donna Karan- that was to face off against the French team of designers -Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy- in the infamous “Battle of Versailles” fashion show.
Blass was well known for his couture take on sportswear. He would make traditional cuts in luxurious fabrics, with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. His opulent sportswear was unparalleled, and in pairing a cashmere cardigan with a silk gown, he found new innovative ways to mix it into his formalwear. Glass was also known to be very hands on with his business, lending his pieces for benefits, and touring and making appearances in department stores that were putting out his new lines.
Clients include: Barbara Steissand, Barbara Walters, the Barbaras Bush, Happy Rockefeller, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Brooke Astor.
1990s Azzedine Alaia Valentine Red Virgin Wool Knit Dress
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Bright rose red knit dress by the Azzedine Alaia, the "King of Cling"! The dress is composed of soft virgin wool, is knee length, with long sleeves, and a jewel collar. The dress clings ever so slightly to the hips and thighs, has a loose waist, and dolman sleeves. The back of the dress features six black snap buttons for closure. This dress truly is an Alaia!
Bust- 35"
Waist- 31"
Hips- 37"
Length- 23"
Sleeve Length-23"
Alaia moved to Paris in the 1950s, after finishing his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunisia. He worked for various houses and designers including Christian Dior, Guy Laroche, and Thierry Mugler, before striking it out on his own. Alaia’s work caught the discerning eyes of the Parisian elite, including Countess Nicole de Blégiers and Louise de Vilmorin, as well as Greta Garbo.
In the 1980s, Alaia rose to prominence on the international stage with his body conscious, curve hugging designs. “The Trinity” of reigning supermodels of the day, Naomi Campbell (with whom he shaded a loving father-daughter relationship(he would even take her to dentist appointments!)), Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, were seen time and time again in his slinky dresses and sky high heels. He also designed much of the wardrobe of Grace Jones' character “May Day” in the 1985 James Bond Film “A View to Kill”.
In the 1990s, after the death of his beloved sister Hafida, Alaia withdrew from fashion. He eventually returned after conducting a series of business moves in the 2000s -involving Prada and the Richmond group (owner of Chloe and Cartier)- that would guarantee his artistic freedom as well as financial safety.
Azzedine Alaia was the master of his own destiny, rejecting aspects of the fashion industry including the traditional calendar, timelines, and advertising norms. He refused to bend to the market’s will. He was a perfectionist who would show his work only when it was finished. Alaia was internationally renowned, his designs appearing on the covers of magazines, runways across the globe, and in the halls of Museums. He was made a chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 2008.
Clients include:
Countess Nicole de Blégiers, Louise de Vilmorin, Greta Garbo, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Farida Khelfa, Sophie Hicks, Stephanie Seymour, Marion Cotillard, Alicia Silverstone, Carla Bruni, Nicki Minaj, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Solange Knowles, and Behati Prinsloo.
1980s Bill Blass Couture Black and White Beaded Evening Dress
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Gorgeous, heavily beaded Bill Blass evening dress. Form fitting floor length maxi dress with wide jewel neckline and long sleeves. The dress is primarily black, save for contrasting sleeves in a lightly crinkled white fabric. The sleeves are heavily beaded in a romantic curving design that resembles curled ostrich feathers. The sleeves have a pointed end and feature buttons. Neck to waist zipper on back.
Bill Glass grew up in Depression - era Indiana, where he sought refuge from the bitterness of life in cinemas. Blass looked up to the silver screen and found inspiration in the leading ladies and their fantastical costumes.
Glass studied at Parsons School of Art and Design in New York, funded by his winnings from a Chicago Tribune dress design contest, and later by his commissioned sketches for Seventh Avenue garment houses. Glass’ career and education were interrupted by WWII, where he was assigned to US 603rd Camouflage Battalion, a part of the famous “Ghost Army” Allied collaboration known for their creative deception techniques.
After the war, Blass remained in New York, working under Anne Klein, Anna Miller, and Maurice Rentner. In 1970, Blass purchased and renamed Renter’s firm.
Blass achieved internationally recognition when he joined the American team of designers -consisting of Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Anne Klein with Donna Karan- that was to face off against the French team of designers -Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy- in the infamous “Battle of Versailles” fashion show.
Blass was well known for his couture take on sportswear. He would make traditional cuts in luxurious fabrics, with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. His opulent sportswear was unparalleled, and in pairing a cashmere cardigan with a silk gown, he found new innovative ways to mix it into his formalwear. Glass was also known to be very hands on with his business, lending his pieces for benefits, and touring and making appearances in department stores that were putting out his new lines.
Clients include: Barbara Steissand, Barbara Walters, the Barbaras Bush, Happy Rockefeller, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Brooke Astor.
1950s Suzy Perette Black Velvet Fox Trim Cocktail Dress
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Bombshell, curve-skimming cocktail dress by Suzy Perette! The dress is knee length, with a cinched waist and 3/4 length sleeves. The sheath silhouette of the dress is made possible by precise princess seams included in the front of the dress. The deep squared off bateau boat neck and the somewhat low scoop back bring a bit of sensuality to the dress. The dress is composed primarily of soft, black velvet, and features a supple and glossy black fox fur trim on the skirt. Back to hip metal zipper on back for closure.
The Suzy Perette label was active from the 1940s into the 1970s, and created dresses for the American market based off of famous and sought-after Parisian designs.
1980s Geoffrey Beene Black and Red Sequin, Lace, and Velvet Evening Dress
$700.00
Dramatic high contrast black and red maxi length evening dress by Geoffrey Beene. The dress has long sleeves and a deep and wide scoop neckline; sleeves, neckline, and shoulders are fully sequined. The waist of the dress is fitted and features a ruched twist design in black semi-metallic flocked velvet. The skirt is composed of two layers, an bottom layer of black metallic flocked fabric (the same fabric on the waist), and a top layer of red velvet fabric with black polkadots. The red skirt has a wide black floral lace hem featuring sequins outlining the flowers. The red skirt skirt peaks up towards the sternum of the dress, giving it the illusion of being empire-waisted. Neck to waist zipper closure.
Geoffrey Beene began his career in the 1951s, designing under numerous New York houses including Teal Traina, and opened his own label in 1963. Beene was incredibly conscious of the human body, and was particularly regardful of the figure in motion - as Beene once said“clothing is nothing until it hits the body." His designs were created to work with the client’s body, encasing it lightly and giving it a more artful structure. His reinterpretations of dress formality, use of synthetics and unusual combination of materials (accessories in acrylic and diamonds, for example), set him aside from his contemporaries who focused on the business of fashion, rather than the artistry of fashion.
Clients include: Jacqueline Kennedy, Lynda Bird Johnson, Nancy Reagan, Paloma Picasso, and Gloria Steinem.
1960s Mr. Blackwell Fur Cuff Gold and Purple Brocade Evening Dress
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Empire waist, maxi length, metallic brocade evening dress by Mr. Blackwell! The dress has a deep square neckline, and long sleeves with soft and sleek zippered fur cuffs in light chestnut brown. The dress has slightly voluminous shoulders and mutton sleeves. The dress is composed of a striking geometric and organic print with gold medallions superimposed over pink bubble stripes and deep purple and gold rose print. This dress is a psychedelic, scintillating mix of brilliant colors and patterns.
Empire waist is 30" Bust 36" Hip 36"
Sleeve Length 24"
Born Richard Sylvan Selzer to a poor second generation Jewish Russian Family in Brooklyn, Richard Blackwell had a very difficult childhood. He saw a way out of poverty and abuse in 1936, after he was cast as Tommy, in the 1936 production of Sidney Kingsley’s “Dead End.” Blackwell moved to the West Coast and studied acting alongside Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, and began working as a messenger at Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, California. Blackwell was signed to RKO Pictures by Howard Hughes, changing his name from “Richard Selzer” to the more widely marketable “Richard Blackwell”. In 1958, after discovering his talent for design while making commissioned costumes for the stage, Blackwell turned to fashion. Upon the launch of his clothing line, Richard Blackwell adopted the Mr. Blackwell name, which corresponded to the luxurious tone set by his “House of Blackwell” label. Blackwell specialized in elegant, formfitting dresses in stylish prints and luxurious fabrics, which often sold for between $800 and $1,000. Blackwell was the first designer to offer a line available to plus-sized women, and was also the first designer to present his work on a television broadcast. Blackwell also claimed he was the first designer to offer designer jeans for women.
Shortly after producing his label, Blackwell’s success skyrocketed, and he quickly became known for his beautiful designs and discerning eye. Blackwell had become an authority on taste, and in 1960 was asked to write an article for the American Weekly Magazine detailing the "10 Best and Worst Dressed" people. Blackwell’s quick wit, sharp tongue, and acerbic comments, found a permanent, loving home in fashion journalism, and Blackwell established himself as America’s number 1, and most beloved fashion critic, establishing the first ever annual “Worst-Dressed List.” The list ran from 1960s up until Blackwell’s death in 2008.
1990s Geoffrey Beene Black and Silver Metallic Polka Dot Dress 6-8
$885.00
Geoffrey Beene channels the 1960s in this “MR. Beene” made in the early 1990s. The dress has oh such wonderful movement and shine! Two layers of silver metallic polka dotted tulle, one smaller dots than the other. Sheer sleeves. Attached sewn in black lining. Front of the dress is an A- line style with the back skirt gathered adding fullness (see Photos). Sheer scooped back of sheer fabric. Romantic metallic lace hem in three layers.
Quarter inch horse hair trim at hem lining. No closure, slips on over head.
1970s Metallic Gold and Copper Party Dress
$380.00
1970s Metallic Gold and Copper Party Dress
Too cool! This dress features a striking vertical geometric and floral ribbon print in silver, blue, green, brown, and different shades of orange, accented by gold lame thread. The mid - calf length dress has a jewel neckline, bishop sleeves with elastic cuff, and a long slit in the back of the skirt so that you can dance your heart out without constrictions. This dress is polished to perfection and no doubt a strong, glittering rival to even the most sparkly disco ball!
Modern US Size: 8
Wrist: 11, Slit: 17 inches
Hem can be lengthened 1 1/4 inches
1970s Geoffrey Beene Space Gray Shift Dress with Metallic Details
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Fantastic mod shift dress by Geoffrey Beene! The dress hits above the knee, has long sleeves, and a high jeweled neckline adorned with a scalloped-edge metal trim. The dress, with its multiple panels and chrome - look pocket plates is comfortably futuristic. The dress has a zipper closure running from the back of the neck down to the waist.
