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A And O Couture

Ferman O'Grady 1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Chiffon Feather 50s Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous and rare 1950s FERMAN O'GRADY black silk chiffon and crepe nude illusion demi couture
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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace Couture Open-Back Tropical Print Runway Silk Jersey Dress, SS2000
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Geneva, CH
Spring-Summer dress is no exception ! Modeled by Erin O'Connor in look 14 on the runway (see picture 3
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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Dress Suit
By Nina Ricci
Located in Geneva, CH
A versatile piece of haute couture, this 60’s Nina Ricci dress suit can be worn as a set for a very
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1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

1970s Navy Jersey Haute Couture Grecian Style Dress
Located in London, GB
This mid to late 1970s navy and sequin detail Grecian dress is a show stopping unlabelled couture
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1970s French Evening Dresses

Tan Giudicelli vintage bustier black couture gown, 1980s
By Tan Giudicelli
Located in New York, NY
, he designed costumes for The Story of O. Giudicelli, found regular work in various fashion houses
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1980s French Evening Gowns

Unlabeled Givenchy Haute Couture Copper Floral Silk Evening Coat Vintage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
the designer of this haute couture evening coat is unknown, it is likely he or she also sourced from
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20th Century French Coats and Outerwear

An André Courrèges Couture Baby Doll Dress - France Circa 1968
By André Courrèges
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965-1970 France Rare model of Baby Doll Dress by André Courrèges Haute Couture model 23075
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1960s French Babydoll Dresses

An André Courrèges Couture Baby Doll Dress - France Circa 1968
An André Courrèges Couture Baby Doll Dress - France Circa 1968
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Size: Equivalent size 38 France
1960s Courreges Haute Couture Orange A-line Sleeveless Wool Maxi Dress
By André Courrèges, Courrèges
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A rare original 1960s Courreges numbered couture bright orange wool sculpted A-line shift dress
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20th Century French Day Dresses

Tangerine Satin Sleeveless Inverness Coat Dress w Cascading Ruffles–O/S, 1960s
Located in Tucson, AZ
-grabber. (Also a dead-ringer for a couture Akira model from the 1980s!) Sleeveless full-length Ulster
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1960s American Capes

1960s Norman Norell Couture Black Wool Gabardine Size 8 Vintage 60s Skirt Suit
By Norman Norell
Located in San Diego, CA
thin patent belt. Couture quality, with so much attention to details. Channels classic Jackie O style
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1960s American Skirt Suits

Rare Vintage 60's CHRISTIE Couture Silk Scarf Hat
Located in Georgetown, ME
Rare Vintage 60's CHRISTIE Couture Blue & Turquoise Silk Scarf Hat! Very Jackie O! These Christie
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1960s Hats

Jacques Theut 1960s French Couture Polka Dot Dress & Jacket Set
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful quality 1950s or early 1960s French couture dress and sleeveless jacket
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1960s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Wet Look Black Electric Blue Stretch Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black and electric blue Gianni Versace Couture stretch gown, designed by
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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Ad Asymmetric Blue Purple Sheer Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an asymmetric Gianni Versace Couture dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the
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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway High Slit Black Cutout Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fall/Winter 1999 collection, this skirt debuted on the season's runway on Erin O'Connor. This dramatic
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1990s Italian Skirts

S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella White Bamboo Print Sleeveless Mock Neck Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
modeled by Erin O'Connor. The top features a stand-up neck with two green Medusa button closures and an
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Early 2000s Italian Blouses

S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Ad Blue Yellow Asymmetric Knit Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Harlow and on Erin O'Conner in the ad campaign shot by Richard Avedon. Also captured on Gisele Bündchen
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1990s Italian Day Dresses

Versace Spring 1998 Documented Runway Dress in Purple Silk With Blue Star Print
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Portland, OR
same print used in an ad featuring Erin O'Connor by Richard Avedon in 1998. This was Donatella
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1990s Italian Day Dresses

Showstopper Thierry Mugler Dramatic Evening Gown Black Sequin
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
S H O W S T O P P E R! Iconic extremely rare Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Evening Gown, Museum
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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Eavis & Brown Embellished Green Silk Victorian Blouse
By Eavis & Brown
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
for Capriccio haute couture blouse is crafted from rich green Silk and features leg-o-mutton sleeves
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1980s English Blouses and Tops

People Also Browsed

Rare 1980's Thierry Mugler "Show those Legs" Halter Hi Low Evening Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1980's Thierry Mugler rare kelly green shantung silk form fitting halter dress. Edgy hi fashion silhouette with strong lean lines; stylish hip pockets. Princess seaming; invert...
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1980s French Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Gorgeous Iconic Thierry Mugler Gown SS1999 Evening Dress Silver Lucite Details
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy collectors piece. Absolutely gorgeous documented Thierry Mugler dress, Spring Summer 1999 Collection. Documented on the runway as well as on the iconic portrait of Man...
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1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Grace Kelly Inspired Ivory High-Neck Illusion Wedding Gown and Cap – XS, 1951
Located in Tucson, AZ
An alluring, yet fully-covered gown for those brides who seek modesty without looking mousy, this wedding gown was custom-made for a 1951 bride who valued discretion and beauty in eq...
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1950s American Wedding Dresses

Ann Demeulemeester Leather Backless Lace up Vest
By Ann Demeulemeester
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silver grey leather vest from Ann Demeulemeester, one of the notable Antwerp six designers. It has a lapel collar and 2 hip length panels down the front which can be hooke...
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Early 2000s Italian Vests

A Romantic Dress in white cotton Net applied with printed Chiffon Circa 1938
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935-1940 France Summer long dress, made of white cotton net tulle applied with floral printed silk chiffon, with an assumed romanticism and dating from the late 1930s. Sleev...
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1930s French Evening Dresses

An André Courrèges Couture jacket and skirt - French late 1960s
By André Courrèges
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1968/1970 France Tailors jacket and skirt Haute Couture by André Courrèges dating from the late 60s. Size A Couture Future. Cream and navy wool twill and acetate cream lining...
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1960s French Skirt Suits

An André Courrèges Couture jacket and skirt - French late 1960s
An André Courrèges Couture jacket and skirt - French late 1960s
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Size: Size A equivalent French 36
Vintage 1910s Ivory Crème Embroidered Net-Lace & Silk Satin Trained Bridal Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal bridal gowns from the early 20th century are perennial favorites and this one is a wedding show-stopper. The garment's effortless style is so modern; the intricate hand embr...
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1910s Wedding Dresses

Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Being offered is the Iconic John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2000-2001 Newsprint Dress WORN by Sarah Jessica Parker and lent by Vintage Luxury N.Y. for Sex and the Cit...
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Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

1970s Vintage Loris Azzaro Beaded Silver & Gold Metallic Crochet Top with Chains
By Loris Azzaro
Located in Portland, OR
This is an absolutely gorgeous 1970s silver and gold metallic lurex crochet top from Loris Azzaro. This vintage short sleeve top has metal chain fringe and amber and clear beads as...
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1970s French Blouses

Nearly Naked White Satin Deco Wedding Gown w Transparent Lace Panels - XS, 1930s
Located in Tucson, AZ
You would be forgiven for thinking this is an uptight wedding gown because of its age and sleeves. Of course we would direct your attention to the transparent lace insets that discou...
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1930s American Wedding Dresses

Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress
By Mamselle, Betty Carol
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Betty Carol in light weight black wool and silk taffeta. It has a V neckline front and back with fabulous princess seaming creating a fitted silhouette through...
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1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Geoffrey Beene Dress; Vintage 1960s-1970s
By John Boyle Bishop, Geoffrey Beene
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage 1960s-1970s vintage Geoffrey Beene navy blue wool tailored mod dress with nautical-inspired buttons and cut. This piece would look great layered over a shirt or worn ...
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1960s American Day Dresses

1930s White Cotton Embroidered Dress with Lace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Late 1930s to early 1940s White Cotton embroidered summer wedding dress. Dress has horse hair crinoline to give fullness. Size: 4 - Small Bust: 36” / Waist: 26” / Hip 40” / Dress l...
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1930s Unknown Wedding Dresses

XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutley breathtaking 1950s demi couture white strapless tulle gown, or wedding dress ! Features yards and yards of white tulle layered throughout the skirt. The tulle on the bust ...
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1950s American Evening Dresses

Early Art Deco French Crystal Tiara
Located in New York, NY
Early Art Deco Crystal Tiara of silver lame threads and hundreds of hand sewn rose montee crystal stones in graduated leaf motifs. Wonderful design on a wired base, completely hand m...
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1930s Hats

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...
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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Recent Sales

Givenchy 1960s Haute Couture Gown with Heavily Beaded Waistband
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
leg o mutton style sleeves and full length straight skirt and self bow at rear. Very faint fade at
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1960s French Evening Gowns

1960s Mr. Blackwell Custom Green Silk 2 Piece Dress and Jacket Ensemble
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Houston, TX
Iconic 1960's Mr. Blackwell Custom silk green 2 piece dress and jacket evening ensemble. Jackie O
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1960s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Dorothy O'Hara Purple Wool Cocktail Dress w/ Peplum & Belt
By Dorothy O'Hara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a charming vintage dress from designer Dorothy O'Hara, from the 1940's. It has a deep v
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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1950's Dorothy O'Hara Black Silk Floral Applique Sheer-Illusion Draped Dress
By Dorothy O'Hara
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Waist:26 inches Hips:up to 37 inches Total Length:45 inches This Dorothy O'Hara designer couture
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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1959 Hall Ludlow Couture Museum-Held Black Silk Appliquéd Petals Hourglass Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
fashion icon Jackie O herself was a client of his as well! It's no surprise Ludlow won the prestigious
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1950s Australian Evening Gowns

1959 Hall Ludlow for House of Karel Black Evening Gown Edged w/ Organza Petals
Located in Gresham, OR
An amazing couture 1959 documented Hall Ludlow for House of Karel black evening gown in a wrap
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1950s Hong Kong Evening Gowns

Dior Beige Leather Medium Diorissimo Shopper Tote
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Dior takes pride as the creator of haute couture. The luxury brand presents this distinguished
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2010s Italian Tote Bags

Dior Black Leather Medium Diorissimo Shopper Tote
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Dior takes pride as the creator of haute couture. The luxury brand presents this distinguished
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2010s Italian Tote Bags

Lady Dior bag with removable shoulder strap
By Christian Dior
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
, rounded handles and D.i.o.r charms. A well-structured piece, emblem of Couture elegance and sophistication
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21st Century and Contemporary Novelty Bags

Lady Dior bag with removable shoulder strap
Lady Dior bag with removable shoulder strap
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H 7.88 in W 9.45 in D 3.55 in
Christian Dior 'Lady Dior' Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This Lady Dior bag, the symbol of Couture elegance and refinement is elegantly crafted in a soft
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Late 20th Century Top Handle Bags

Dior White Leather Eiffel Tower Embroidered Medium 'Lady Dior' Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This Lady Dior bag, the symbol of Couture elegance and refinement is elegantly crafted in a soft
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Late 20th Century Top Handle Bags

Alexander McQueen Black Matte Jersey Dress, 1990's
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a black matte jersey dress with a large "O" shaped back by Alexander McQueen, from the 1990
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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

An André Courrèges Pant Suit numbered 0514895 and 579326 Taty Style Circa 1969
By André Courrèges
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1969 France Haute Couture A pant suit by André Courrèges Hyperbole Size O from the late
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1960s French Bolero Jackets

1960s Couture Raffia Silk Couture Light Pink Metallic Jackie - O Gown 60s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
and hook-and-eye closure. Looks amazing on! Couture quality, with built-in interior support. Fully
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1960s Evening Gowns

Vintage Bonwit Teller Pale Pink Beaded Sequin Demi Couture Gown 1960s
By Bonwit Teller
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Bonwit Teller Pale Pink Beaded Sequin Demi Couture Gown from the 1960s. A style made famous
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20th Century American Evening Dresses

F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Studded Wool Overcoat & Pant Set
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
, similar stud detailing debuted on the season's men's runway modeled by Erin O'Connor. The set features
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1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Gorgeous 1960s Gold Silk Brocade Paisley 60s Vintage Dress and Cropped Jacket
Located in San Diego, CA
-and-eye closure. Jacket features a Jackie O collar, and four rhinestone encrusted buttons up the front
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1960s Dress and Coat Ensembles

F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Pinstripe Wool Halter Corset Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
modeled by Erin O'Connor and was also highlighted in the season's ad campaign photographed by Steven
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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Pierre Balmain New w/ Tags White + Gold Sequined Lace Up Sleeveless Mini Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
! Features thousands of muted gold rectangle sequin beads o each side of the front. Sturdy cotton (95%) and
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2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Chic 1960s Ivory Off White Raw Silk Vintage Shift Dress w/ Oversized Bow Collar
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazingly chic 60s vintage ivory raw silk couture quality shift dress! Highest quality silk, with
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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

A Vintage Black Gianni Versace Couture Studded Wool Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An incredible 1990s Gianni Versace Couture wool skirt suit consisting o a fitted blazer and
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1990s Italian Skirt Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Evening Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Cloverdale, CA
This is the quintessential Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Evening Gown. The bodice
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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Bell Sleeve Marie France Couture
Located in Rockwood, ON
An absolutely amazing and regal hostess gown from Marie France Haute Couture! I have always had a
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1960s Maxi Dress

1990s Moschino Printed Dress
By Moschino Couture
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
A.N.G.E.L.O. Vintage - ITALY Moschino gray cotton printed dress. Flared model with V-neck
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1990s Day Dresses

Jean Desses American Collection Silk Faille Coat
By Jean Dessès
Located in New Hope, PA
French Couture Houses after the devastation of World War II. It also cut down o the piracy of Haute
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1950s American Coats and Outerwear

Oscar De la Renta Toreador Ensemble Embroidered Lesage sz 12
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Cloverdale, CA
rendered with extraordinary care and quality. The word “couture” is vastly overused in today’s fashion
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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Fuschia Ruffled Evening Gown
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Houston, TX
. Modern size 2, touches the floor on a 5'8" fit model w/o shoes. Photo Credit: Eunice Johnson Fashion
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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Travilla's Valley of the Dolls "Neely O'Hara" Jeweled Jumpsuit with Cape
By Travilla
Located in Cloverdale, CA
movie Valley of the Dolls. This was the design for a costume for Neely O'Hara, so brilliantly played by
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1960s American Evening Dresses

Mary McFadden Couture Pastel Embroidered Silk Jacket W Gold/Silver Thread
By Mary McFadden
Located in Palm Beach, FL
It's easy to see why society ladies (including the inimitable Jackie O) were attracted to the
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Late 20th Century American Single-Breasted Jackets

1990s Oscar de la Renta Printed Silk Shirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
couture house but also made a point of appealing to a larger group of women by launching O Oscar-a more
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1990s Chinese Blouses and Tops

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A And O Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary piece of a and o couture for your needs in our varied inventory. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Gray, Beige and more in stock now. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of a and o couture from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture and Christian Dior are often thought to be among the most stylish. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is an A And O Couture?

Prices for a piece of a and o couture can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $96 and can go as high as $112,000, while, on average they fetch $1,800.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

From museum-worthy vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing available on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think Galliano and Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Chanel remain classic for haute couture advocates and beyond. By exploring the vast array of vintage collections on these pages, you can transform your closet into a retreat that is as retro as it is royal. 

Velvet cocktail dresses and silk evening gowns designed by French-born American couturiere Pauline Trigère — who dressed Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor — have proven timeless since their mid-century debut, while an overcoat by Alexander McQueen is the perfect finishing touch. In fact, an emerald one stays in rotation for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Those seeking modern high-fashion brands are also in luck. Turn your day-to-day into a runway with selections from Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace or complete that fresh look with stunning footwear classics from the likes of Gucci and Christian Louboutin. The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. 

Build your collection of covetable and iconic vintage garments by shopping on 1stDibs. No matter where you roam, our diverse apparel and accessories will keep you covered in the hottest styles and comfiest black hoodie imaginable.

Questions About A And O Couture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Haute couture is the name of custom-designed clothing that select fashion houses produce. To qualify as haute couture, a maker must receive certification from the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris. Each year, this chamber of commerce publishes a list of the current haute couture maisons. Shop a selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Apparel and accessories that are custom-made to order out of fine materials are considered couture. It's important to distinguish couture from haute couture, a protected status conferred upon fashion houses by the French government. Each year, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode publishes a list of brands that have earned the right to use the term. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 28, 2024
    Yes, Fendi is a couture or haute couture brand. The legendary Italian luxury house Fendi is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which maisons can operate with haute couture status. You'll find a large collection of Fendi apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A couture dress is hand-sewn using the best materials and designed specifically for the wearer so that the piece is one-of-a-kind. Because these dresses use such high quality materials and take hundreds of hours to complete, they can be expensive. Find a variety of couture dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Versace Jeans Couture is a diffusion line by Versace. In 2018, after Michael Kors purchased Versace, Kors integrated Versace’s diffusion line Versus with its line Versace Jeans, which became Versace Jeans Couture, now the brand’s only diffusion line. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Versace ready-to-wear and haute couture from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The phrase “buy couture” means to purchase certain pieces of apparel and accessories directly from a luxury fashion house. Couture fashion includes one-of-a-kind designs often made for a particular person. It differs from ready-to-wear, which involves creating a garment in multiple sizes to sell through a brand's boutiques and other retailers. Find a large selection of designer apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Haute couture is described as high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish and is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. ​​You can shop a variety of top fashion houses' haute couture designs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Whether Mugler is haute couture may vary from year to year. This is due to the fact that the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode updates its list of haute couture fashion houses annually. Generally, the French luxury fashion house founded by Thierry Mugler has regularly appeared on the list of official haute couture fashion houses. Explore a variety of Mugler apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The meaning of vintage couture relates to apparel of a certain type and age. Couture is the shortened form of “haute couture,” an industry term that refers to garments that are custom-made for the wearer and the labels that create those garments. Haute couture houses are officially recognized by a French governing body called the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion). The haute couture label is misused and misapplied with frequency, but in the proper sense, haute couture refers to clothing created almost entirely by hand. Other rules underpinning the term have over the years focused on factors such as the number of workers an officially recognized haute couture brand can employ and more. The broader “vintage fashion,” which obviously encompasses much more than haute couture, refers to apparel and accessories that are at least 20 years old. In sum, vintage couture means high-end luxury pieces produced by officially designated haute couture fashion houses at least two decades ago. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage apparel and accessories for sale.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Yes, Dior is haute couture.

    The French luxury fashion house Christian Dior is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which maisons can operate with haute couture status.

    When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.

    On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Dior apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    Yes, Balmain is haute couture. The term haute couture refers to high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish. The world of haute couture is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France.

    Fashion designer Pierre Balmain established his now-iconic label in 1945. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim.

    From the dresses favored by Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich to the sleek, skinny jeans seen on Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and every Kardashian, clothes from the House of Balmain have long been mainstays in celebrity wardrobes. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    A haute couture dress is dress is a dress that was made by an esteemed haute couture designer. Dresses created by haute couture houses are constructed by hand from start to finish. They’re made of the finest materials and are individually tailored to meet the needs of a specific client.

    Haute couture garments are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are examples of universally revered haute couture houses.

    Find haute couture dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Yes, Versace is haute couture. The Italian fashion house is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which firms can operate with haute couture status.

    More than any designer before him, Gianni Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry "is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way."

    On 1stDibs, find vintage Versace clothing and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, you can wear couture in real life. The key to introducing couture pieces into your everyday wardrobe is to select looks that are versatile. For example, you might invest in classics that you can mix and match in different ways, like a little black dress or a blazer in a solid, neutral hue like beige or gray. Or, you might select bolder couture bags, shoes and accessories to wear with things that you already have in your wardrobe. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of apparel, shoes, bags and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    In fashion, “haute couture” means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking." Haute couture is French and refers to the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces by an esteemed fashion designer or house for a particular client. 

    Haute couture garments such as dresses are pieces of clothing constructed by hand from start to finish and are made with the highest quality materials. They are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are some of fashion's universally revered haute couture houses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    No, Versace Jeans Couture and Versace are not exactly the same. Versace is the overall name of the Italian fashion house founded by Gianni Versace in Milan in 1978. Versace Jeans Couture is a brand under the Versace umbrella. It was launched in 2018 when Versace's diffusion lines Versus and Versace Jeans merged. The line features apparel and accessories inspired by rock and roll and is sold at slightly more economical price points than pieces from the Versace haute couture collection. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Versace apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Versace Jeans Couture is luxury. However, pieces from the line generally sell for lower prices than those from the Versace haute couture collection. Launched in 2018, Versace Jeans Couture is a diffusion brand specializing in denim, other apparel, handbags and accessories. Shop a diverse assortment of Versace pieces from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    Yes, Louis Vuitton is haute couture. The iconic French luxury brand is a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body of haute couture as an art form.

    Founded in 1868 as the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and renamed FHCM in 2017, the organization has around 100 members — and Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), sits on its executive committee. "Haute couture" is a legal term that, literally translated, means "high sewing" and refers to innovative, hand-crafted garments created for private clients and presented to the public every January and July.

    Find vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to authenticate a Versace Jeans Couture product is to use Versace’s own online authentication system. For more information about the system, consult the brand’s website. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly-vetted Versace clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    The difference between ready-to-wear and haute couture comes down to availability and pricing as well as whether or not the brand in question can assert haute couture status (this denomination is protected by law). Haute couture garments are crafted by maisons that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Haute couture items are custom-made and individually tailored to fit the wearer. As a result, they sell for very high prices. Fashion houses produce ready-to-wear apparel on a much larger scale in a range of predetermined sizes and sell it at lower price points. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of apparel and accessories.

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