Questions & Answers
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What is the meaning of vintage couture?
1 Answer
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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
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Shop for Alexander McQueen Fashion on 1stDibs
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...
Category
1990s Italian Mini Dresses
Alexander McQueen New Coat AW 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red wool coat by Alexander McQueen. It has a stand up mandarin collar, a button front with matching buttons hidden in a placket and shoulder pads. The front bodice has a ...
Category
1990s Italian Coats and Outerwear
Alexander McQueen New Skirt AW 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great red wool skirt from Alexander McQueen. It has a waistband configured as an extension of the skirt, side zipper and vertical panels which incorporate slits at the front hem....
Category
1990s Italian A-Line Skirts
Alexander McQueen New Dress with Front Slits AW 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red fine wool dress from Alexander McQueen. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a bateau neckline, and 2 slits along each front leg. The back has a zipper closing and it is...
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1990s Italian Sheath Dresses
Last Collection Alexander McQueen Angels and Demons 2010 Sz 8 Red Gold Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and historically significant piece from Alexander McQueen’s final and most hauntingly beautiful collection, “Angels and Demons” (Autumn/Winter 2010). Personally designed by McQueen himself before his passing, this dress embodies his masterful fusion of art, history, and provocation.
Size US 8, and crafted in rich crimson and metallic gold brocade, the design features opulent baroque motifs depicting ornate cherubs, vines, and birds—an intricate tapestry of life and mortality, characteristic of McQueen’s final artistic vision. The sculpted puff sleeves and sharp tailoring accentuate the silhouette, creating a perfect balance between strength and sensuality. Made in Italy
This collector’s piece captures a defining moment in fashion history—McQueen’s last complete expression of his genius. It is both wearable art and museum-worthy couture.
Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall (dress is clipped to fit her)
Measurements:
• Bust: 38 in / 96.5 cm
• Waist: 32 in / 81.5 cm
• Hips: 39 in / 99 cm
• Length (shoulder to hem): 34.5 in / 87.5 cm
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.
Key Features:
• Authentic Alexander McQueen “Angels and Demons...
Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Beige wool double-breasted coat ALEXANDER McQUEEN
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige wool ( 95% ) and cashmere ( 5%) double-breasted coat . Rayon lining.
Button and buttonhole closure on the front. Pocket on both side.
Shoulder pad.
SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr) L
N...
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