About Black Cat Vintage
Black Cat Vintage was begun in 2005 to preserve the disappearing art of dressing beautifully. Representing over a century of fashion history, our 3000-piece collection includes the work of legendary artists and nameless designers alike, with each piece chosen as an exceptional reflection of its time and carefully restored to its glorious original condition. After over 25 years of collecting, our award-winning archive has been featured in museum exhibits, publications and performances worldwide. We sincerely look forward to sharing it with you as well.
Established in 20051stDibs seller since 2017
Featured Pieces
John Galliano Red Damask, Mongolian Lamb and Coyote Fur Runway Gown - XS-S, 2002
By John Galliano
Located in Tucson, AZ
Part of Galliano's eponymous collection, this gown was worn on the runway by Alek Wek in 2002. A sculptural statement piece, it demonstrates Galliano's "more is more" design philosop...
Category
Early 2000s French Evening Gowns
Pink Floral Mermaid Tea Gown and Hollow Glass Button Jacket - Small, 1930s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Gatsbyesque in silhouette, this gown and jacket are so lightweight they would practically appear holographic were it not for their floral pattern. The secret is the unusual fabric, w...
Category
1930s Unknown Tea Gowns
Oleg Cassini Nude Rose Gold Bead and Sequin Evening Gown - US 6, 1990s
By Oleg Cassini
Located in Tucson, AZ
Achingly similar to Sharon Stone’s nude Bob Mackie gown in “Casino,” this illusion gown covers all the naughty bits with a solid crust of rose gold sequins, silver beads and rhinesto...
Category
1990s American Evening Gowns
Nude Net and Panné Velvet Tiered Flock of Seagulls Ruffle Dress- XXS, Late 1920s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Fully restored, this breathtaking dress recalls the ethereal evening gowns designed by Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel in the late 1920s. Using a skin-tight nude net...
Category
1920s Unknown Evening Gowns
Helen Rose Blue and Brown Ball Gown with Detachable Bouquet Train - Small, 1962
By Helen Rose
Located in Tucson, AZ
Created by the same designer who made Grace Kelly's wedding gown, this ball gown is instantly recognizable as a vintage masterpiece in the style of Charles James. The ballooning rear...
Category
1960s American Ball Gowns
Oscar de la Renta Navy Silk Lacing-Bodice Elizabethan Revival Gown - Small, 1971
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Tucson, AZ
Navy blue Elizabethan style gown with long sleeves, close-fitting bodice and full skirt. Bodice features low scooping neckline with 3” scalloped organza eyelet ruffle and corset-lac...
Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
Vintage Hermès Sac Cordelière White Patent Leather Envelope Handbag- 25 cm, 1951
By Hermès
Located in Tucson, AZ
Though it is almost 70 years old, this magnificent handbag is as lustrous and stylish as the day it was made in 1951. Best of all it is true, bright white and an ideal complement to ...
Category
1950s French Top Handle Bags
New Tyrolean Brown Suede Mini Steamer Trunk 24-Karat Gold Plate Filigree, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Hands-down the most clever, unusual and sculptural evening bag we’ve seen, this extremely collectable handbag resembles a miniature 1930s steamer trunk—if steamer trunks had been surrounded by 24-karat gold plate filigree, that is. This incredible bag’s front face unlatches and lays flat to reveal a mirror on its interior face, an elastic band to hold its original comb and comb sleeve, and a series of padded silk moiré interior drawers and compartments. A handbag worthy of a trip on the Queen Mary...
Category
1940s American Novelty Bags
Emilio Pucci Black and Purple Rose Velvet Jacket and Maxi Skirt, Saks – S, 1971
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Tucson, AZ
A stunning example of Pucci’s botanical prints, this exceptional velvet ensemble showcases the designer’s virtuosity with both geometric and organic shapes. Supremely comfortable and...
Category
1970s Italian Skirt Suits
Colin Glascoe Signed Blue Pucci Print Disco Midi Halter Dress - M, 1970s
By Colin Glascoe
Located in Tucson, AZ
Signed six times, this halter dress is the creation of London designer Colin Glascoe, whose psychedelic prints held their own with Pucci, Liberty of London and Bessi. Unlike his con...
Category
1970s British Maxi Dresses
Black Silk Velvet Gold Bouillon Beaded Opera Coat w Blue Silk Lining-S-M, 1920s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A spectacle of a coat no matter the decade, this extraordinary piece is in such pristine condition and relevant style that it could have walked off this year’s runway. The masterful ...
Category
1920s Unknown Opera Coats
Egyptian Revival Black Silk Piano Shawl Wrap with Hieroglyphs – 54” x 56", 1920s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Whisper light despite its considerable size, this extraordinary shawl celebrates the global Egyptomania that merged Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 with Art Deco style. Simple yet striking, the shawl features a plain black ground discretely adorned with Egyptian hieroglyphs of Annubis (protector of the dead), Uraeus (god of supreme power), Tawaret (protector of mothers and children) and an arc of Winged Scarabs (rebirth) in one corner.
Silk habotai piano shawl...
Category
1920s Piano Shawls
More About Black Cat Vintage
Our 2002 Galliano corset-laced mermaid gown as worn by Alek Wek. (Photo credit: Mikael Jansson.)
A solid version of our 1995 Versace Medusa suit as worn by Madonna. (Photo credit: Steven Meisel)
A screen capture of "Mad Men" S5/ep.13 entitled "The Phantom," featuring our vintage Joseph Magnin jumpsuit and tunic.
Our 1970 Pierre Cardin hostess ensemble as seen in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Our a/w Chanel 1994 skirt suit as worn on the runway by Helena Christiansen.
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