Black Cat Vintage

An easy upgrade for your weekend wardrobe, this is the accessory that makes all outfits suddenly cuter. Wearable anywhere, these hats had been men’s wardrobe staples since the 20s until Edie Sedgewick...

If you don't have the luxury of changing clothes between the wedding and reception, consider this floor-length gown to fill both roles. Its shorter hemline and swirling skirt are ide...

Post-war suburban gold, this nostalgic box purse is a beautiful, functional conversation piece thanks to its sizeable interior and clever double decker design. The Lucite lid flips o...

The perfect accompaniment to a breezy summer ensemble, this seashell motif belt adds a bit of bohemian whimsy to a bathing suit, pareo, kaftan or tunic. Just add sand. Wide black-br...

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...

One of the most cryptic designers of the 20th century, Tarquin Ebker was a disciple of Charles James and designed for Hattie Carnegie in the mid-century. Few of his early pieces exis...

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...

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...

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...

A 1950s beauty to rival the most decadent Dior, Balmain or James, this extraordinary strapless ball gown is the very picture of New Look haute couture glamour. Its low back, stiff re...

A museum-quality piece of extreme rarity, this turn-of-the-century walking suit is exceptional for its extraordinary workmanship, condition, atypical silhouette and unheard-of large size. Whereas most suits of this era featured long jackets with nipped waists, this one incorporates a swing silhouette amplified by crochet gores and echoed in its modified lantern sleeves...

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...

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...

Singular and stunning, this unforgettable 2-piece ensemble is the embodiment of the jet set zeitgeist prevalent in the 1960s and early 70s. Consisting of a split-back maxi dress and ...

Mexican folk artist Salvador Corona turned to painting after being gored by a bull at age 24. Known for his murals, he was commissioned by both public and private patrons—including J...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

A sinfully luxurious textile small enough to be worn around the shoulders without bulk, but also large enough to lay on a table or piano. Clearly inspired by the work of Gallenga and...

Absolutely unlike any hat we’ve ever seen and guaranteed to be the standout in any collection, this incomparable turban features a 5 ½” silk train that erupts from the center of a pinwheel crown. Stylable in a multitude of ways, the train can trail in the back, be wrapped around the shoulders, or shrouded over the face. A hat for the 1002nd night. Semi-rigid turban with anatomically curved front and flat, Fez-style top. Covered in three shades of silk chiffon, each horizontally mushroom pleated...

Though his work has only recently begun to be appreciated, Lebanese designer Jacques Cassia was a familiar face among the haute monde in the 1960s and 70s. His best-known work was a ...

Though his work has only recently begun to be appreciated, Lebanese designer Jacques Cassia was a familiar face among the jet-setting haute monde in the 1960s and 70s. This dress fro...

Wearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...

Though his designs do not enjoy the name recognition as those of Dior or Balmain, Daniel Werlé created breathtaking clothing for Hollywood actresses like Barbara Stanwyk, Gloria Swanson and Loretta Young. His commitment to exacting details, unusual shapes and fine materials is reflected in this exquisite ballerina dress...

Reminiscent of the architectural designs popularized by Balenciaga, this unique party dress features a stand-away silhouette that appears to float independently from the body that we...

Just the ticket for your summer in the South of France (along with espadrilles and a friend with a yacht). We love it with a cardigan slung over the shoulders, but try the skirt layered over knee-length pedal pushers...

Pure spun-sugar perfection, right down to the cotton candy colors. Visible beneath the silver lattice-embroidered top skirt, the ruffled attached petticoat provides volume enough to span nearly six feet. Not to be outdone, the massive center rear bow ensures sweetness both coming and going. Strapless prom dress...

A Rockabilly gem with all the polish of a full-skirted party dress AND a playful oversized gingham and floral print. Two dresses in one, the cap sleeves are fully detachable and conv...

A candy colored confection smack dab between pink and lavender, this little trifle is similar to a Christian Dior Haute Couture gown that debuted at the 2011 Resort/Cruise show in Sh...

Be prepared to cut a massive—and we do mean massive—swath in this amplified ballerina dress whose skirt can swell to almost 5 feet when properly plumped. We think it’s even more beautiful that the Lanvin-Castillo (pictured) that went for over $20,000 in Didier Ludot...

Ideally suited for a gal with a long waist, this zinger of a party dress “poufs” abruptly where the skirt meets the bodice for a dramatic tabletop skirt effect. Endless yards of tulle make the dress look like lime cotton candy. Strapless prom dress with straight cut bodice and slightly curved dropped waist. Lace princess bodice features flexible boning around full circumference and fixed self rose at left front hip; full circle skirt with two taffeta underslips (one trimmed in crinoline) and double tulle outer skirt. Center back zipper closure with top hook and eye; hanging loops. Fully lined in lime taffeta. fabric: lace, taffeta, tulle noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: invisibly repaired one 1 ¾” loss in outer tulle skirt layer condition: very good with above repair measurements: bust: 31” underbust / rib cage: 28” waist: 26” bodice length: 11” – 13 ½” hips: free skirt length: 31” total length: 42” from underarm sweep: 180” (outer tulle layers), 140” (middle taffeta layer), 88” (taffeta lining) label: Jessica McClintock...

An Audrey Hepburn style stunner, this Givenchy-inspired dress features handmade Spanish lace cut from an enormous mantilla and meticulously hand sewn to a black tulle ground. The lac...

With a silhouette sweet enough for a music-box ballerina and a loose, Matisse-like butterfly sketch print, this singular party dress will be the center of attention at any gathering....

The combination of black and pink makes this dress simultaneously alluring and innocent. Cut with an asymmetrical peplum, it also features an off-shoulder neckline made more wearable...

From its vibrant Shambala-motif print to its unique honeycomb texture, this cheerful dress is like a B-12 shot for your wardrobe. A clever mid-back cross-strap conceals the wearer's ...

An impeccably-made dress that straddles the 1960s generation gap. On one hand, the contrast piping, attention to detail and matching scarf recall Jackie Kennedy’s immaculate early 60...

Clearly inspired by Poiret’s Irudrée gown of 1923 (pictured), this dress features the same dropped rouleau waist and emphasis on metallic lamé, but also incorporates aspects of his other work. The exotic mustards, blues and pinks of his 1002nd Night dress and the printed silks and velvets of his Orientalist capes are reflected in the luxurious hues and textures of this unique piece. Square neck dress...

A rare larger size for a Jazz Age garment, this incredible dress offers the comfort of a shift with the elegance of formalwear thanks to its lustrous glass beads. We love how the flo...

Exceptional in every way, from its unheard-of larger size to the intricacy of its beadwork. The tying tabard-style skirt offers adjustability, while the deep navy color differentiates it from your favorite little black dress. A remarkable piece of fashion history in astonishing condition. Sleeveless flapper dress with drop waist and round front and rear neckline; straight skirt with extra back panel featuring adjustable tabard-style ties at each hip. Front and rear bodice fully beaded with navy and black Czech glass beads...

From its rare beads to its scalloped hem to its wearable size, this Jazz Age gem is a “unicorn” among flapper dresses. Quite literally dripping with silver-plate hollow beads and cry...

With snug bodices and wired hip panniers, Robes de Style struck a happy medium between the highly-ornamented gowns of the Victorian era and the slinkier ...

From the estate of department store heiress Estela Jácome, this exceptional early 20s dress is the epitome of alluring modesty. Despite its sensual hip roset...

A gown that would be right at home sledding through the steppes or attending the Mariinsky Theater, this regal dress literally drips with understated glamour. Eye-catching thanks to ...

New, unworn and right off Bottega Veneta’s 2012 runway comes this incomparable illusion dress whose nude shoulders make the dress appear to float unattached on the body. Painstakingly crafted, each piece of the laser-cut silk velvet pattern is sewn individually and perfectly matched to create perfect vertical symmetry on the left and right sides of the dress. Halfway between a Rorschach pattern and branch coral, the dress is a marvel and a walking piece of art. Sleeveless illusion dress with nude net...

Without question, one of the most exquisite bridal gowns we have ever seen. Despite its 4 ½’ cathedral train, it is lighter in weight than most gowns half its length thanks to its whisper-light silk chiffon fabric. And with billowing bishop sleeves, 60 bodice and hip darts and a 2-ply ruffled neckline it would be fit for Guinevere’s castle. Ivory wedding gown...

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 discourage the use of underwear, and to the bias-cut liquid satin...

A gown so Neoclassical it looks as if it came right off a Greek statue, with floating sash ties that permit endless styling variations. Neither pink nor peach, this gown is a flatter...

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 equal measure. Though this gown pre-dates Kelly's, it is strikingly similar to the Helen Rose gown Grace Kelly wore to her wedding to Prince Ranier in 1956. Ivory lace wedding dress with high neckline and narrow Peter Pan collar with 33 working covered buttons from navel to throat; illusion sleeves, upper back and upper chest with interior attached ivory camisole beneath. Pointed sleeves with 8 working covered buttons at each forearm; lightly puffed shoulders with petite interior shoulder pads. V-shaped front and rear waist seam with gentle gathers in back; free-hanging lace overlay skirt with cathedral train. Skirt fully lined in free-hanging ivory acetate with additional rear tulle lining for fullness. Matching Juliet cap...

The unusual combination of a drop waist and fit-and-flare silhouette impart a charm reminiscent of Givenchy's designs for Audrey Hepburn. Perfectly balanced by transparent lace cap sleeves and bateau neck, and punctuated with a half bow on the bodice. Ballet length ivory lace wedding gown...

A highly traditional gown with positively regal bearing, this full-skirted wedding dress covers all bases. Though it conceals and arms and neck for propriety, its Queen Anne neckline provides allure through its center plunge; it has a full train for the ceremony, but can be buttoned at the rear back for the reception and dancing; lace and pearl beading provide texture and interest, but ultra-heavyweight Duchess satin lend gravitas and modesty. Truly, fit for a Queen. Ivory wedding gown...

When wartime rationing abbreviated garment lengths, brides used intricate seams and sharp tailoring to create interest in favor of volume. This shimmering example incorporates a scalloped waist seam and military shoulders to create a simple but striking gown emblematic of its time. Ivory wedding...

With Taylor’s neck and waistline, Hepburn’s sleeves and Kelly’s lace, this wedding gown has all the requisites of a 1950s heirloom. We love how the uneven, graduated hemline and der...

A wedding gown that takes modest fashion to new heights, this columnar maxi dress chastely covers every inch of skin but oozes stature, grace and regality thanks to Byzantine-era jew...

Mix a Mai Tai and get ready to do the “limbo,” because your beach party wardrobe is covered. A departure from the classic, WASP-y fashion for which the brand was known, this rare tik...

As appropriate vamping on the beach as it is strolling the sidewalks of the Riviera, this play suit absolutely requires a great pair of stems, espadrilles an...

Suitable for swim, beach or resort, this beautifully textured play suit features a feminine tulip skirt with elasticized bloomers beneath à la Claire McCarde...

A lingerie set so playful and pretty you'll seek out diaphanous clothes. Super soft cotton jersey and no underwire make them equally suited for lounging and sleeping too. Abstract print soft bra and bikini panty set...