Black Cat Vintage Fashion

A charming mix of 1960s influences, this skirt suit pairs Mod contrast trim with the A-line midi lengths typical of the latter part of the decade. Featuring a unique scalloped rear skirt hemline, this suit is striking from both back and front and is easily broken into separates for use with other pieces. Vintage charcoal gray coat...

Demonstrating uncharacteristic restraint, Versace produced this demure suit that buttons to the throat near the end of his too-brief career. Its mini skirt length and iconic Medusa buttons are the only allusions to the designer's typically much bolder designs. Vintage pale gray-lavender and white micro-gingham suit jacket with heavily padded shoulders, pointed collar and working flap pockets each front hip; buttons to throat with 5 alternating-size carved Medusa...

With its gold, purple and petrol roses this suit is the ideal complement to Fall’s changing leaves; better still, its puff sleeve jacket is a mirror image of Dior’s 2023 Fitted Jacket with Puff Sleeves. The frog closures and front and back ruched skirt add an Asian flavor reminiscent of a traditional Quipao dress. Short sleeve pencil suit with puff sleeve jacket and knee length skirt. Jacket features front frog closures, Mandarin collar and tulle-lined shoulders for extra stiffness. Skirt features front and back 7” wide ruched panels from waist to hem for extra narrow fit; left side notch at knee for ease of walking. Left zipper closure. Both pieces lined in cream silk. fabric: silk satin noteworthy: dry clean only condition: excellent with original tags unattached repairs: none measurements •jacket• collar: 2” tall shoulders: 14” sleeve length: 5 ½” from shoulder, ¾” from underarm sleeve circumference: 15 ½” bust: 36” waist: 28” length: 18” from shoulder, 19” from rear neck, 11” from underarm sweep: 35” •skirt• waist: 26” hips: 36” length: 23 ¾” including 1 ½” plain waistband sweep: 34” with side slit closed, 36” open hem: ¾” side slit: 4 ¼” label: Milly of New York...

A Hindenburg survivor, Philip Mangone was born into a family of Italian tailors and favored the sleek, military silhouettes he employed while designing ...

A wartime Girl Friday suit with style to spare despite its adherence to clothing rations. The punchy double-button jacket detail is emblematic of the creative use of everyday materials at a time when flashy dressing was considered unpatriotic. Notch collar pencil suit of French blue and brown houndstooth wool. Jacket features padded shoulders, notched bracelet sleeves and triple front princess seams; faux double button front closure and four ornamental buttons at cutaway front. Skirt features hip darts and closed front kick pleat; left side metal zipper closure with top button. Jacket lined in heavyweight brown silk crêpe; skirt unlined. fabric: wool houndstooth noteworthy: dry clean only condition: very good with one small skipped houndstooth at right jacket underarm (see photo) repairs: none measurements •jacket• shoulders: 16” sleeve length: 22 ½” from shoulder, 16” from underarm (including 1 ½” cuff) sleeve circumference: 14” at upper arm, 10” at cuff bust: 39” waist: 30 ½” length: 21” from shoulder and rear neck, 12” from underarm sweep: 38” •skirt• waist: 26” hips: 40” length: 30 ½” including 1 ¼” plain waistband sweep: 47” hem: 1 ½” closed kick pleat: 13 ½” label: Donny Junior Young Fashions (The Dayton Company...

Angular, sexy and powerful from top to bottom, this satin suit is built of two pieces that can be worn together, as separates, or with our complementary Milly Autumn Roses suit listed under separate cover. With a sly nod to Gaultier’s fierce conical bodices and a skintight ruched pencil skirt that cups the derrière, the set has an edgy femininity that demands attention. The lining of each piece matches the exterior of the other, creating a sophisticated, intentional mismatch. Mismatched skirt and jacket set with complementary lining. Chocolate satin jacket features gently conical bust, surplice bracelet sleeves and 2” self ruffle around all edges. Clutch silhouette with no closures; fully lined in petrol silk to match skirt. Skirt features front and back 7” wide ruched panels from waist to hem for extra narrow fit; left side notch at knee for ease of walking. Left zipper closure; lined in brown silk to match jacket. fabric: silk satin noteworthy: dry clean only condition: excellent with original tags unattached repairs: none measurements •jacket• shoulders: 14” sleeve length: 19” from shoulder, 13” from underarm sleeve circumference: 13” bust: to 38” length: 16” from shoulder, 17” from rear neck (not including 2” ruffle around neck), 8 ½” from underarm sweep: 34” •skirt• waist: 25 ½” hips: 35” length: 23 ¼”including 1 ½” plain waistband sweep: 33” with side slit closed, 36” open hem: 1” side slit: 4 ½” label: Milly of New York...

Brimming with understated European luxury, this tonal taupe suit strikes just the right balance between strength and femininity. The softly flowing trousers complement the gentle cur...

Up your Western game with this never-worn ranch wear set worthy of its own Tarantino film. Fully trimmed in silver studs, it has the swagger of men's chaps ...

There’s something appealing in the contradiction of sequined sportswear because its very existence assumes there is a woman who will only dress down so far. Worn as a set, each ensem...

Designers Roy Halston and Yves Saint Laurent both revolutionized women's daywear by introducing safari collections that incorporated practical elements like large pockets, hoods and drawstrings into the clothing newly-liberated women favored. This two-piece ensemble goes one step further with Halston's signature use of ultrasuede, which is both machine washable and dryable. Vintage pant...

Before you and the other Warhol Superstars get together for your next evening at The Factory, you’ll want to get your hands on this bit of catnip. In a blinding yellow (that, coinci...

Like David Byrne’s “Big Suit” from the 1980s, this oversized suit makes a powerful statement despite its crisp, minimalist silhouette. Fuzzy, warm and r...

Just in case a backless lime green jumpsuit with four-foot wide legs isn't enough, the coordinating silk twill tunic--studded with cabochons around the neckline--can be worn in tande...

Though this umbrella was likely a part of a mid-century ensemble complete with matching day dress and shoes, the parasol itself is a prize. In cheerful soft lime chartreuse cotton, i...

Just one of the treasures brought back from a mother-daughter world tour, this comb was purchased in Spain in 1924. Its impressive width and high profile are perfectly suited for wearing with a traditional mantilla draped over the head (and we happen to be selling a spectacular haute couture embroidered one under separate listing!). Celluloid hair comb...

When flamboyance is required, look no further than an Afro turban of emerald and cobalt feathers. Constructed like an elastic shower cap, when stuffed it can reach a height of nearl...

When flamboyance is required, look no further than a turban of hot pink feathers. Constructed like an elastic shower cap, when stuffed it can reach a height of nearly a foot. Who k...

Never worn in its original box, this 70-year-old hat is still as modern, relevant and chic as it was when it was first made. Fashioned of ultra-lightweight, tightly-woven ivory straw, it features a traditional Panama crown with an extra wide, slightly downturned brim for added femininity. An elegant cross between a sophisticated sun hat and a natty menswear Panama. Perfect for all seasons. Ivory straw Panama hat with wide, downturned brim and ¼” self ribbon band and bow over right ear. Red grosgrain interior sweatband and ivory grosgrain shape band across crown diameter; unlined. material: lightweight straw, grosgrain noteworthy: remove surface soiling with baby toothbrush or compressed air; do not wet! repairs: none condition: new in original box measurements: crown diameter: 7” left to right, 7 ¼” front to back crown circumference: 22” (interior) brim circumference: 47” brim width: 3 ¾” at front and sides, 2 ¾” at back bow: 3 ¾” wide with 4 ½” tails each side crown height: 5 ½” label: Adolfo...

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...

When you wish to shut the world out politely and elegantly, consider a 360-degree birdcage veil: not only does it scream “hauteur,” it acts as a transparent fence around the entire h...

This dramatic cloche combines a modern, neutral colorway with artisanal details like carved buttons and silk jersey pleating to create a hat pairable with anything from a cocktail dress to trousers. Silk jersey cloche with graduated brim slightly longer in front than in rear. Tricolor bands feature cocoa brim, pleated nude center and black velvet crown...

A dream accessory, this unbelievable Dior hat uses green silk and veiling to simulate a ground of grass, while articulated silk velvet gardenias and leaves cover its surface. Replete...

Appropriate for a multitude of occasions from mourning to tea to church to cocktails, this magnificent cartwheel hat gushes both propriety and drama thanks to its foot-long chenille ...

If a traditional wedding veil or cocktail hat is not your style, consider a floral coronet: slightly more bohemian in flavor, they remain ultra-feminine a...

A feminine take on a menswear classic, this unstructured fedora is completely pliable so it can be bent in a multitude of ways and still maintain its shape. Its narrower brim and sli...

A hat that would make Isabella Blow’s heart flutter, this magnificent fascinator sits atop the head via black velvet “petals” that fan from the crown of the head to the ears. A perfect pink satin rose sits at the top center beneath which a black veil spills to just below the nose. A work of art. Stiff velvet 5-petal fascinator with satin rose at top center; nose-length veil. Fascinator lined in cotton gabardine. material: cotton velvet, cotton gabardine, veiling, poly satin noteworthy: loosen dirt with baby toothbrush or compressed air repairs: replaced veiling condition: excellent measurements: fascinator: each “petal” approx. 4 ½” from crown...

In impossible-to-find dark navy, this extra wide brimmed sun hat would a holy grail even WITHOUT the ultra-chic diamond voids in the brim. With them,...

Looking glamorous and staying warm don't have to be mutually exclusive. Take a page from "Dr. Zhivago" and try a fur hat: you'll feel instantly chic and soften your features at the s...

Ah, the dickey: a disappeared piece of fashion history that gave the appearance of layering without bulk. These ingenious accessories were an easy way to add variety to wardrobes and solve the perennial problem of how to preserve modesty under plunging jackets. This knit version features an on-trend funnel neckline and a matching bouclé knit cap to keep you perfectly polished but toasty warm this winter season. Bouclé knit winter hat of charcoal wool; lined in matching silk georgette. Matching diamond-weave funnel collar dickey; 4 snap closure at rear center. Dickey unlined. fabric: wool, silk georgette noteworthy: dry clean only repairs: replaced hat lining condition: very good with age-appropriate surface wear and light discoloration around snaps measurements: •hat• (please note silk lining prevents stretch) circumference: 23” diameter: 11 ½” height: 9” from center crown to edge •dickey• funnel neck: 4” tall x 10” in diameter or 22” circumference bib length: 8” from lowest point in front to neckline seam; 2 ¾” at shoulders; 2 ½” at back label: BH Wragge

Not for the faint of heart, this frothy cocktail hat will add inches to your height and ensure you leave a memorable impression. Dangling faceted beads around the bottom edge add sub...

A knockout accessory for New Years Eve or a black tie event, this cocktail hat is as petite as a fascinator but packs the punch of a wide brim. Both glitzy and understated, it balances a glittering sequin skull cap with an alluring cage veil for an unforgettably sophisticated look. Rigid oval calot cap with pavé black sequins; attached tulle birdcage veil...

Like Fedoras, bowler hats look particularly good on women because of their typically masculine association. This one takes androgyny a step further by combining an oversized crown, g...

Helmet hats: Mods went mad for them because their softness perfectly balanced their angular clothes, and they gave a silent middle finger to British "Bobbys" who wore them as part of...

Powdery loft and long, supersoft pelt are the qualities that elevate Toscana shearling above other sheepskins. Made exclusively of Toscana shearling,...

Worn during the Victorian lady’s two-year mourning period, this petite hat telegraphed propriety and solemnity without sacrificing style. Featuring a stiff skullcap adorned with silk velvet bows and gathers, it is accentuated by silk ribbon roses. Best of all, despite its small size it can be perched on the head without the use of hat pins thanks to its velvet bonnet ties. Stiff Victorian half hat...

From the famed San Antonio department store Joske’s, the first fully air conditioned store in Texas. Boasting over 550,000 square feet of space, Joske’s was like a city within a city...

With curled brims that lift the face and draw attention upward, Breton hats are like instant face lifts. In brown straw, this petite version recalls the seaside hats with which Coco ...

Started in 1868, the Bollman Hat Company is America's oldest hat maker and still provides luxury millinery products for brands like Helen Kaminski. Made...

A true transitional piece, this hat can take you from season to season thanks to its tight weave and dark color. The fixed scarf adds the bit of French flair for which the milliner was beloved. Straw basketweave sun hat with rolled brim trimmed in grosgrain ribbon; black and white scarf...

A combination of textures and searing color make this abbreviated cap the exclamation point on any outfit. Gentle rear pleats make the back as beautiful as the front. Absolutely, pos...

The weightlessness of a fascinator with all the pomp of a cocktail hat, this extraordinary hair piece forms an enormous flower via gathers of black tulle an...

From the estate of French heiress (and sister of WWI aviation hero and French Open namesake Roland Garros) Gilberte Garros, this magnificent saucer hat comb...

A hat with the regal bearing of a crown, this beret features a massive rhinestone center brooch and lends a royal touch to basic black formalwear. Pliable silk velvet beret with rol...

A hat worthy of Jean Shrimpton’s 1962 Vogue cover, this floral turban is a celebration of spring that can’t help but make you smile. A profusion of daisies, carnations and poppies ca...

A mainstay for both noblemen and commoners, the bowler was the chosen headwear of outlaws, bankers, Prime Ministers and vaudevillians because its low crown kept it from being knocked off the head in high winds and its rigidity withstood being misshapen when stomped. Made in Massachusetts, this one was likely worn with pinstripe trousers, a Crombie coat and a turned walking stick. Vintage bliss...

The gold standard in men’s millinery, Borsalino has been making the finest hats since 1857. This exceptional Diamante 25 fedora hails from the company’s golden age and conjures the b...

An elusive long sleeved cocktail dress for the lady who wishes to cover her arms but accentuate her legs. This abbreviated—almost mini—shift bridges the gap between covered and uncovered thanks to its short hemline, but balances the attention with the addition of a stylized leaf bandolier that criss crosses the bodice both front and back. Long sleeve shift dress with wide scooped neckline and black sequin criss-cross leaf trim at front and rear bodice. Lightly padded shoulders and 2” rear vent. Rear nylon zipper closure with top hook and eye; fully lined in black silk. fabric: pebbled wool crêpe, silk georgette, sequins noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: none condition: excellent measurements: neckline opening: 10” across shoulders: 15 ½” sleeve: 23” from shoulder (including 1” shoulder pad), 16” from underarm sleeve circumference: 13 ½” at upper arm, 8” at wrist bust: 38” waist: 36” hips: 41” length: 37 ½” from shoulder (including 1” shoulder pad); 28 ½” from underarm sweep: 38” hem: 2” label: Carolina Herrera Studio...

From Youthquake pioneer to pattern designer to punk icon, Betsey Johnson has worn as many hats as she has had labels. Despite their name, Johnson’s “punk label” dresses were as femin...

This poured-on wiggle dress attracts serious attention on two fronts: first, its aurora borealis sequins shimmer green and purple to resemble eye-catching fish scales. Second, its draped hobble skirt...

Though it’s almost a half century old, this cocktail dress—with its oversize front bow, puffed shoulders and cinched waist—could have walked off the spring runway. Created by one of fashion's most beloved international designers at the birth of his career, it is a perfect mother-of-the-bride dress...

When your Bianca Jagger fix needs attention, turn to this jewel tone maxi dress à la 1970s Halston. The sleek and sinewy gown is balanced by the billowing butt...

Whether you find yourself at a Tiki-themed backyard party, longing for the beaches of Hawaii, or vacationing in Tahiti, this easy, packable and colorful throwback to the 1960s takes ...

The perfect blend of bohemian and traditional, this liquid shirt dress combines a bright hand-crocheted placket, cuffs and collar with a modest silhouette, somber color and upright E...

Known for her easy, swirling and practical dresses, Edith Flagg was famous for her use of polyester jersey for good reason: she was the first designer to i...

A jewel of Art Deco design in an unheard-of larger size, this beautiful dress exudes machine-age minimalism and geometry. Its richly-adorned notched V neckline is outlined with a starburst of seed beads, dimensional bead clusters and rhinestones for an anything-but-basic little black dress. Midi-length cocktail dress with dolman bodice and padded shoulder cap sleeves; notched V neckline outlined at front with Art Deco starburst motif seed beads, pearls and rhinestones. Left side metal zipper closure; string belt...

In light-as-air floral silk, this ladylike dress begs to be worn to a shoreline lunch or to the Derby with a perky hat. A charming mix of modesty and femininity, it glides over the body from shoulders to hips, where a zig zag seam unfurls deep pleats that fall from hips to hem. The swoon-worthy skirt swirls alluringly around the legs, while the sailor collar conveys childlike chastity despite its comely plunge. Sleeveless cream and navy trumpet dress...

An ingenious design, this dress features a draped shoulder-to-shoulder scarf that may be worn in the back, the front, or even on the head for three different and completely captivati...

Though the print would be enough, what really makes this Lanvin dress special is its wrinkle-free, lightweight and machine-washable fabric. Oh, and it has pockets too. Quite possibly...

Made for a party, this glamorous dance dress combines the late 50s and early 60s so perfectly that we would bet it was worn on New Year’s Eve at the cusp of the new decade. Not quite...

What at first glance seems like a monastic service uniform is actually so much more, thanks to diamond shape waist insets that create Art Deco angles on close inspection. The flared ...