Black Cat Vintage Fashion

If you had to choose ONE dress to wear for the rest of your life, choose this one. Its universally flattering cut accentuates even the smallest bustline while the swirling skirt (over ten feet!) skims over the hips and falls gracefully to the knee for dramatic movement. And though it is as light, wrinkle-free and sensuous as silk jersey, its easy care fabric means it is machine washable and supremely packable. A wardrobe workhorse, this dress can take you from day to night, Studio 54 to the Ritz Paris, and brunch to boardroom. Long sleeve swing dress with plunging neckline and front and rear princess seams from underarm to hem. Gently gathered inverted “V” seam at bust. Rear nylon zipper closure with top hook and eye. Unlined. fabric: stretch polyester jersey noteworthy: may be gently hand washed in cool water, drip dry alterations: none condition: excellent measurements: neckline opening: 7 ½” across neckline drop: 6” shoulders: 16 ¼” sleeve: 22 ½” from shoulder, 16 ½” from underarm sleeve circumference: 12” at upper arm, 8” at wrist bust: 38” waist: 29” hips: free length: 40 ½” from shoulder, 33 ½” from underarm sweep: 129” label: Edith Flagg...

Known as "the neckline king," Luis Estévez skyrocketed to stardom in 1955 with designs that celebrated--and flaunted--the female figure. Immaculately tailored, this bombshell cocktai...

A pouty seductress, this cocktail dress was tailor-made for an illicit rendezvous in a smoky Paris café. Super heavyweight silk satin and painted illusion lace prove opposites attrac...

With so much to love about this dress, it's hard to know where to begin! Besides its hard-to-find larger size, we love how the hemline gently slopes longer in the back. The scrolling...

Painfully good, from its rich color to its quilted skirt to its crisp A-line silhouette. The alluring keyhole neckline can be worn closed during the day and open at night for two dif...

Smouldering with sensuality, this cap sleeve gown has "1940s Torch Singer" written all over it. Shaped like an exclamation point, its wide shoulders a...

Searching for a failsafe day dress that can take you from conference to cocktails? Look no further: with just enough feminine details (like back buttons and a half peplum) to make yo...

Despite its modest silhouette and demure draping, this ladylike frock remains mischievous thanks to a lace illusion shoulder and side-ruching that cups the derrière. A keyhole back reveals a glimpse more skin for even more allure. Round neck cocktail dress with short lace flutter sleeves and half-lace draped surplice bodice; draped bodice panel forms swagged front skirt peplum and is trimmed down full length in lace. Left side metal zipper closure and keyhole back with 4 covered buttons at rear neck; belt loops and matching self-covered belt. Unlined. fabric: rayon noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: none condition: excellent measurements: neckline: 18” circumference (fully buttoned) shoulders: 14 ½” flutter sleeve: 7 ¾” from shoulder, underarms open bust: to 40” waist: 32” hips: 39” length: 46” from shoulder, 38” from underarm sweep: 59” belt: 30” long x 1” wide; adjustable from 24” – 26 ½” label: label removed, but belt labeled Ben Reig...

From the personal estate of department store heiress Estela Jàcome, this dress came from her own department store and was purpose-built for the holidays. Printed in a green and turqu...

Remember Audrey Hepburn's iconic black dinner dress in "Sabrina?" This charming piece is a near perfect facsimile from the same era with one important difference: instead of a single...

Less a peplum and more a Renaissance-era farthingale, this dress's midsection uses an optical illusion to slim the waist and hips by comparison. Entrance- AND exit-making. Vintage s...

Aside from its vivid color, the standout feature of this shift is its free-floating front panel, created by the tails of its oversized center bodice bow. Very Audrey Hepburn, from it...

Though Courrèges owned the vinyl-trimmed sportswear rage of the early 60s, other designers such as this one executed it with similar aplomb. With its A-line cut, vinyl-covered button...

A gorgeous example of the kind of playful prints Marni was famous for when Consuelo Castiglioni was still at the helm, this sundress combines the innocence of a pinafore with the sop...

Perfect for brunch, weddings and cocktail parties, this heavyweight linen dress combines crisp geometry with masterful but discrete beading. Its Mod fingertip pockets and gentle A-line silhouette evoke Jackie Kennedy, while its otherworldly color—a combination of silver, dove gray and seagrass—begs for attention with merely a whisper. Sleeveless A-line dress with high round neckline and full princess seams front and back; on-seam front pockets. Neck and pockets heavily crusted with pearls, flower beads and rhinestones. Rear metal zipper closure with top hook and eye; fully lined in gray silk georgette. Matching self covered rope tie with dangling beads at each end. fabric: heavyweight linen, silk georgette, beads noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: none condition: very good with one missing rhinestone at center of flower at neckline and two missing beads on one end of rope belt measurements: neckline circumference: 15” shoulders: 15” from shoulder edge to edge bust: 39” waist: 34” hips: 41” length: 38” from shoulder; 31” from underarm sweep: 49” rope belt: 76” long (plus 2 ¼” dangling beads each end) x 3/8” wide label: Seaton Enterprises Ltd...

A true bombshell dress, this svelte little number remains devastatingly sexy while maintaining full modesty. A perfect facsimile of an early 60s hourglass cocktail dress, it features...

Featuring a full circle skirt with a nearly 13-foot sweep, this ensemble's fit and flare silhouette is modernized by an on-trend shorter length and eye-catching graphic print. The he...

A genius example of designer Luis Estévez’s penchant for the feminine form, this dress celebrates hourglass curves with a layered peplum and minimizes figure flaws with clever color blocking. Its hard-to-find larger size makes it more relevant (and collectible!) than ever. Sleeveless day dress with white bodice, black skirt and red bib...

Thanks to its exaggerated cowl neck, floral matelassé fabric and feminine double-layer skirt, this easy day dress slips seamlessly into cocktail hour with a simple change of accessor...

So lightweight it feels like wearing nothing, this billowing day dress is an ideal transitional piece thanks to its long sleeves and ethnic print. A healthy dose of Bohemia with tidy neck ties and sash belt for polish. Long sleeve ethnic print dress...

Neither mint green nor light blue, this dress’s resemblance to ocean mist is only underscored by its sparkling beaded bodice and hips. Its featherweight fab...

Like Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable accordion files with multiple pockets and kiss locks to keep contents secure, it eliminates the need for a wallet. Moreover, the heavyweight gold chain handle looks like a piece of fine jewelry and is long enough to be worn on the shoulder. Chocolate brown shoulder bag...

Equally as coveted by the well-bred Victorienne as by the gin-baby flapper, Trinity Plate reticules and minaudières were THE accessory of choice for fash...

A structured, ladylike handbag for ALL fifty shades of gray, this purse combines polish and geometry with practicality. An extremely hard-to-find color for handbags, this medium gray...

A ladylike staple accessory and a sign of good breeding, an alligator top handle bag remains as relevant today as it was a half-century ago. Pairs as effortlessly with denim and a trench as it does with a cocktail dress. This one has the very modern added benefit of being large enough to hold a 12-oz bottle of water too! Vintage alligator handbag with self-covered top frame and single top handle; interior zippered side pocket with open pocket beneath containing mirror and faux tortoise comb...

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...

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 open to reveal a tray, beneath which is hidden a second “underground” compartment opened by a spring latch beside the clasp. Unlike most box purses with a single, cavernous interior compartment, this one keeps all your necessities neat and in place. Poodle skirt...

An eye-catching alternative to the traditional gold and silver metal mesh for which the company is famous, this rare enamel plated mesh version also features a unique Bakelite top fr...

Do tidy alligator handbags invoke images of Grace Kelly carrying her iconic Hermès? Why not go one step further with a gloss black version from the actual House of Grimaldi...

Despite its deceptively small size, this pochette remains exceptionally roomy thanks to its fully opening center change purse-style pocket and two side compartments. Petite but practical, the hand-strung polished wood beads create texture and interest for evening, while the velvety chenille ground lends playfulness for day. Deadstock double top handle bag of black chenille punctuated with black wood beads all over surface and handles. Interior features three total compartments including one center compartment with kiss lock clasp closure, plus one side pocket in another compartment. Fully lined in black velvet; plain chenille bottom with protective brass feet. fabric: chenille, wood, goldtone metal noteworthy: clean with compressed air repairs: none condition: deadstock with original tags measurements: width: 7” at narrowest, 9 ½” at widest height: 7” depth: 4” bottom gusset; expands to about 6” when filled mouth: opens to 8” handle: 4” drop label: Walborg (made in Japan by...

Gina Lollobrigida. 57 Chevys. Boomerang coffee tables. There was a time in the 50s when round was square and points meant progress. An icon of mid-century style, this classic geometric handbag...

"And though she be but little, she is fierce," said Shakespeare. With a whopping seven interior compartments AND a matching coin purse in an 8" package, this handbag might have been ...

A glimpse back to a time when cigarettes abounded on airplanes, in movie theaters and grocery stores, this cigarette case would have conveyed ladylike sophistication in even the smokiest room. Tall enough for filtered cigarettes or business cards, its beaded basketweave pattern looks like caviar and throws understated sparkles even in low light. Black soft-sided cigarette case with all over basketweave pattern; “Star Brand...

As intricate as an Italian mosaic but as impermeable as a safe, this handbag is both a strongbox and a piece of art. Fully crusted with seed beads—some of which are doubled for extra topography—the purse...

A rare suitcase-style Lucite purse, this statement piece is made even more interesting by the clear vinyl side bellows trimmed in gold. Both traditional and avant garde. White marbl...

A rare Longchamps--not Longchamp--evening purse made even more noteworthy by its swirling micro bead pattern, punctuated by delicate pink and blue pavé flowers. A diminutive but powerful statement accessory. Petite chain handle evening bag with patterned gilt top frame; covered in ivory seed beads and pavé beaded flowers front and back. Open interior compartment; kiss clasp...

Subtly striking, this exquisite silk handbag features a muted Chinoiserie motif that would be remarkable on its own were it not upstaged by its unique figured brass top lid, which is...

Simultaneously delicate and sturdy, this unusual box purse provides a glimpse of its contents via openwork filigree sides, while a clear Lucite platf...

A bygone bauble of extreme rarity and beauty, this Celluloid reticule is a brilliant example of Art Deco craftsmanship. Large enough for only a lipstick, a key and some “mad money,” it is nevertheless a statement accessory that can stand up to the most exquisite evening gown. A collectible museum piece that belies its near century of history. Celluloid dagger minaudière with silk bottom tassel and silk rope top handle with caviar bead ball finial. Front face features diagonal row of 15 crystal clear rhinestones surrounded by Art Deco engraving...

Give your winter wardrobe a shot of blues-busting vitamin C with this supremely flattering, functional and toasty warm looped wool bouclé swing coat. Pair with long hot pink gloves...

Famous for making ready-to-wear clothes with the same meticulousness that other designers reserved for couture, Norman Norell excelled when creating crisp, clean silhouettes that showcased his fastidious tailoring. This contrast coat...

Jackie had one. Grace had one. Brigitte and Edie too. Considered a "neutral" since the mid-century, a leopard fur coat is the stylish gal's vintage Holy Grail, though this on is not made of the controversial genuine leopard skin Jackie's was. This one just happens to have belonged to a Las Vegas madame on top of it. A-line stenciled mink stroller coat...

Back in the 1920s, no self-respecting Ivy Leaguer would attend a game without a raccoon coat (see photos), and in 1928 George Olsen wrote a tune about them. This model, sized and cut for a woman’s figure, is a perfect mix of the blue blooded 1920s behemoth and the boho teddy bear coats of the 1970s à la Joe Namath...

Want to look pulled together in 10 seconds flat? Here’s your answer. This minimal crop jacket has no collar or closures to distract from the rest of your outfit, while the rich marin...

When it came to the details, no one paid attention like James Galanos. To wit, this set is lined with the same quality silk many designers use on the exterior of their dresses; the s...

Seasonless and endlessly pairable, this cropped, lightweight topper is like your favorite denim jacket with a touch more finesse thanks to its neutral color and slick brushed palladi...

One of the most outrageous garments in our collection in color, style and versatility. Of course it may be worn open as a sleeveless coat, but it also looks divine fixed closed with ...

With enough body to stand on its own, this mantle flares so much when worn that none of the embroidered jet detail is obscured. Though the mohair is actually chocolate brown, it's pl...

A wearable work of art, this sculptural hobble coat resembles some of the great deconstructionist garments of Rei Kawakubo, but was created by the Danish modernist Ivan Grundahl. Fea...

If you’re thirsting for a sharp military trench with feminine flair, you’ve found mecca. With all the masculine features of the boys’ version, this exquisite trench also includes a s...

Your "go-to" fall / winter coat: dressy enough for cocktails, modern enough for daywear and soft enough that you'll never want to take it off. Its neutral shade pairs beautifully with almost any color, while raglan seams and collarless construction keep your look playful. And the buttons? Don't get us started. Collarless coat with ¾ raglan sleeve and 2 slash side pockets; small vertical darts at front and rear shoulder. Three knotted Bakelite buttons...

Known for his ladylike but chic designs and masterful fabrics, Giorgio Armani makes a ladies jacket that never disappoints. No exception, this trim colla...

A regal piece of outerwear whose weight belies its warmth, this exquisite silk velvet mantle is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch. Vertical ruching creates drape and texture enough for it to hold its own when paired with drop waist flapper dresses or glamorous evening gowns...

Looking smart and staying warm need not be mutually exclusive. To wit, this Searle princess seam trench coat combines sleek, elegant lines with the warmth and water-resistance of a d...

Built for frigid winters and as plush and comforting as a teddy bear, this mouton swing jacket features a saturated deep brown color with the slightest hint of silky sheen. In a rare...

Favored in the mid-century because their volume allowed them to be worn over the full-skirted silhouettes of the time, opera coats still appear on modern runways due to their drama a...

Quite possibly the warmest coat you’ll ever buy, thanks to the built-in extra lining that zips out in a snap. The full swing skirt covers even the largest dresses, while thoughtful d...

Chic and sophisticated, this updated take on a traditional bomber jacket features princess seams and horizontal shirring so it molds to the contours of your body and eliminates bulk....

Halfway between a kaftan and a maxi coat, this sheer topper makes up in glamour what it lacks in warmth. The repeating floral pattern consists of clear bugle beads that catch and reflect light, while the hollow gold balls at each flower's center create evening-worthy shimmer. This single garment has the power to elevate the humblest outfit and would be a perfect travel or resort piece; it could even be worn as a bathing suit cover up! Collarless sheer beaded kaftan...

Known for his ladylike but chic designs and masterful fabrics, Giorgio Armani makes a ladies jacket that never disappoints. To wit, his take on the timel...