Printed stretch tulle sleeveless dress JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER SOLEIL
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed stretch tulle sleeveless dress . Fabric composition : 100% nylon. SIZE S
Printed stretch tulle sleeveless dress JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER SOLEIL
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed stretch tulle sleeveless dress . Fabric composition : 100% nylon. SIZE S
1920's Black Silk Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite flapper dress from the 1920's embodies the sultry sophistication of the period with intricate beading, geometric paneling, and fabulous bugle beaded fringe. Crafted ...
Emanuel Ungaro Vintage 1990s Pleated Skirt
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage gingham and floral printed wool pleated skirt by Emanuel Ungaro. Unlined with side zip and button closure. The marked size is a 12/ 46, and the skirt fits like a modern size ...
LORO PIANA turquoise crocodile BELLEVUE LARGE COCCO Tote Bag
By Loro Piana
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Loro Piana Bellevue Cocco large tote bag in turquoise crocodile leather (100%). This luxury Loro Piana handbag showcases the House’s...
Vintage 1940's Yellow Mid Season Swing Coat UK 10-12 US 6-8
Located in Nashville, TN
Rendered in the most incredible shade of yellow in a lightweight woven cotton, this original 1940's swing coat is just the piece to welcome to your mid season wardrobe. The elegant...
Black leather jacket with silver leather collar CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather jacket with silver leather collar . Silk lining. Shoulder pad. Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side SIZE 36 (Fr) S
Burberry Nova check top handle tote bag
By Burberry
Located in NEWARK, GB
An ever stylish vintage Burberry tote bag. Classic Nova check in a lightly coated canvas in Burberry signature colours. It has rich inky black leather top handles and silver tone h...
Elie Tahari Beaded Chiffon Floral Gown
By Elie Tahari
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant Elie Tahari Beaded Chiffon Floral Gown from the 2000's. Simple flared shape with long train, lightly decorated at shoulders and down back with sequins and beadwork. Super ful...
Silk beaded cocktail dress with sequin embellishment LORIS AZZARO
By Loris Azzaro
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beaded cocktail dress with sequin embellishment. Silk lining. Zip closure on the left side. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
CHANEL brown tortoise SHIELD Sunglasses 5067
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sunglasses in black acetate. Crafted from polished black acetate, these Chanel sunglasses combine a classic rectangular silhouette with a refined, jewel-like fi...
ZIMMERMANN blue linen 2024 MATCHMAKER BANDANA MIDI Skirt 2 M
By Zimmermann
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Zimmermann Matchmaker skirt in blue, printed with a striking Bandana motif for a paisley-inspired, bohemian statement. Crafted from a luxury blend of organza linen (52...
HERMES Naturel Ecru Toile H Hunter MARWARI GM HOBO Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Marwari GM hobo bag in Natural Toile H and Vache Hunter leather is a sophisticated blend of relaxed elegance and exception...
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Pale Blue Silk Hard Boned Hand Beaded Corset Bustier
Located in Leonardo, NJ
great for bride, bridal, wedding Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier Vintage 1990's Pale baby blue silk Metal beads Hand embroidered...
Small leather shoulder bag with monogram LOUIS VUITTON
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Small leather shoulder bag with monogram . Cotton lining. Zip closure on the top. Detachable leather strap, lenght = 124cm Chain strap lenght = 46cm Dust-bag. Inside identification n...
Prada Fall 2004 Trompe L’oeil Print Silk Skirt Green w/Tag IT42/UK10
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in London, GB
Rarest EVER Prada Trompe L’oeil print silk skirt from the legendary Fall 2004 collection. Look 25 on the runway, editorial favourite and featured in the 2...
Art Deco Shell Pink Pleated Silk and Lace Trimmed Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Shell Pink Pleated Silk and Lace Trimmed Slip dress in unusual large size. Hand made Valencienne lace trimmed neckline and sleeves. Original monogram. 1920's France. Width 5...
HERMES Nata cream Swift leather MINI ROULIS Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Roulis shoulder bag in Nata Swift calfskin leather (100%). This luxury Hermès shoulder bag is crafted from supple Swift calfskin leather (100%) in the Mais...
Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli FW24 Crystal Bow Crepe Couture Mini Dress
By Valentino
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Valentino short dress in black Crepe Couture from the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli's final ready-to-wear season for the house. A widely documented style, the dress...
$489Sale Price|29% Off
Brand New Casadei Pink Leather Woven Mules Heels Size 9.5
By Casadei
Located in Conroe, TX
Casadei Brand New With Box Size 9.5 Please Note: We feel these run a half size small. Multi-Colored Pink Leather Fabric & Leather Print Footbed Wood Detailed Heel Leather Sol...
Single breasted jacket with check pattern and black velvet detail THIERRY MUGLER
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Single breasted jacket with check pattern and black velvet details (pocket, snap and collar) Main fabric composition: silk. Velvet composition: cotton. Lining: rayon or acetate. Sho...
Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus Vintage 1970s Black Evening Gown with Back Train
By Fendi
Located in Sparks, NV
Rare Fendi label! Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus vintage black linen blend gown with a halter neckline and back train that can be buttoned up and down as you like. Plunging neckline and...
Early 2000's CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano Orange Leather CD Buckle waist Belt
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 2000's CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano statement waist belt, crafted in an orange canvas and leather with Large decorative 'C-D' chrome metal buckle. The belt size is fully ad...
James Galanos Vintage 1990s Black Silk Starfish Print Slip Gown 90s Maxi Dress
By Galanos, James Galanos
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size Small Measurements: Bust: 30-32 inches Waist: 28 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top back shoulder seam to hem): 55 inches An elegant and effortlessly timeless rar...
Vaquera S/S 2024 Asymetric One shoulder Ruffled Camouflage Layered Mini Dress
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vaquera S/S 2024 Asymetric Ruffled Camouflage Mini Dress A Spring / Summer 2024 Vaquera Camouflage mini dress. Featuring an Asymetric cut, one shoulder silhouette, pleated torso and ...
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Hand-Beaded w. Pearls White Silk Bridal Gown
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier Vintage 1990's Heavy 100% ivory white silk (might look a little more cream on the hanger, bu...
Balenciaga 2025 Sac Cuir Bel Air Medium Black Leather Hand Bag Carry all New
By Balenciaga
Located in PARIS, FR
Balenciaga Bel Air Medium bag (version 1, now reissued in other sizes) in matte black leather and gold-tone hardware. Features adjustable straps and snap closures to change the bag's...
A 1950s Roberta di camerino Style Brown and Beige Velvet Italian Top Handle Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic 1950s Italian top handle handbag captures the iconic elegance reminiscent of Roberta di Camerino's mid-century designs. Crafted from rich, plush velvet featuring a dis...
GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS 1993 Vintage Iconic Halter Mini Dress w. Tulle Underlay
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianni Versace Versus Vintage SS93 Iconic !! Super tight waist sucks you in Sweetheart halter neckline Open back Side zip 4 buckles in the front Mini length Attached tulle underlay S...
$1,271Sale Price|25% Off
New Tom Ford Heavy Weight Metallic Gold Runway Tank Top
By Tom Ford
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New With Tags Tom Ford Heavy Weight Gold Metallic Top Racer Back Scoop Neck Stunning in Gold Metallic Size M This has a lot of "Give" a lot of stretch to it, so it can accom...
ALESSI Giulio Iacchetti 'Bis' Snake Letter Opener, 2013
By Alessi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meet the elusive paper snake ... sleek, functional, fun to hold and even better to observe. This 2013 stainless steel snake shaped letter opener is by Italian industrial designer Giu...
1960s Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner Vintage One-Shoulder Black Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass, Maurice Rentner
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1960s Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner one-shoulder cocktail dress with side buttons. Simple and chic! Details: Fully Lined Side Zip Closure Marked Size: 14 Estimated ...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Patent Black Lace up Brogue High Heels Court shoes EU40
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s Jean Paul Gaultier Patent shiny Black Lace up Brogue High Heels Court shoes A pair of vintage 1990’s Jean Paul Gaultier Brogue style heels. Crafted in a patent black leather, ...
Black and white sailor bag with Gazette print on JOHN GALLIANO
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black and white sailor bag with Gazette print on. Cotton shoulder strap. Eyelet on the top. Nylon lining. One inside pocket with zip closure. SIZE 60cm ( height) 35 cm (diameter)
Printed oversize silk dress JEAN-CHARLES de CASTELBAJAC
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed oversize silk dress
Vintage Halston 1970s Rare Pig Print Pink Silk Jersey Vintage 70s Day Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Model in video is a US Size 8, and 5’8 feet tall Few American designers changed the course of fashion as profoundly as Roy Halston Frowick. Revered for his impeccable tailoring, luxurious jersey fabrics, and effortless approach to glamour, Halston created clothing that celebrated movement, comfort, and timeless sophistication. This exceptionally rare 1970s day dress beautifully embodies that philosophy while showcasing one of the most unusual novelty prints associated with the designer. Crafted from an incredibly soft silk blend jersey with comfortable stretch, the fabric drapes fluidly over the body, creating a silhouette that is both flattering and remarkably easy to wear. The elongated pointed collar, partial button-front closure, elegantly shaped bodice, elbow-length sleeves, and softly flared knee-length skirt work together to create a classic 1970s silhouette that skims the figure without clinging. Halston’s mastery of proportion is evident throughout, resulting in a dress that feels as comfortable today as it did nearly fifty years ago. What truly distinguishes this piece is its extraordinary allover novelty pink pig print set against a dramatic black background. From a distance, the motif reads almost as an abstract graphic, only revealing its whimsical character upon closer inspection. It is an unforgettable design that perfectly balances playful artistry with sophisticated styling. After extensive research, I was unable to locate another publicly documented example of this exact print in museum collections, runway archives, editorials, or the vintage marketplace. While it cannot be stated that this is the only example ever produced, it is unquestionably an exceptionally scarce surviving Halston design and one of the most distinctive novelty-print dresses to emerge from the designer’s celebrated 1970s output. The craftsmanship is equally impressive. Halston was renowned for creating garments that appeared deceptively simple while relying on precise patternmaking and expert construction. Beautifully placed seams, balanced proportions, and the luxurious drape of the silk blend jersey allow the dress to move gracefully with the body while maintaining its elegant shape. The slight stretch in the fabric further enhances both comfort and fit, making it as wearable as it is collectible. Whether styled with understated heels for a daytime luncheon, statement jewelry for cocktails, or boots and a tailored jacket for a modern editorial look, this remarkable Halston offers the rare opportunity to own an exceptionally elusive piece from one of America’s greatest fashion designers. Measurements Bust: 34 to 36 inches Waist: 30 to 32 inches Hips: 36 to 38 inches Length (top back shoulder seam to hem): 43 inches Details * Circa 1976 * Silk blend jersey with comfortable stretch * Front button closure * Elongated pointed collar * Elbow-length sleeves * Knee-length silhouette * Made in USA Condition Excellent condition Vintage Halston, 1970s Halston dress...
Exceptional Hermès Exclusif Giant Shawl Silk Scarf Oriental Drawings
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Scarf Extremely rare, this scarf is from the vintage "HERMÈS EXCLUSIF" collection Pattern: oriental-inspired designs Made in France M...
PRADA Resort 2010 Silk Vintage Floral Patterned Multi Print Wrap detail Skirt
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in Sheffield, GB
Resort 2010 Prada Multi pattern skirt. Featuring contrast Silk printed materials with Handkerchief tie detail at the waist and slit up the leg. The dress closes via a concealed zip u...
Navy blue wool double breasted coat BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue wool double breasted coat ; Rayon and acetate lining. Belt in the same fabric and belt-loop. Button and buttonhole closure on the front . Pocket on both side with button an...
$495Sale Price|28% Off
Brand New Casadei Gold Leopard Mules Heels Size 9
By Casadei
Located in Conroe, TX
Casadei Brand New With Box Size 9 Please Note: We feel these run a half size small. Gold Leather Fabric Leopard Print Footbed Wood Detailed Heel Leather Sole 4" Heel With Box &am...
Hermès Micro Swift Lucky Daisy Picotin Lock 14
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Micro Swift Lucky Daisy Picotin Lock 14 Color Brown Product Materials Calf Leather Country of Origin France Year of Manufacture 2022 Serial No U Inclusions Dust bag, Key, Box,...
Wool Chevron Striped Metal Chain Vest Top Maxi Skirt 2-Piece Ensemble, 1970s
Located in Sparks, NV
Wear together or separately! Stunning vintage 1970s wool chevron striped vest top and maxi skirt ensemble with a metal chain detail. The skirt is fully lined with side metal zip and ...
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Ivory Beaded Silk Bridal Wedding Gown w.Shawl
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier Wedding gown with matching shawl Vintage 1990's Photographs a little "whiter" than it looks ...
Pastel knit cardigan CHANEL
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pastel knit cardigan . Knit composition: 40% nylon, 20% cotton, 20% polyester, 20% rayon. No closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side. SS 1998 SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Rare Archive Salvatore Ferragamo "Fox and Flowers" silk scarf A/W 1987
Located in Rubiera, RE
Rare Archive Salvatore Ferragamo "Fox and Flowers" Silk Crêpe de Chine Scarf, Autumn/Winter 1987 A magnificent and highly collectible vintage Salvatore Ferragamo silk scarf from the...
Gucci by Tom Ford Spring/Summer 1997 Runway Black Asymmetric Wool Dress IT40
Located in Berlin, BE
A black Gucci dress from Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 1997 collection, presented on the runway on Kiara Kabukuru. Cut from a lightweight stretch-wool blend, the dress features a wide as...
Pale blue backless jersey dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale blue backless jersey dress .Jersey composition: 100% rayon. Body-suit inside the dress with snap closure on the bottom. NEW WITH TAG SIZE 40 / M
LOUIS VUITTON brown Monogram Canvas MONTE CARLO Jewelry Case Bag
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton Monte Carlo jewelry box, crafted from iconic Monogram canvas, blends elegance and practicality, offering se...
Edwardian White on White Floral Hand Embroidered Organdy Dress
Located in New Hope, PA
This stunning Edwardian white on white organdy dress is hand embroidered with the most beautiful floral designs. The fabric most likely originated in China and the dress was made in...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 2002 Vintage Mesh Tank Top JPG Tee T-Shirt Eyelash
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 2002 Sheer ivory white mesh 3D eyelash print Pullover Size XS but can fit up to a Medium New Condition, no flaws Measurements in inches laying flat: length...
Issey Miyake Pleats Please Burnt Orange Blouse c 1990s
Located in University City, MO
ISSEY MIYAKE Pleats Please Rust burnt orange color pleated blouse c 1990s The light wight polyester blouse is designed with Miyake's signature pleated detail inspired by iconic vinta...
Vintage 1940 Blush Pink Duchess Satin Evening Gown Attributed Charles James US 4
Located in Nashville, TN
Made in the most exquisite Duchess satin in the softest shade of blush pink, this truly incredible 1940's evening gown, attributed to Charles James, is a rare piece to behold. The s...
$1,500Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI Italy Extremely Rare Gilt Metal Canvas Striped Decorative Ashtray c 1970s
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy Extremely rare gilt metal canvas wool striped decorative collectible ashtray c 1970s The sleek gilt metal ashtray is designed with Gucci's massive interlocked G.G. initi...
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2001 Black Silk Strapless Corset Bandage Runway Dress IT40
Located in Berlin, BE
A striking black evening Runway dress from Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection for Gucci. The strapless, body-conscious silhouette is constructed from overlapping horizontal ban...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière 2009 Black Cotton-Lace and Silk Slip Dress FR40
By Nicholas Ghesquiere, Balenciaga
Located in Berlin, BE
A black Balenciaga dress from Nicolas Ghesquière’s 2009 collection, constructed in two distinct layers. A smooth black silk slip forms the foundation, while a delicate floral lace la...
1960s Hermes Black Box Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black box leather shoulder bag featuring a detachable shoulder strap (34.25in (87cm) total length), gold-tone hardware, a claps fastening, inside compartments, an inside zip p...
Pair of Salvatore Ferragamo Sling Backs with Stiff Ribbon Bow & Kitten Heel
Located in valatie, NY
A Pair of Salvatore Ferragamo Sling Backs with Stiff Ribbon Bow and Kitten Heel Size 9. The 50s are back with a contemporary twist in this slingback pump. The sleek, rounded toe prof...
$495Sale Price|28% Off
Brand New Casadei Gold Leopard Mules Heels Size 8
By Casadei
Located in Conroe, TX
Casadei Brand New With Box Size 8 Please Note: We feel these run a half size small. Gold Leather Fabric Leopard Print Footbed Wood Detailed Heel Leather Sole 4" Heel With Box &am...
1990s Pamela Dennis Gold Metallic Linked Lace Hooded Vintage 90s Dress Caftan
By Pamela Dennis, PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE
Located in San Diego, CA
Measurements Bust: up to 48 inches Waist: up to 44 inches Hips: up to 48 inches Length (top back shoulder seam to hem): 38 inches Size: One size / accommodates a wide range of sizes due to the generous cut and fluid construction. A spectacular and exceptionally rare vintage Pamela Dennis New York gold metallic linked lace hooded dress dating to the late 1990s. Crafted from metal metallic thread woven onto an open mesh foundation, this extraordinary textile creates the appearance of antique lace while reflecting light like liquid gold. Unlike conventional metallic fabrics that rely on foil printing, metallic yarns, or lurex blends, this garment utilizes actual metallic elements integrated into the textile itself. The manufacturing process is significantly more labor-intensive and costly than traditional woven or knitted fabrics, requiring specialized machinery and intricate construction techniques. Fabrics of this caliber were reserved for luxury eveningwear due to their expense, dramatic visual impact, and couture-level appearance. The result is a garment that moves with remarkable fluidity while creating a luminous, jewelry-like effect. The oversized hood and draped neckline lend a glamorous, almost Byzantine elegance, while the relaxed silhouette allows the piece to fit a wide range of sizes comfortably. Depending on styling, it can function as a dramatic evening dress, a resort caftan, a luxury swim cover-up, or a statement layering piece. For black-tie events, pair with a silk slip dress beneath and metallic sandals or strappy heels. For resort wear, layer over a black or ivory swimsuit with oversized sunglasses and gold jewelry. It also layers beautifully over fitted trousers, leggings, or a slim evening column dress for a more contemporary runway-inspired look. The versatility of the silhouette, combined with the extraordinary metallic linked lace construction, makes this a standout piece for collectors of Pamela Dennis and late twentieth-century luxury fashion. Measurements Bust: up to 48 inches Waist: up to 44 inches Hips: up to 48 inches Length (top back shoulder seam to hem): 38 inches Size: One size / accommodates a wide range of sizes due to the generous cut and fluid construction. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light wear consistent with age. Pamela Dennis, metallic lace, hooded dress, gold caftan, evening gown, black tie, resort wear, swim cover up, goddess dress, Y2K luxury, gala dress, statement eveningwear, art-to-wear, collectible designer fashion. Pamela Dennis dress, Pamela Dennis New York, vintage Pamela Dennis, gold metallic dress, metallic lace dress, linked metal lace, hooded evening dress, hooded cocktail dress, gold caftan dress, luxury resort wear, designer swim cover up, black tie dress, gala dress, evening caftan, gold evening gown, statement dress, art to wear fashion, metallic mesh dress, goddess dress, resort glamour, Palm Beach style, Beverly Hills fashion, 1990s designer dress, late 1990s fashion, Y2K luxury fashion, collectible designer fashion, metallic hooded dress, gold cover up, special occasion dress, luxury vacation wear, evening resort dress, dramatic hooded gown, couture textile dress, metallic link fabric, gold lace caftan...
Dolce & Gabbana vintage 2006 satin purple corset dress and removable lace bra
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
This is a vintage 2006 Dolce & Gabbana royal purple satin corset dress featuring a structured bustier bodice with delicate lace trim at the neckline. The sensuous peekaboo bra de...
Andre Laug Numbered Couture Vintage Ombre Silk Polka Dots Evening Gown/ Dress
By André Laug
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage couture maxi dress by Andre Laug with handwritten details on the inside of the dress. This piece is numbered and was likely a custom couture piece for a client. Hand...
Fashion is littered with stories we can’t help but consume with voracity. Behind the world’s revered luxury houses and designers, there are often accounts of modest beginnings that gave way to the resonant work we’ve cherished all of our lives.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel learned to sew under the tutelage of nuns in an orphanage. Later, as an impoverished teenager at a boarding school in central France, clad in the drab clothes of the underclass compared to those of her classmates, she furthered her needlework skills. By the early 1900s, she was helming a hat shop with help from her sister and her aunt.
Chanel made spare, unadorned hats at first, and the now-momentous “little black dress,” published in the form of a sketch in Vogue in 1926, symbolized her intention to design for all social classes. Working with simple lines and ordinary fabrics, Chanel created garments that she hoped would encourage women to leave extravagant clothes behind. The young milliner would soon become pivotal to the evolution of both covetable casual wear and handmade high-fashion apparel, building a brand that has influenced countless designers all over the world.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only,” Chanel said. “Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Around the same time, a young former hotel bellboy named Guccio Gucci began to sell imported leather luggage from a small retail space in his native Florence, and it wouldn’t be long before he was overseeing a number of artisans who were making leather goods and other accessories. With the help of his sons, he opened a second shop in Rome and later launched his handbags, wallets and more.
There are people like Chanel and Gucci, sometimes of meager means, working in near obscurity to create lasting and innovative garments and accessories that today fill the interiors of our favorite boutiques and, ultimately, the closets of our home.
There are family-owned luxury-goods companies, such as Hermès in Paris, which began as a saddle manufacturer in the 1800s, serving the era’s carriage trade before it would expand to include venerable handbags as well as its numerous silk scarves, each emblazoned with a richly decorative design.
For many of us, the narratives behind the ornate monograms that adorn these iconic works are just as important as the items themselves.
Haute couture from the House of Chanel — practical, form-fitting evening dresses and menswear made of fine tweeds — has a long lineage, but now it’s earned a legitimate place in museums as often as it has in the homes of modern marquee influencers. Vintage Yves Saint Laurent leather clutches and handbags couldn’t have aged better over time, either. The French luxury fashion label’s long history of vibrant, gender-blurring designs, including the revolutionary Mondrian minidress in 1965, owe to the creative inclinations of a young Yves, who made paper dolls as a child and designed dresses for the women in his family by the time he was a teenager.
The appeal of vintage and designer clothing — whether it’s nostalgia for ’80s fashion treasures like oversize blazers or the bright and elaborate patterns that characterize sundresses of the 1960s — endures, and our appetite for irreplaceable garments as well as their riveting origin stories won’t recede anytime soon. An authentic handbag or purse from Hermès isn’t merely durable and alluring. The Birkin, for example, is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, comes in a variety of exotic leathers and is also a savvy investment.
“The Birkin’s value has consistently risen and never fluctuated downward,” says Reece Morgan, head of handbags and accessories for Xupes, citing the fact that “production has been highly limited to maintain its unattainable aura.” In fact, he adds, Hermès has been “scaling back production each year.”
Today, we’re captivated by the work of prodigious Illinois-born talent Virgil Abloh, who not only triumphed in the fashion world with his Milan-based streetwear label Off-White, but was also a visual artist, a furniture designer and more. In 2018, Abloh, who learned about fashion from his seamstress mother, became one of the first Black designers to head a French luxury fashion house, having secured an artistic director role at Louis Vuitton.
“His clothing turns wearers into accomplices of his grand artistic scheme,” Michael Darling, the chief curator at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, wrote of Abloh’s work.
On 1stDibs, you can revel in the stories behind the fashion we love and browse everything from classic, one-of-a-kind gowns crafted by Parisian couturiers to stylish, modern streetwear designed by forward-looking brands. Shop 19th-century Louis Vuitton trunks or kaleidoscopic and colorful 1960s skirts by Emilio Pucci or edgy ensembles by visionary designers like Azzedine Alaïa. Your fashion journey begins right here.