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Fashion For Sale
NWT Christian Dior by John Galliano Origami Dress Runway Fall 2006 Wedding Gown
Located in Baar, CH
New with tags, this never-before-worn archival piece has been carefully stored for the past 18 years, preserving its pristine condition. An absolutely stunning and rare masterpiece ...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

Rare S/S 2005 Valentino Runway Silk Draped Crystal Bow Gown Dress
Located in Baar, CH
Ultra-rare Valentino runway gown from the 2005 Spring-Summer collection, crafted from liquid silk with a draped design, crystal accents, and a st...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Silk Dress W/T
Located in Port Hope, ON
This silk floral pattern dress has never been worn and still has its tags. It looks like a very simple dress until you see details such as draped and pleated neckline with a side bow...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion

Cartier Rare Pochette du Soir Soie 1920 Rare Silk Persian Evening Clutch in box
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier evening clutch circa 1920 entirely embroidered in multicolored silk with Persian motifs, the clasp in white gold, brilliant-cut diamonds and coral (rubrum, not subject to CIT...
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1920s French Fashion

New Rare Gucci 100 Limited Edition Bamboo MUSIC IS MINE 1947 Medium Bag
Located in Leesburg, VA
Gucci 100's Anniversary "Music is Mine Seats Reclined" Limited Edition Collection Bamboo 1947 Medium Brand New with Tags & Dust Cover GUCCI Canvas Calfskin 100 Centennial Top Hand...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion

Pink shiny jersey draped cocktail dress Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink shiny jersey draped cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Belt to tied on the back SIZE S on tag but fit also M
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2010s Italian Fashion

Chanel 9K$ Paris / Versailles Lavender Tweed Jacket 40 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Collectors & Rare Chanel lavender tweed jacket with ruffle detail from Paris / VERSAILLES Cruise Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~Retail price 9,480$ / Size mark 40 / Condition: pristi...
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2010s Fashion

Hermès Silk Scarf Vol Amoureux des Azurés Butterflies Soft Pink 90 cm
Located in FR
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Vol Amoureux Des Azurés" Hard to find ! Designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux, alias Toutsy, in 2007 Made in France Colorways: soft pink, pi...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

Chanel Paris / Versailles Lesage Tweed Ensemble 36 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Absolutely stunning Chanel lesage tweed ensemble ~ jacket and matching top ~ from Runway of Paris / VERSAILLES Cruise Collection by Maestro Lagerfeld Size mark 36 FR / Condition is p...
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2010s Fashion

Chanel Extremely Rare CC Eagle Buttons Black Tweed Jacket 40 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Extremely rare, collectible Chanel black tweed jacket from 2009 Metiers d'Art Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ As seen on Kate Moss and many other it-girls! Size mark 40 FR / Condition...
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Early 2000s Fashion

RICHARD TYLER COUTURE Vintage Silk Purple Pink Evening Gown Maxi Dress Backless
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Richard Tyler Couture Vintage Late 90's / Early 00's I think 1997 Purple and Pink 100% silk Cowl neck Low back with cowl drape Left side slit Invisible side zip USA size 8 Excellent...
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1990s Fashion

Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Elevate your style with these exquisite Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses. Crafted by the legendary house of Chanel, these sunglasses exude ti...
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1990s European Fashion

Bally Astara Crocodile Embossed Leather Pencil Miniskirt
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
This Bally Astara pencil miniskirt is crafted from crocodile-embossed leather with a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. A concealed back zip closure completes the design. Banded waist B...
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2010s European Fashion

Pierre Balmain 1970's Numbered Haute Couture Yellow Silk Tunic & Pants
Located in New Hope, PA
A 1970's saffron yellow silk tunic and matching pants from Balmain, Paris is the perfect, pulled together ensemble for the girl in a hurry. Add some great shoes, a little jewelry and...
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1970s French Fashion

Chanel 1998 Tailleur 3 pcs Bustier FR42 Boucle 3 pcs Corset Ensemble UK14 US12
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel SS1998 collection set by Karl Lagerfeld in blue bouclé wool composed of 3 pieces: a jacket, short sleeves, with collar closed by 5 CC logo buttons, 2 patch pockets at the hips...
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1990s French Fashion

1980s Chanel Linen Suit (42FR) with Braiding
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a late 1980s linen suit, with black braiding accents, on both the jacket and the skirt. The suit was designed by Karl Lagerfeld and is part of Collection 22. It has a notched...
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1980s French Fashion

Manolo Blahnik Silk Printed Mules Shoes With Turquoise Rhinestone
Located in North Miami, FL
This gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik pair of sexy mules have the most luscious silk printed design on them with chartreuse leather interior. The design is very Pucci esque. The turquoise like stones in a half moon cluster...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Roberta Di Camerino Vintage Leather and Velvet Bag
Located in Milano, IT
Super elegant small velvet handbag designed by Marina Di Camerino in the 1970s, fine Italian craftsmanship. ORIGINAL LABEL. The handbag is small and is suitable for evening or gala events, given its timeless elegance. The handbag has a small rectangular body, with a stiffer bottom, totally made of brown leather, with a red velvet insert decorative element.The small handle ring is also made of brown leather, very chic. The handbag has a clip closure, in fact it opens through a special interlocking. The clasp is made of gold metal, with a small tab...
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1990s Italian Fashion

CHANEL black silk 21C CAPRI SIDE RUFFLE Pants 36 XS
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel pants in black silk (100% – please note the content tag is missing) embody refined elegance with a touch of drama. Designed with a high waist and wide legs...
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21st Century and Contemporary Fashion

Chanel New Outstanding Tweed Jacket and Jeans Ensemble 38 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
~ Impossible to find anywhere in the world! New absolute fabulous Chanel ensemble ~ tweed jacket and matching jeans ~ as seen on Chanel's Ambassador Lily Rose Depp / Size mark for ...
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2010s Fashion

SS2006 HERMES By Jean Paul Gaultier Black Long Silk Lace Dress FR42
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes long black dress in silk with embroidered Hermes Paris print logo lace back From Jean Paul Gaultier era for Hermes Collection Hermès Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear This Hermes gow...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

LORO PIANA navy blue nylon VOYAGER DUFFLE GRANDE Travel Bag
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Loro Piana Voyager Duffle Grande travel bag in blue Wind microfibre is a masterclass in functionality and refined craftsmanship. Treated with Storm System® for a ...
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2010s Fashion

1990's Versace Jeans Couture Leather Fringe Studded Biker Jacket Vest
Located in Concord, NC
Be rock and roll chic in this iconic 1990's Versace Jeans Couture fringe studded leather biker jacket vest. This striking vest features a bold and edgy aesthetic with a high collar, ...
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1990s Italian Fashion

New Paris / Hamburg Sailor Tweed Jacket 42 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
New Iconic Chanel ecru tweed Sailor jacket ~ from Paris / HAMBURG Collection ~ Metiers d'Art 2018 my Maestro Lagerfeld ~ as seen on many celebs and magazines covers! Bestseller of th...
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2010s Fashion

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s
Located in Water Mill, NY
A very pretty black crochet cardigan from Issac Mizrahi. It has long sleeves, applique matching crochet flowers around the neck, front, hem and on the sl...
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1990s American Fashion

Chanel Arctic Collection Runway Fringe Tweed Ensemble 38 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Fabulous Chanel ecru tweed ensemble ~ cape jacket & dress ~ from Runway of ARCTIC Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ iconic piece ~ as seen in AD Campaign of that season! Size mark 38 FR...
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2010s Fashion

Hermès Cabag Tote
Located in London, GB
Pink Canvas Leather Two-tone design Stitched edge Two top handles Two long top handles Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal slip pocket Silver-tone hardware Stamp ...
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2010s European Fashion

Chanel 11K$ Iconic Paris / Byzance CC Gripoix Buttons Coat 36 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
A truly rare and highly coveted piece! Chanel Iconic Coat from Paris / BYZANCE Collection, Pre-Fall 2011 Métiers d'Art ~ Retail price over $11,000 Size indicated 36 FR / Condition: N...
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2010s Fashion

Oscar de la Renta One Shoulder Drape Crystal Embroidered Dress Size XL
Located in Brossard, QC
This Oscar de la Renta crystal embroidered dress has cascading overlay. Made from stretch-silk crepe in a light-blue 'Tanzanite' hue, it has a draped, one-shoulder neckline and floor...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion

1986-88 Chanel Black Patent Leather Handbag w/Entrupy COA and Card
Located in Port Hope, ON
What a classic! This vintage 1986-88 black patent leather has a push lock closure. It is in amazing condition given its age with only a few minor scratches on the lining. The lining ...
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1980s French Fashion

Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Camellia Embossed Wallet On Chain WOC
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stylish clutch wallet is finely crafted of camellia embossed black lambskin leather. The wallet features a long silver chain link shoulder strap threaded with leather and a fron...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

Balenciaga Haute Couture Moiré Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 1963
Located in Geneva, CH
This lovely haute couture watered (moiré) silk taffeta dinner/cocktail dress is the ideal "Little Black Dress" for any perfect modern wardrobe. Labelled and numbered 84543, the dress...
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1960s French Fashion

Hermès Evelyne 29 Chocolate Clemence PHW
Located in London, GB
Chocolate brown Adjustable detachable shoulder strap Button fastening Main compartment Stamp: N Square, Year 2010 Condition: Excellent Please kindly note all items have been previo...
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2010s European Fashion

1979 SAINT LAURENT abstract printed silk quilt jacket
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, abstract print, silk quilted jacket designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to 1979. Jacket is labeled a FR 36 but can also fit a French 38 (US 2-6) due to the oversized cut...
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1970s French Fashion

Tom Ford x Yves Saint Laurent FW 2002 Ribbon Lace-Up Blouse + Lace Skirt Fr. 38
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lace-Up Blouse with Lace Skirt Suit F/W 2002 Runway Collection French size 38 - US 6 Very romantic, and in same time very sexy look. Black...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

CHANEL bronze brown cotton 20C MULTIPOCKET Jacket 42 L
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket in bronze brown gabardine cotton (100%) with dark brown trims is a refined statement piece with a safari-inspired edge. Designed with a tailored, sl...
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21st Century and Contemporary Fashion

New With Tags Rare Gucci Rhombus Duffle Weekender Bag $4650
Located in Leesburg, VA
Brand New with Tags $4650 GUCCI Canvas Calfskin Rhombus Collection Duffle Gucci Weekender Bag Coated Canvas Gold-Tone Hardware Rolled Handles & Single Adjustable Shoulder Strap C...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion

New Kate Spade Spring 2005 Collection Cabo Wedge Heel Size 9
Located in Leesburg, VA
New Kate Spade From Her Spring 2005 Collection Her Last Collection Before Selling Her Brand to Neiman Marcus Designed by Kate Spade Brand New Size 9 * Stunning Pink Ribbon * Wicker W...
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21st Century and Contemporary Fashion

Y2K Thierry Mugler Couture Aqua Lamé Halter Top and Skirt
Located in London, GB
This spectacular Y2K lamé top and skirt ensemble were couture crafted by Manfred Thierry Mugler circa 1998 to 2001. Designed by the master of empowering, hyper-feminine tailoring, th...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

Gucci Crystal Net Leggings Pants IT 44 US 8
Located in Brossard, QC
Silver, all-over crystal-embroidered stretch mesh pants with zip opening at the back Composition: Polyamide 88%,Spandex/Elastane 12% Outer Composition: Crystal 100% Dry Clean Only Ma...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion

S/S 2004 Valentino Garavani Runway Navy Blue Corset Style Lace-Up Knit Crop Top
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 2004 runway collection, this navy blue knit crop top is designed with corset-inspired detailing, including intricate lace-up satin ribbon clos...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Buckle Light Blue Citrus Blossom Print Mini Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this light blue mini dress is crafted from lightweight stretch jersey and features a vibrant citrus blossom print. The fitted bod...
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1990s Italian Fashion

Hermes Birkin 30 Gold Tan Togo Gold Hardware Bag W Stamp, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30cm Gold Tan Togo Gold Hardware Bag W Stamp, 2024 Don't miss this sublime combination- the ultimate gift! Just purchased from Hermes store- bag bears new 2024 interior...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT belt with ric-rac accents, long ties and tassels
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare fabric belt with ric-rac accents, long ties and multi-colored tassels from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1970's. Labeled a size '4'. Belt measures approximately: 28.5" e...
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20th Century French Fashion

Roberto Cavalli Spring 2005 Documented Runway Yellow Cut Out Gown
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the timeless and iconic style of Roberto Cavalli with this stunning archival piece from the Spring 2005 collection. This yellow gown features intricate gold threading and ...
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Early 2000s Fashion

1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Leather Trim Plunging Viscose Backless Mini Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 1999, this Tom Ford Gucci black mini dress is crafted from slinky stretch viscose and features a deep plunging neckline, ruched front detail, and subtle leather trim at the wai...
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1990s Italian Fashion

Christian Louboutin Tortoise Shell Pattern Patent Shoes 6.5 with Box
Located in Port Hope, ON
This pumps have a classic tortoise shell leather and go by the name of Miss Tack 85. They are a classic pump and make a great addition to any wardrobe. The chunky heel is a manageabl...
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2010s French Fashion

Louis Vuitton Monogram Alzer 11 Hard Case Trunk Set Brown
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic, pre-owned 11 Piece Stacking Set of Louis Vuitton Monogram Hard Case Trunks. Purchase as a set only. All pieces are in great condition with scuffs, scratch marks, tarnish, and some stains, handles are secure, latches are all secure, some come with accessories. The interiors are clean with normal signs of use and some stains. Most trunks go corner to corner. Would make quite the statement piece in a home, office, business window, etc. Measurements and descriptions from the top trunk going down to the bottom trunk. Trunk 1 has a LV key chain...
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Mid-20th Century French Fashion

Yves Saint Laurent, Casablanca brocade heels.
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Yves Saint Laurent, Casablanca brocade heels in size 39.5. This item has barely been worn but is damaged a little on the bottom of the fabric of both heels. Comes with the original b...
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Early 2000s Fashion

2001 Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Pochette Bag
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Iconic Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse collaboration collection pochette bag with tan graffiti. In very good vintage condition, this bag shape is still manufactured but the Sprouse g...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

S/S 2003 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Pleated Black Silk Tie-Front Crop Top
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gisele Bündchen modeled variations of this top on Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection. Part of the runway presentation's finale look, this off-the-shoulder crop top is...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Brown Button-Up Duster Maxi Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 1996 collection, this sheer brown maxi dress features a fitted silhouette with a fold-over collar, three-quarter sleeves, and a full button-up fr...
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1990s Italian Fashion

F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Champagne Satin Backless Cowl Mini Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This champagne satin silk mini dress from Gianni Versace’s Fall/Winter 2001 collection features a draped cowl neckline, low open back, and subtle tonal paneling at the hips. Designed...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Hermes Vintage Kelly 50 Taurillon Clemence Blue Gold Hardware Travel Duffle Bag
Located in North Miami, FL
This bag is truly amazing
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1990s French Fashion

Chanel 9K$ Cara Delevingne Style Lesage Tweed Jacket 40 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Fabulous Chanel lesage tweed jacket with CC logo buttons ~ as seen on Cara Delevingne in AD Campaign of Paris / Versailles Cruise 2013 Collection Size mark 40 FR / Condition is prist...
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2010s Fashion

Alexander McQueen S/S04 ‘Deliverance’ Black Bias Silk Dress with Tulle Corset
Located in Manchester, GB
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2004 ‘Deliverance’ black bias cut silk dress with exposed tulle bodysuit corset. The same dress was shown on the runway in peach. In excellent condi...
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Early 2000s British Fashion

Chanel Vintage Crocodile Mini Kelly
Located in San Francisco, CA
An incredibly rare vintage piece crafted from luxurious crocodile leather, this Chanel Mini Kelly is an exceptional collector's item. The structured silhouette, top handle, and gold-...
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1990s Fashion

2000s Emanuel Ungaro Hot Pink Satin Flower Jewels Print Slip Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 2000s, this Emanuel Ungaro slip dress is crafted from vibrant hot pink satin and printed with a whimsical floral motif comprised of printed gemstones. Designed with delicat...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Chanel Vintage Pink Brocade Mini Square
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a rare vintage Chanel Mini Square in pink brocade with floral embroidery. It’s a hard-to-find piece and rarely comes up for sale. The strap has been shortened to 27cm drop b...
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1980s Fashion

Louis Vuitton Boite Bijoux Monogram Jewelry Vanity Case Travel Trunk Hard Box
Located in North Miami, FL
- Brown monogram exterior - Push lock closure - Velvet and leather removable tray with various sized partiotions - Comes with dust bag and two keys Condition: The jewelry b...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

Coral Raffia Jacket SS 2001 Les Solarisées Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Coral Woven Raffia-Effect Jacket, Les Solarisées collection, Spring/Summer 2001. Spectacular archival runway jacket with fringes to the neckline and hem. Very good con...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

Goyard Goyardine 2019 Boeing 45 Weekender Bag
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This luxurious and highly sought-after bag is crafted from Goyard's signature Goyardine coated canvas, known for its durability and distinctive hand-painted chevron pattern. Accente...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

Louis Vuitton 2015 Monogram Totem Neo Neverfull MM Flamingo Tote & Pochette
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
From the Fall/Winter 2015 Collection; Louis Vuitton Totem Neverfull MM Bag in the iconic Monogram Canvas with colorful smooth leather trimmings. With engraved metal accents inspired ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Fashion

Chanel Vintage Diamond Stitched CC East/West Crossbody Flap
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stylish shoulder bag is crafted of luxurious diamond stitched lambskin leather in black. The bag features a silver chain link threaded with black leather and a large polished CC...
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Early 2000s French Fashion

Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1975 Vintage Cream Gold Goddess Pleated Gown
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A stunning vintage Yves Saint Laurent gown from the Fall 1975 collection, embodying timeless Grecian elegance. Crafted from soft cream jersey, the design features a beautifully drape...
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1970s French Fashion

S/S 1997 Dolce & Gabbana Black Sheer Knit Crochet 2-Piece Set Vintage
Located in Baar, CH
Rare and iconic black crochet two-piece set by Dolce & Gabbana from the Spring/Summer 1997 collection. A standout example of the brand’s sultry '90s aesthetic, this set combines shee...
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1990s Italian Fashion

Chanel Paris / Byzance CC Gripoix Buttons Dress 46 FR
Located in Dubai, AE
Absolutely gorgeous Chanel cashmere dress with faded metallic coating and CC jewel Gripoix buttons ~ from Paris / BYZANCE Collection, 2011 Metiers d'Art by Karl Lagerfeld ~ Boutique ...
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2010s Fashion

GUCCI by TOM FORD Vintage 2004 Crystal Rope Halterneck Gown
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This rare vintage Gucci gown, designed during Tom Ford’s legendary tenure at the house, embodies the sleek sensuality that defined his era. Crafted in slinky black jersey, it feature...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Chanel White Tweed Jacket Spring 2005 Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Eivissa, ES
This exquisite Chanel white tweed jacket from the Spring 2005 collection is a timeless piece designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. Known for its refined elegance and impeccable craf...
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Early 2000s European Fashion

S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Yellow Strapless Metal Ring Runway Ad Mini Dress
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2004 collection by Tom Ford, this yellow strapless mini dress debuted on the runway as look 31, modeled by Adina Fohlin. The bold silhouette features a fit...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Vintage Gucci FW 2006 Runway Metallic Gold Bronze Stretch Mini Plunging Dress M
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gucci Metallic Gold Bronze Stretch Mini Sexy Dress F/W Runway 2006 Collection Designer size - M Metallic gold bronze color, Deep plunging neckline, Elasticized band around h...
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Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Early 1990s Chanel Pink Quilted Mini Camera Bag
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel pink cross body camera bag from the early 1990s. In very good vintage condition with two zip top compartments. Lined in cream lambskin the compartments have two smaller interi...
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1990s French Fashion

Thierry Mugler SS 1994 Black Sculptural Jacket
Located in Berlin, BE
The Thierry Mugler’s Spring Summer 1994 jacket is a masterclass in power and precision. It sculpts the body with Mugler’s signature architectural flair - broad, structured shoulders ...
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1990s French Fashion

Fashion: Shop Vintage Clothing, Haute Couture and More

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.

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