Massachusetts - Fashion

Acquired from the French flagship Christian Dior Boutique in Paris when John Galliano was its artistic director of both haute couture and ready-to-wear, he designed this hip-accentua...

This coat is simply amazing - an exquisite Blin + Blin custom couture wool and mink fur coat circa the 1950s. The luxurious mink fur accents and highest quality tailoring make this piece a truly elegant choice for the colder months. The coat is absolutely luxurious and the quality of the wool is unmatched by anything you'll find today; it's soft, supple, and has a wonderful feel on the skin. The coat has a loose, cocoon swing coat silhouette with bracelet-length bell sleeves accented by three bands of plush mink. The collar is further accented with mink. There's a floral wreath-shaped button closure with snaps at the neckline, and two front pockets. Fully lined. This is a coat you will wear and treasure for a lifetime. Excellent condition. Tags include a Blin+Blin 1827 maker's tag stamped with the custom order number of 304102. Estimated best fit is a modern size M-L. Please check your measurements to ensure a good fit, remembering to leave room for garments and movement for comfort. Shoulder to Shoulder: 17" Bust: 44" Waist: 44" Hips: 44" Sleeve Length: 20" Collar to Hem: 38.5" About Blin+Blin: Blin et Blin was a family-run French company founded in 1827 in the Alsace area of France which later moved to Normandy when the region was annexed to Germany. Blin+Blin specialized in the manufacture of luxury woolen cloth. During the 1920s it opened subsidiaries in Northern France and Britain and became one of France's leading woolen manufacturers. Blin+Blin supplied the Lilli Ann design house, one of the most collectible US mid-century vintage brands...

Judith Leiber essential evening clutch, the entire surface covered in clear crystals. Slightly rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Gold metal frame, crystal studded clasp, and...

Unique, ivory woven summer bag hand painted with multicolored tulips across the wide body front and back, as well as on the double wooden loop handles, which are painted in gold, exc...

For her eponymous brand's second collection for Fall/Winter 2002, British Stella McCartney designed this airy layered silk-chiffon empire-waist cap-sleeve rose-color pullover blouse,...

Black plush wool maxi coat features double-breasted styling and self sash. The coat buttons up to the pointed collar. Set-in sleeves with two buttons at each wrist and shoulder epaul...

Stunning jacket by Pauline Trigère, c.1970s, in black smooth wool featuring a deep black fox border at the hem. Single breasted with self buttons and bound buttonholes, a shallow man...

For the late British designer's Spring/Summer 1999 fashion show, this Vivienne Westwood runway-look three-piece ensemble of a black corset-sty...

Odette Barsa was primarily renowned for her exquisite lingerie, produced from the 1930s-1970s, and this vibrant red print ensemble may have been originall...

Elegant 1930s black velvet clutch featuring an Art Deco clasp of rectangular form, complementing the softly rounded upper edge of the bag. The clasp is composed of marcasite in an op...

This vintage amusing enameled silver pendant adjustable-chain unsigned necklace, belt or novel interior decoration features heart-shaped two-inch...

The late Italian Gianni Versace near the end of his life--cut short by his murder in July 1997--designed this couture heavily-embroidered semi-transparent silk chiffon sleeveless hou...

For her Fall/Winter 2002 runway finale with the model embodying a "jeans bride", Stella McCartney debuted this unique ethereal lingerie-like black transparent silk georgette blouse ...

In 1999, Rei Kawakubo (b. 1942) focused on unprecedented sculptural texture and irregular color blocking to design her Comme des Garcons Spring/Summer 2000 collection, which was domi...

Unusual Norma Kamali vintage long with halter straps extending up from a double triangular insert that tapers to a low curve in back. Fashioned of black crepe, the skirt fits snugly ...

Lovely style and fabric in this summer dress of lavender voile embroidered allover with a repeat linear pattern in white and edged with a narrow white scallop. The shirt-style dress ...

This Alaia Paris black set of a very soft 100% leather high-waisted derriere-enhancing pencil mini skirt and rare logo scoop-neck T-shirt were made around the early 1990s by the foun...

Rosenfeld c.1960s evening bag with chain of gold metal metal molded in a quilted and wave design. A gold metal triangular clasp, echoed on the rever...

Classic 1960s handbag by Rosenfeld in black leather stamped to resemble alligator, its outstanding feature the curved clasp of brushed goldtone metal with leather center that lifts u...

Hard-to-find 1930s cocktail dress in excellent condition with a scoop-neck, sleeveless bodice of black silk charmeuse and a tiered skirt of black lace. The bodice is studded with rhi...

1960s evening dress by Malcolm Starr in pale pink satin with beaded emellishment throughout. This consists of primarily silver beads in various shapes and sizes, the body covered wit...

A profusion of multicolored beads and sequins adorns the surface of this eye-catching evening jacket. The mostly pastel beads cover the entire black silk surface in a riotous patter...

Appearing in several versions on the Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2003 collection runway with silk oversized long bell sleeves (see our photos of the gold and white versions beginn...

Among the early standout sexy shoes designed by Stella McCarney for her eponymous British brand, these four-inch steel stilettos with maroon-ombre resin hee...

Petite gold mesh bag by Whiting & Davis with wrist strap and curved gold metal frame itch engraved initials "WMF".

In the sexy sleek skin-tight style that Texan Tom Ford introduced as the former artistic director at Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche while the French esteemed eponymous designer was r...

Turquoise suede pumps feature a bow held in middle by lucite element at the low vamp and a sculpted plastic heel. Approximate size 7.

Sheer black lace dress from the 1930s with a fitted bodice through the hips and bias-cut skirt with scalloped seam going from low to high, where...

Featuring a dramatic never-worn zipper skirt from the iconic Spring/Summer 1986 Alaia Paris collection--which dominated the Vanity Fair published preview of Foundation Azzedine Alaia...

Small shoulder bag in fur, probably raccoon, with black leather frame and long gold chain. Black interior. Unmarked. Chain length: 37".

Cropped jacket in navy blue wool studded throughout with pearls and featuring a short shawl collar and curved front. Set-in narrow sleeves. Navy crepe lining. Approximate size 6.

This unusual mid-century lingerie-style black mini dress with a semi-transparent skirt that conjures a historic pinup-girl like Bettie Page is suitable as a mini dress as part of an evening ensemble. It was probably meant by its New York designer to be paired with slim cropped pants, which became popular in The States after worn by Hollywood-movie actresses Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The A-line short dress was most likely made by the former ready-to-wear fashion company following the revolutionary debut by French Christian Dior of his couture cinched-waist-voluminous-skirt "New Look" collection, whereafter German Sonja de Lennart introduced "Capris" in 1949, and American Hugh Hefner launched Playboy magazine in 1953. The complex hourglass-shaped garment features a double v-neck four-seamed ruched lined bodice in a crepe silky woven fabric. Its defined gathered bust extends from the chest seams at two angles to form short dolman sleeves only in the front, while there are arm seams in back. The gathered see-through black faux-lace organza flared skirt reveals a black velvet-textured scalloped floral pattern with a net underlayer. With beige lining, the self-trim band at the waist enables the folded scalloped-lace pattern to continue to stand out on the opaque black torso. The edges of the peplum and sleeves are further cut in a scallop shape to resemble more delicate eyelash-lace trim. The brand label of the obsolete line is the only interior tag that remains. Camouflaging the midsection, the flattering dress will best suit a U.S.-size 6. It can also be worn by larger sizes with a relatively slim waist and small or large bust as there is no restriction at the hips or wide armholes. At the waistline, a hook and looped cord fasten over the bypass zipper to better conceal it. Notably, the steel-tab-and-teeth zipper is an original U.S-made Murlen model, which was used in new clothes from the 1940s to 1960s and helps to date the mid-century dress.

Double-faced fuchsia wool swing coat with deep shawl collar, single breasted with low patch pocket and turn-back cuffs. Welted seams. Unlabeled. Size M.

Vintage taupe bathing cap in "pixie" fringe style with one rhinestone at top. Size Small.

c.1990s Gianni Versace coat in soft 15% cashmere/wool blend, featuring a true double-breasted style that buttons up to a small round collar. The body of the coat has seams towards th...

In his classic long flared silhouette, Japanese Yohji Yamamoto skillfully designed with bias-cut draping both this navy ribbon-trimmed notched-lapel single-breasted lined jacket and ...

Large envelope clutch of maroon lizard with interested latch closure. Lined in camel suede. Compartmentalized interior. Most likely made in Argentina.

Classic Missoni men's pullover featuring a complicated intarsia design in subtle colors of mostly beiges and grays highlighted by teal. Fabric is a soft bl...

Made in France in 1960 by the futurist fashion designer Pierre Cardin (1922-2020), this "Creation Paris" (all capitals including brand) couture pair of supple kidskin leather black g...

For his first collection for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche for Spring/Summer 2001, American Tom Ford debuted on the Paris runway this tuxedo-style black virgin-wool evening skirt-su...

When Belgian former fashion designer Martin Margiela debuted gold-Lurex knits while French luxury-goods Hermes Womenswear Artistic Director, simultaneously in Fall 1999, he introduced at his eponymous Paris-based Maison Martin Margiela a collection featuring 1970s-inspired Lurex-accented sweaters, along with oversized loose clothes intended for either women or men. Including a distinct black-printed white-folded tag stitched into a seam by Italian experimental knitter Miss Deanna, who created many memorable knits under Margiela's artistic direction, this Margiela sparkly finely-knit viscose-and-Lurex-blend long-sleeve pullover is a minimalist unisex design with narrow ribbed trim at the crewneck, wrists and hem. Its "Made In Italy" size 44 with a 15.5-inch shoulderline is without darts and drapes like a one-size-fits-most stretch T-shirt. The lightweight sweater was knit from pale-gold, grey and blue yarns into an ombre pattern like a dip-dye technique associated with fabric. Yet the additional glittery orange-tone metallic thread (difficult to photograph due to reflections) interspersed throughout was clearly not dyed or printed. Conversely, Margiela's Fall 1999 Artisanale Line 0 collection that was produced instead by his Parisian team explored the textural effects of hand-painting fabrics, such as the unisex T-shirts that were striped or obscured with thick silver paint. Earlier in the 1990s, Margiela had reproduced some vintage...

Donna Karan vintage ensemble, c.1990s, incorporating her signature designs - the bodysuit and the simple black shape. Here the bodysuit is a romantic white blouse featuring a large p...

Quintessential Sonia Rykiel ensemble consisting of a pullover sweater and slim skirt in ivory wool knit, c.1980s. On top, the sweater is distnguished by a button opening in front and...

Over 20 years ago, the late Roberto Cavalli who recently died in 2024 designed this silk-and-cotton top-and-jeans set showcasing his signature mix of animal prints with luxurious emb...

This couture lace transparent red-and-black floral-pattern silk sleeveless evening midi dress, with an eyelash-lace boatneck and hem, is constructed with torso tucks above and below ...

Cole Haan vintage red leather jacket with cropped styling and straight cut. The jacket features banded mock collar, hem, front placket and...

1960s silk evening coat in bright pink silk features an A-line profile with three-quarter sleeves and mandarin collar. Double-breasted, bound buttonh...

1950s-'60s cropped ivory sweater covered in ABA sequins and studded throughout in a turquoise bead and pearl motif; turquoise beaded edging is further ad...

Like a turtleneck ensemble acquired by TheMet Costume Institute, Ann Demeulemeester designed this bold-silhouette contrasting-texture wool set of chocolate ribbed high-neck cropped tight knit sweater and black bias-cut crepe mini skirt for her Fall/Winter 1996-1997 collection, when the latter low-waisted garment without a waistband was worn on the Paris runway over trousers. The soft thick darted pullover jumper characteristically has the designer's hallmark of oversized exaggerated cuffs, which can be left unfolded for a more feminine look. The Belgian designer meticulously tailored the brushed-wool skirt so that its three seams are in the back, where there are also darts to flatter the bias drape, two belt loops, and invisible zip closure at the center. Aside from featuring knitted turtlenecks in almost every ensemble that debuted on the runway that season, this collection was significant because Demeulemeester--who was known for her black-and-white palette of monochromatic pieces until she retired from her independent label in 2013--added colors and textures including this sweater. However, red was the only color featured on the runway. For an alternative pairing idea, we included a photo of a similar brown ribbed darted high-neck sweater, which was worn in Demeulemeester's runway show for Fall/Winter 2000, but with a shiny billowy slit maxi skirt...

1950s-'60s black microbeaded clutch with fishscale motif of contrasting smooth and faceted beads throughout. The gold metal frame is beaded as well, here with a chain design on top of solid beads, which, both here and in the body lend three-dimensionality to the clutch. Interior is black satin with open side compartments. Unlabeled, but most of these mid-century beaded bags...

Wonderful red plaid coat featuring a wide belt, mandarin collar, and turn-back cuffs, accented with a fringed scarf. Fitted bodice, slight A-line skirt....

Anne Fogarty maxi dress featuring a scooped and ruffled neckline, cap sleeves, and empire waist fastened with a black velvet sash; one deep and one shallow ruffle at hem complement t...

Valerie Porr produced an eponymous line of quintessentially 1970s clothing, many of the styles based on the wrap silhouette, from her Soho loft that was retailed through her neighbor...

This timeless quintessential corseted, shirred, ruched and topstitched "little black dress" produced by Victor Costa in the 1980s was made for the high standards of New York's trendsetting Bergdorf Goodman. It was the first U.S. luxury department store to order exclusive special-occasion dresses from this Texas designer and subsequently to give him a namesake in-store boutique. He soon became associated with the feminine glamorous gowns worn by "PYT" (Costa-speak for pretty young things) on the Dallas-based television-series "Dynasty", which idealized status-conscious Texan women mostly via fashion. With a strapless curvaceous sweetheart neckline, narrow sinuous folds of crepe silk-blend jersey cross diagonally below the decollete, while contrasting vertical ruching defines the seven bones of the invisible corset structure that is fully lined on the interior. Under the bust in front below the empire-like peaked high waist, the fitted tucked underlay of the cocktail dress wraps around the back to end as an overlay in front, where the opening on the left side extends to the bodice like a discreet slit. The freely hanging bias-cut overlay in front is gathered underneath each breast for a forgiving central drape that adds additional curves to make the wearer's torso underneath appear in sleek condition despite a potentially less than ideal figure. The dress closes with a concealed zipper in the center of the back, with exterior hook-and-eye fastening to narrow the waist. There is a second concealed hook-and-eye fastener at the top of the zipper. Although the only remaining tag is the Costa/Bergdorf label, it is a contemporary U.S.-size 8, which will also suit a large-busted size 6 or a svelte size 10. Now 88 years old, Victor Costa (b.1935) became widely known by the 1980s in The States for perfecting affordable luxurious gowns that could be mistaken for one-of-a-kind flamboyant designs by foreign couturiers Christian Lacroix, Arnold Scaasi, Oscar de la Renta or Valentino Garavani. Early on, the avid female sketcher...

With an black exotic fishskin exterior, this Made In France brimmed denim-lined fedora hat that was handcrafted by the acclaimed late French milliner Jacques Le Corre...

c.1970 Victor Costa for Romantica long dress combining a black sequin bodice juxtaposed with a large-scale taffeta plaid for the full ankle-length skirt and short puffed sleeves, a n...

Black faux astrakhan coat that features a detachable cape. The fitted, princess-style body is single breasted and fastens with 8 black stone and silver...

Floral pattern clutch in a subtle palette of pinks and greens by Koret, known as one of the best creators of handbags in mid-century America. This evening clutch has a textured gold ...

Krizia black silk tunic printed with large white outline of a big cat, accented with green eyes and a red mouth. Straight, loose cut with dolman, short sleeves...

MM handbag c.1960s in dark pink, the leather featuring horizontal, curved stitching resulting in a quilted effect. The faux tortoise handles echo the shape of the bag and snap together to close. A coordinating faille interior has an attached money purse...