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#2671 Sold Fortuny stenciled velvet coat, c.1925. Inspired by antique textiles, he reinterpreted old designs to achieve his aesthetic ideal. The Persian-style pattern is in reverse—the ground is stenciled rather than the design, resulting in a raised pattern like voided velvet. The layering of pigments in the stenciling process produces the subtle shading found in Renaissance frescoes. The velvet color shifts from burgundy to claret, depending on the light; the stenciled ground is in shades of silver and gray. NEW LISTING | |
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#2646x $5,900 Sold Gallenga stenciled velvet coat, c.1925. Inspired by medieval fashion, the long, partially open sleeves were also seen in her tabard tea gowns. The simple straight cut is the perfect canvas for stenciled art. The pattern of medieval winged creatures and Chinese Fu dogs is one of the most elaborate she created. The rich and subtle Gothic silver-and-gold stenciling has an exotic fascination that draws the viewer into the rich mystery of the plush velvet. NEW LISTING | |
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#7281 $1,200 Silk lace dress and coat ensemble, early 1930s. The graceful ensemble combines a sexy torso-hugging lace dress and a three-quarter-length lace coat. The floral motifs in the silk lace are worked out with the utmost refinement of delicacy. The interlacings of the flowrets, stems, and leaves have a verisimilitude that nature herself might envy. With its intoxicating distillation of feminine beauty, the stylish ensemble confers a distinct personality and a mysterious attraction on the wearer. NEW LISTING | |
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#7271 $1,250 Metallic brocade flapper evening dress, c.1925. The quintessential flapper style features a long, loose bodice with a dramatic side drape, a wide cummerbund, and draped side panels on the skirt. 2 large rhinestone roses accentuate the silver in the brocade. The rhinestones and silver produce a glittering effulgence that perfectly complements the subtle complexity of the floral pattern redolent with a sense of budding and blossoming life. NEW LISTING | |
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#7279 $1,250 Metallic brocade flapper evening dress, c.1925. Made from from chartreuse green satin brocaded with bronzed gold, the quintessential flapper style features a long loose bodice, drop waist, and swagged skirt. The rich metallic brocade appealed to the flapper's appetite for luxe design. Gold, the face of opulence, was a favorite color. This is the sumptuous, gilded look of the 1920s. The byword then was: if you've got, flaunt it. NEW LISTING | |
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#7280 $950 Lace dress and bolero ensemble, late 1930s. The figure flattering dress accentuates the bust, skims the hip, and flares out below the knee. Open in front and longer and flared in back, the bolero jacket sends a mixed message. It demurely covers the bust, but the bolero stops short at the waist, revealing a sexy dress clinging to the body over the hips. The enchanting ensemble recaptures a past hidden outside the realm of the intellect but embedded in a particular antique garment. NEW LISTING | |
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#2657 $1,200 French devoré velvet dress, c.1925. The simple chemise style, uncluttered with many seams and construction details, is the perfect canvas to display the magnificent textile. The medieval-style pattern features medallions and large, stylized flowers set with quatrefoils and trefoils in an overall grid of branches. The only embellishment—other than the superb textile itself—is a beaded semi-rosette on each side at the hip. The skirt is slit open to the rosette on each side. | |
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#2654 $1,850 Beaded and sequined silk chiffon flapper evening dress, c.1925. The simple flapper chemise is the ideal canvas for textile art when scintillating surface decoration is added. The dazzling combination of an opulent golden hue with alluringly feminine carnation pink makes an indelible impression. It is totally covered with pink and metallic bronze sequins and with silver beads. The torso is straight to the scalloped hipline. The skirt is straight in front and back and is full on the sides. | |
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#c337 $3,800 Sold Jeweled metallic lace evening ensemble, c.1925. Made from gold metallic lace in fine condition, the magnificent ensemble has a matchless splendor and brilliance. The lace is embellished with jewel-tone glass beads and faux pearls. The sparkling beads on a golden canvas convey a regal, luxe work of costume art. The intricate, semi-abstract design uses rounded (feminine) motifs, including the ancient tear-drop boteh. The dress comes with a burnt orange silk chiffon slip. | |
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#c413 $1,250 Metallic brocaded silk chiffon evening dress, 1930s. The long fluid style, with its low cut back, intimates the seductive elegance of the gown. The dress was brocaded with metallic gold flowers, whose motifs have a whimsical charm that tells us the wearer belongs to the aristocracy of style. The opulence of black-and-gold (royal colors) makes an indelible impression on the eye of the viewer. Indeed, it is the burnished metallic gold brocade that epitomizes the luxe design. | |
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#2639 $1,200 Mixed lace dress, early 1920s. Alluring as well as ladylike, the dress recapitulates Spanish fashion history, where black lace has intimated romance and mystery for 400 years. It is constructed from two layers attached at the neckline and armholes. The flared outer layer of black Chantilly lace, black tulle, and embroidered cutwork floats over a straight black satin slip. The black-on-black design enhances the rich complexity of the intricate floral lace motifs. | |
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#7260 $1,250 Egyptian Revival beaded satin flapper dress, c.1925. The hem borders of both slip and tunic are lavishly hand beaded with crystal beads and rhinestones. Smaller motifs outline the neckline. The tunic has long beaded panels that fall from the back shoulders. Both pieces have side slits. The intricate design motifs have been arranged like aesthetic hieroglyphs that impart to the viewer a pleasing, yet enigmatic, message: high style chic with the exotic allure of the East. | |
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#2380 $750 Embroidered cotton tulle dress, c.1925. The lavishly ruffled dress captures the lost innocence of youth. Here is a refreshing simplicity and an endearingly feminine charm that will win all hearts. It is embellished with bands of cut work and embroidery, pin tucks, and delightfully feminine ruffles. While the simple unstructured style fits in a contemporary wardrobe, the exquisite hand embellishment cannot be found on modern garments at this price point. | |
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#2651 $1,450 Reserved Beaded silk damask evening dress, c.1924. The sophisticated white-on-white palette is for the elegant, urbane socialite. White seed beads add nuanced texture to the woven pattern. The pristine clarity of white-on-white relies on texture alone for its effect. The straight silhouette is broken with shorter, flared side skirt panels. The blouson bodice has two layers—an inner shell and an outer tabard open on the sides. What a stylish dress for a sophisticated hostess! | |
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#2664 $7,950 Sold Fortuny Delphos tea gown with original box, 1930s. Based on the pleated linen chitons worn by Greek maidens 2500 years ago, the Delphos gown preserves the poetry of line of the Athenian robe. Incredibly soft and liquid, molding to the curves of the body, the gown—an unconditional statement of beauty—adapts itself to the wearer and to the occasion. The ultimate in high style glamour, the Delphos gown has remained the pre-eminent status symbol for top socialites. | |
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#2439 $1,400 French beaded velvet evening coat, mid 1920s. Made from rose silk velvet and lined with peach satin. The sleeves and sides are elaborately beaded with alternating stripes of roses and geometrics. The sinuous, serpentine beading pattern is visually arresting. The main bands of the floral motif are executed with matchless mastery, conveying the exotic allure of the East. The bracketing patterns of linked circles add a delicate, feminine grace note to the design. The style and finish of clothing from the 1920s in Paris has never been equaled. | |
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#c414 $800 Beaded silk flapper dress, c.1924. I love the earth tones and the inspired, ethnic-style beading in variegated shades of melon, tan, ivory, and blue. The unusual color scheme and geometric patterns reflect design motifs of the American Southwest. The hem and the bodice beaded pattern are bordered with looped beaded fringe. The semi-abstract design motifs have been arranged like aesthetic hieroglyphs that impart to the viewer a pleasing, yet enigmatic, message. | |
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#2660 $850 Reserved Hand-embroidered tulle dress, 1930s. What fab faux sleeves, which gracefully frame the upper arm and offer a sexy glimpse of your bare shoulder! The brilliantly inventive hand embroidery features semi-abstract florals that flutter about concave hexagons and patterned ovals. It is as if Alice had returned from Wonderland to design the delicate, gossamer motifs. The dress recaptures a past hidden from the intellect but embedded in a particular antique garment. | |
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#2574 $1,200 New York silk lace dress, c.1924. Constructed with two separate layers attached at the neckline, shoulders, and drop waist. The slip-style under layer is of black silk chiffon with a skirt lining of black China silk, attached black lace sleeves, and a satin ribbon cummerbund. Its pretty watered silk floral pattern shows through the outer lace—an imaginative design detail. The lace over dress is decorated with velvet ribbon rosettes and streamers that hang from the base of the cummerbund. | |
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#1653 $1,400 Marcelle André evening dress, c.1930. Made from heavenly aubergine silk chiffon with lace inserts, the skirt has an amazing, intricate cut and molds to the hips before falling in soft full folds. The dress comes with a matching satin slip that has a nude silk chiffon top. In every era, there are creators who have fallen into obscurity due to a caprice of fate. Today, savvy collectors are beginning to research neglected designers and their work. I believe that Marcelle André was one such artist, whose creations deserve our respect and approbation. Magnificent labeled French couture! | |
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#6955 $1,400 Beaded chiffon flapper dress, 1920s. Made from cream colored silk chiffon, the torso is embellished with a cobweb style design of white glass beads—some opaque and some clear crystal. The fluid quality of the masterful design accentuates female curves. The neckline is bordered with open work. The dress has a celadon green ribbon cummerbund at the hipline. The hipline medallion glitters with rhinestones and silver-lined crystal beads. The bias cut skirt, which drapes in soft folds, has a wide beaded hem border in the cobweb pattern with more medallions. | |
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#7233 $1,250 Beaded chiffon and crepe evening dress, 1930s. What a delightful soft maize color! Its sunny warmth lights up the room on the dreariest of days. The bodice is of silk chiffon embellished with a grid pattern of clear crystal seed beads and outlined with rhinestones and Swarowski-style crystal beads. The design motif is endearing—a delightful bow tying the "necklace" for the heartbreaker who first wore the dress. With its plunging neckline and glittering rhinestones, this beauty personifies 1930s Hollywood glamour. | |
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#1442 $375 Needlepoint bag with petit point birds, c.1920. What joy and gaiety in the brilliant design with two mythological birds—different on front and back! The design was worked in fine wool petit point. Its exuberance and vivacity has a distinctive and memorable charm. The bag is hung from a gold tone metal frame and is lined with aqua silk. Inside are two pockets with a matching change purse and silk backed mirror. The bag closes with a jeweled cloisonné clasp and has a linked chain handle. | |
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#2577 $950 Bias-cut, rhinestone studded evening dress, 1930s. The body of the dress is substantial weight black rayon crepe. The sheer black georgette bodice and sleeves are studded with glittering rhinestones. The gored, flared skirt lightly skims the hips. On the shoulders, the combination of clear crystal seed beads and sparkling rhinestones creates a subtle glitter effect to dazzle your "audience." The centripetal motifs (circles and ovals) on the shoulders lend a mesmerizing charm to the design. | |
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#6919 $875 Beaded crepe evening blouse, c.1939. Made from black rayon crepe with a persimmon crepe neckline border, the blouse closes on the side with a metal zipper. The blouse is gently fitted at the waistline with darts above a bias-cut peplum. The beaded decoration—with a profusion of coral, turquoise, and burnished gold metal—is spectacular. Here is the showiness and brilliance in clothing celebrated throughout the Great Depression. The creativity of the design motif conveys a stylish elegance that the initiated understand, but which remains a mystery to the rest. | |
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#6993 Sold Gallenga hand-stenciled tea gown, c.1920. Made from pumpkin colored silk velvet, my first Gallenga tea gown has dramatic long pointed sleeves and a square-shaped back train. In the subtle pattern (inspired by Gothic ironwork), birds, hounds, and floral motifs frolic inside pointed ovals. The loose fitting style is comfortable and easy to wear. The coat was signed Maria Monaci Gallenga on the hem of the train. The magnificent creation is a sensational wearable with outstanding investment value. | |
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#2591 $975 Floral chiffon dress, c.1930. With their nostalgic appeal, floral chiffons flutter over the wearer like dancing butterflies. The back cape collar of navy blue chiffon extends over the shoulders and down the front to form fluttery faux sleeves. The gracefully draped bias-cut skirt has a wide hem border of matching navy chiffon. The loose fitting, low-waisted dress slips over the head with no closures. The skirt is smooth over the hips and flared below the hipline. The joyful florals herald the glories of summer to come. | |
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#7220 $375 Silk and lace boudoir cap, 1920s. This lovely silk cap, meant to be worn in the boudoir, is too pretty to hide in private. You can display it in your collection, or wear it as a showpiece summer hat. Made from alternating bands of delicate peach silk and lace, the cap is all original. The upper lace band has narrow peach satin ribbon ruffles. The front of the cap is decorated with four small bouquets of silk ribbon flowers. The back sports a satin ribbon bow. | |
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#7219 $450 French micro-beaded evening bag, 1930s. The surface is covered with black and silver glass micro beads surrounding embroidered flowers. The chain stitch embroidery on the bag is extremely fine. The back and front of the gold tone frame are both decorated with loops of colorful glass beads and Limoges-style enamel medallions. The choice of colors for the large central rose is particularly inspired. The designer used five shades of pink and red, four shades of beige and ivory, plus yellow and mauve. | |
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#7006 $1,950 Reserved Adrienne Landau 1920s style evening coat, 1990s. The exterior is lavishly embroidered with gold thread, Persian-style flowers. The collar and cuffs are luxurious black dyed Finnish fox. The coat is bordered all round with hand-knotted, black cord fringe. Landau's design philosophy of creating fashion "for someone confident about attracting the right kind of attention" has made her a celebrity favorite. The flapper evening coat—even in its modern incarnation—remains a perennial favorite: no other look combines such opulence with such youthful sass. | |
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#2330 $1,600 Sold Beaded silk flapper dress, c.1925. Made from cream colored silk crepe totally beaded from shoulders to hipline with alternating stripes of clear crystal seed beads and silver-lined bugle beads. The silk crepe underskirt extends all the way to the hem. The design ingeniously balances vertical and horizon motifs: the fringed hem panels at the bottom vs. the horizontal beading on the bodice. Here is the quintessential 1920s dress: casual but expensive. The most stylish woman wore her clothes in a free and easy manner like Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby. | |
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#2625 $750 Reserved Cotton tulle summer evening dress, 1930s. Made from ivory cotton tulle embellished with rows of horizontal tucks. The torso of the dress clings to the body like a second skin. The skirt is flared below the hipline with bias-cut panels. The sleeves are open on top of the arms. The lovely dress comes with the original attached slip of ivory taffeta. What a romantic dress for Some Enchanted Evening! | |
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#2517 $1,200 Deco beaded evening dress, late 1920s. The torso is decorated with alternating stripes of opaque white and clear crystal beads that swirl toward elaborate beaded medallions on one side. The scalloped hem border of the original flapper dress has a looped fringe of clear crystal beads. The elaboration of the curvilinear motifs is quite striking. The theme and variations on the geometry of the circle are worked out with great ingenuity throughout the design. It is as if the harsh geometry of Euclid has been trumped by the feminine principle. | |
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#2185 $1,950 French sequined evening jacket, 1930s. The hand-beaded jacket is fashioned from black silk organza, which is sheer like chiffon but has a little more body to hold the shape. It closes at the neckline and waist with small self-covered buttons. Lavishly hand embroidered with multi-colored, sequined flowers. The heart-shaped leaves are quite thrilling! The designer rivals nature in the brilliant profusion of color and form. A work of wearable art with the showiness and brilliance celebrated in the 1930s. | |
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#7189 $5,600 Sold Museum quality opera coat, c.1922. Made from cobalt blue devoré velvet, cut to a ground of bronzed gold metallic lamé. The upper back and sleeve borders are of solid silk velvet elaborately embroidered with a Persian pattern of bronze metallic cord and small, coral colored beads. The kimono-style coat, loosely fitted on top with dramatic wide sleeves, hugs the body over the hips. The Orientalist influence is evident in the smallest details of the intricate figural-floral decoration. | |
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#7079 $850 Gold evening shoes, c.1927-1933. During the prodigal 1920s, the demand for luxury shoes was met by an explosion of surface decoration and color. Gold kid shoes with elaborate decoration met the demand. They appealed to the appetite for extravagant, expensive accessories. These sexy evening shoes were the last word in style. They are fashioned from gold kid leather with cutwork accents. The narrow straps close in front with small gold tone buckles. The Louis heels are tall and slender. | |
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#2583 $1,400 Beaded silk chiffon dress, c.1923. The graceful, long silhouette has the languid, casual charm so highly valued in the 1920s. Two separate layers of black silk chiffon are attached at the neckline and hipline. The outer layer of the skirt, longer than the lining layer, is slit almost to the drop waist on the sides. The dress is covered with beaded pin stripes of iridescent gray/blue/black metallic beads. The pretty beading confers on the overall design a stylish gaiety that will win all hearts. | |
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#6807 Sold Fortuny stenciled silk gauze wrap, c.1920. The caftan-style wrap allows a body-clinging gown to show through. The 3/4-length wrap is cut square with openings for the arms. The edges are trimmed with coral-colored Venetian glass beads. A stenciled Fortuny garment has minimal cuts so that the garment can serve as a canvas for the art work. The hand stenciling is done with real gold metallic pigments aged to a mellow hue. His stenciled pieces are built layer on layer, achieving the effect of an old fresco. | |
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#1640 $875 Beaded silk chiffon jacket, c.1928. The simple cardigan style is a timeless classic. The neckline opening is finished with self binding. What a brilliant kaleidoscope of color! The jacket is covered with a profusion of glass beaded roses in shades of rose, blue, green, and clear crystal. The flowers and leaves are outlined with metallic silver beads. The subtle intricacy of shading cannot be found in modern beaded pieces. The jacket showcases the final flowering of the brilliant Art Deco style. | |
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#2590 $1,450 Flapper beaded floral chiffon day dress, c.1926. This romantic beauty is fashioned from filmy floral chiffon that floats over the body like an ethereal butterfly. The outlines of glass beads that accent the floral pattern convey an urbane stylishness rarely found in a day dress. The subtle color palette of complementary pastels still shows the influence of Art Nouveau. What an artful choice: goldenrod, peach yellow, salmon pink, old lace white, and dark lilac. Nature herself would be envious! | |
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#7176 $850 Silver brocade evening shoes with provenance, c.1923-1927. Made from metallic silver damask woven with a floral pattern of roses. The T-strap and cutwork pattern are silver kid. The complex "cutwork apron" style was the latest word in fashion at the time. The shoes have shapely Louis heels 2 1/2" high. The straps close with small silver buttons. The shoes belonged to Katherine Drexel, daughter of Josephine Wharton Drexel and great granddaughter of Francis Martin Drexel, founder of the Drexel family in the United States. | |
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#7253 $950 Reserved Hand-embroidered Chinese export coat, early 1920s. Made from natural beige silk, the body of the coat is asymmetrically embroidered with large raised floral bouquets. The slightly flared style was perfect over the slim dresses of the 1920s and will work just as well over a modern slip dress. The deep side slits, drop shoulders, and wide sleeves give a relaxed and easy fit. The powerful verisimilitude of the sublime floral design is the work of a master embroiderer-designer. | |
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#4108 $1,200 Bias-cut floral silk crepe dress, 1930s. Fashioned from navy/black silk crepe printed with large, cheerful floral bouquets. The halter front is attached at the back neckline to the back panel. The dress slips over the head with no closures. The floral motif is carried through with brilliant and delicate taste. The bias cut with the softly draped and almost bare back (fabulous back interest!) creates the fluid sensuality that we associate with glamorous 1930s dresses. | |
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#4119 $475 Mixed lace cardigan jacket, 1920s. Fashioned from ivory cotton tulle machine embroidered with an all-over zigzag pattern. Bands of lace outline the front opening, cuffs, and sleeve caps. The hem is trimmed with a wide border of floral lace. The jacket is open in the front with no closures. The airy lightness of the design is a treat for the eyes. Wear it with jeans or as an evening jacket. Either way, you will have the unique vintage "look" without the high cost of handmade lace. | |
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#7068 $950 Black silk lace dress, 1930s. The long straight torso of the dress is broken at the waist with an attached peplum, which is fuller in back, and above the knee with a bias-cut flared skirt. The rounded neckline plunges dramatically low in back. This sophisticated dress features bold black roses embroidered on a delicate ground of net and leaves. Our wonder at the amazing verisimilitude (normally seen only in fine art) of the embroidered roses and leaves certifies the design as a true marriage of nature and art. | |
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#7170 $1,150 Beaded silk chiffon flapper dress, late 1920s. The two-piece style consists of a slip dress and shell top. The skirt and shell are totally covered with small silver-lined crystal beads. Made of rose pink silk chiffon, both pieces slip over the head with no closures. The upper skirt fits smoothly over the hips (on a fuller figure). The bias-cut, circular lower skirt drapes longer on one side. The pretty rose color is irresistible. | |
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#4127 $750 French metallic lace cloche, c.1923. The mid-1920s cloche, or bell-shaped hat, is a perennial favorite because it perfectly frames the face. The frame is totally covered with bronzed gold metallic lace, while the crown is lined with gray silk and interlined with metallic gold lamé. The bouquet of silk ribbon flowers on one side is delightful. The flowers have soft pastel and metallic gold stripes. The striped ribbon used to fashion the leaves is textured with ruffled edges. Here is a verisimilitude that nature herself would envy. | |
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#7261 $950 Beaded chiffon dress, late 1920s. The effortless styling of this timeless dress appears fresh and modern. The slightly A-line shape with cap sleeves evokes the elegant simplicity of 1970s Halston. On one side of the dress is a deep slit, allowing for easy movement. It is embellished all over with faceted black glass beads, whose gay sparkle adds life to the black-on-black design. The semi-abstract design motifs impart to the viewer a pleasing, yet enigmatic, message. | |
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#2391 $950 Chiffon evening cape, 1930s. Dramatically shaped with fluttering double layers of black chiffon that plunge from just below the bust in front to full length in back. The amazing scalloped edges are thematically repeated in the multi-layered petal collar. The cape closes at the neckline with two hooks concealed behind the corded chiffon trim. Is it the black chiffon cocoon or the exotic scalloping that creates an inviting yet enigmatic intimacy? The sphinxian cape will wrap a stylish woman in the mystery of the night, making an unforgettable impression as she makes a dramatic entrance. | |
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#6918 $700 Beaded velvet evening blouse, c.1938. The blouse is fashioned from black rayon velvet. It closes in front with a metal zipper and can also be worn as a jacket. The sleeve caps have narrow pads to support the slight puff. With its coral and turquoise combination, the beading pattern is reminiscent of Navajo jewelry design. The pattern is outlined with burnished metallic gold beads. The bold beaded design executed in assertive, contrasting hues creates an almost hypnotic aesthetic tension that holds the viewer's eye. | |
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#2515 $1,250 Beaded silk chiffon dance dress, 1930s-40s. Made with an outer layer of black silk chiffon over a black silk crepe slip. The beige chiffon top of the slip is attached to the dress at the neckline. The sleeves and belt front are embellished with large opaque white beads and clear crystal seed beads. The ankle-length gored skirt flares above the knee with inserted bias-cut panels and flounces. This is a Ginger Rogers dress! With swirling skirt and sleeves, a dazzling dance dress shaped for movement makes a great dance even more spectacular. | |
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#7187 $750 Beaded knit flapper evening bag, c.1925. The cheerful bag is knitted with cranberry red cotton yarn, decorated with red glass beads, and lined with matching silk. Bead knitting incorporates beads into the design by stringing the beads on the knitting yarn. The bead knitted product rarely has the bead loss seen when beads are stitched onto a cloth surface. The ingenious design of accordion-like pleats gives to the bag the elastic compactness of a super chic mini-bag. | |
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#6713 $375 Silk folding pocketbook, 1930s. Black silk moiré faille on the exterior and lined with peach moiré faille. The interior has three pockets on one flap, a snapped flap pocket on the center panel, and a mirror with comb on the other flap. Very fine petit point embroidery was used to embellish the exterior flap with a colorful little birdie. | |
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#6763 $850 French silk velvet jacket, 1930s. Made from soft black silk velvet, the luxe jacket reminds me of the clothing favored by the young American expatriates in the film, The Talented Mr. Ripley—the sort of ease and elegance that comes from money and leisure. They were not afraid to be stylish or artistic—or decadent for that matter. The shawl collar of butterscotch silk velvet ties at the back of the neck. The gracefully draped skirt of the jacket is bias cut. The ivory silk lining features a set-in pocket with bows on each end. | |
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#2270 $1,200 Caftan-style evening dress, 1920s. This superb example of Orientalism features a black silk chiffon caftan worn over a black satin slip. An ethnic motif added drama and mystery to the design and warranted the sophistication of the wearer. The caftan is embellished in front with a wide panel of gold metallic lace. The sides are open; inside bands at the waist connect the front to the back. The fetching silk ribbon flowers and the simple but ingenious construction create an irresistible feminine appeal. | |
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#2410 $850 Printed silk day dress, late 1920s. The floral print has a fresh innocence that is irresistible, perhaps due to the improbable purple binding around the edges or to the layers of flirty ruffles. The dress is fashioned from pale green silk crepe de chine printed with a disarming design of plaid lines and flowers. The sleeveless torso is straight to the hipline, where it breaks to overlapping rows of bias-cut ruffles. The large cape collar (tying in front) forms faux sleeves. The bodice front insert is of embroidered organdy backed with silk chiffon. Here is an endearing charm that will win all hearts! | |
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#4101 $475 Flapper velvet skull cap, late 1920s. By the late 1920s, the bell shaped cloche was pared down even more to become a skull cap. The look of streamlined modernism, seen in all areas of design, seems fresh and relevant today. This essential flapper accessory is fashioned from black silk velvet and is lined with black felt. The hard-edge skull shape is softened with bouquets of black velvet petals that frame the face. Skull caps are perfect for bad hair days—just tuck your hair up inside the cap and forget about it. | |
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#2095 $700 Embellished straw cloche hat, c.1923. The fashion magazines of 1920s show the cloche hat as the distinctive flapper fashion accessory. Made from café-au-lait brown straw, our hat has a small wired brim of matching silk taffeta. The milliner pulled out all the stops with the exuberant embellishment. Plump padded fruits are combined with stylized beaded silk flowers and cellophane-type leaves. The fun loving style personifies the joyful mood of the 1920s. | |
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#2430 $1,250 Metallic lace evening dress, mid 1920s. Fashioned in layers connected at the shoulders and hipline. The under layer is a slip of black satin; the outer layer is made from black knotted net lace embroidered with black silk floss leaves and a zigzag pattern of burnished gold floss. The large gold lamé rose at the shoulder and the black-and-gold Deco clasp at the hipline are fabulous period details. The petal-shaped hemline is to die for! Here is a dress worthy of an exceptional woman, a hostess who unites graceful repose and unaffected dignity with the most amiable regard for others. | |
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#7069 $950 Velvet flapper dress, c.1925. Made from cheerful, cherry colored velvet, the sides are decorated at the hipline with large ruched velvet flowers and panels of metallic embroidered tulle. The edges of the flower petals are outlined with bronze metallic cord. The resplendent embroidery combines colorful silk floss and bronze metallic cord on a ground of sheer black silk tulle. The mellow burnished glow of the panels is the tribute that time pays to beauty. This is indeed that rare, luxurious dress that can produce the incandescent effect of a fashionable woman seen at her best. | |
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#2315 $950 Silk chiffon & lace dress, 1930s. The body-conscious diaphanous dresses from the 1930s are treasured by collectors for their fluid grace. The ultra-feminine dress combines delicate, pale peach chiffon with matching silk lace. The body-hugging style is broken above the hipline with flirty bias-cut lace ruffles. The lace skirt falls in gentle folds. The silk lace motifs are executed with consummate artistry, creating a delicate floral design of the utmost feminine allure. This fabulous dress epitomizes the seductive sensuality of 1930s glamour. | |
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#2396 $2,600 Paquin velvet evening cape, 1920s. The attached upper shoulder cape with rows of ruffles across the back creates the illusion of sleeves, but there are no armholes. The layered, clutch-style cape has no closures. Here is Paquin's originality and flair for glamorous, romantic clothing—couture as both a temporal art (music) and an immediate, instantaneous art ( painting). Like the former, couture reveals itself over time as the wearer makes her entrance. Like the latter, couture has an immediate, instantaneous effect on the first time viewer. | |
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#7214 $750 Straw cloche flapper hat, mid 1920s. The mid-1920s cloche, or bell-shaped hat, is a perennial favorite because it perfectly frames the face. Made from natural brown straw, the hat is lined with black striped silk. The brim is accented with alternating rows of gold and yellow braided ribbon. The plump padded grapes cascading down one side are spectacular. They are made from sheer organdy stuffed with colored yarn. The leaves are velvet and taffeta. | |
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#6785 $850 Flapper printed velvet day dress, c.1925. The torso of the slip is black silk crepe. The attached skirt and over blouse are fashioned from silk velvet printed with a small scale Deco geometric design. Both the slip and the over blouse slip over the head with no closures. The style is effortless and easy to wear. The simple style is nicely detailed with open work at the neckline and pointed sleeves at the wrist. A draped, bias-cut front panel softens the straight lines of the skirt. A stylish "fashion uniform" from the 1920s! | |
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#7057 $750 Suede T-strap shoes, c.1927-1933. The rising hemlines of the 1920s focused attention on the exposed leg and foot. By the late 1920s, heels were higher, and cutwork over the toes was popular. The fabulous T-strap shoes were then the acme of style. These knockout shoes are fashioned from burgundy suede and lined with tan kid. The cutwork areas and straps are decorated with narrow bands of matching top-stitched kid. The straps close with brass buckles. The Louis heels are high and slender. | |
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#6628 $950 Chanel-style black flapper dress, c.1926. This creative interpretation of the LBD is made from black sheer silk chiffon over a black crepe slip. The Chanel exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum in 2005 had a similar Chanel original. The floating back cape gracefully emphasizes the dip of the skirt. The flirty handkerchief hem of the bias-cut skirt that dips lower in back is a delightful touch. The bias cut had been invented by Madeleine Vionnet in 1922, only four years before this dress saw the light of day. | |
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#6950 $900 Silk velvet evening coat, c.1936. Made from luxurious silk velvet, the elegant velvet evening coat captures the glamour aesthetic of the 1930s. The collar is tightly pleated around the neck to stand up and frame the face. The leg-of-mutton sleeves are puffed at the top. The opulent burgundy hue gives our luxe coat an enduring significance and charm. Indeed, it is a coat with an "attitude," conveying both old money assurance and the confidence of supreme stylishness. | |
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#4043 $375 Sequined evening cap, 1920s-1930s. Fancy evening caps were an essential part of the wardrobe of the most stylish flappers. Made from black cotton net totally covered with glittering silver blue sequins. I love the mixture of textured sequins on the crown. The cap has a look of streamlined modernism—so fresh and relevant today. The Juliet cap was in vogue in the 1530s and the 1960s. Now is time for another revival! | |
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#4105 $550 Sequined net evening cap, late 1920s. Here is the Twenties look of streamlined modernism in this cap with a charming turned up brim; a look that again seems fresh and relevant. You will be the party's darling cynosure in this one-of-a-kind, elaborately embellished cap with gold and orange silk braid, bronze metallic braid, and bronze sequins on a ground of black net. An ultra-fashionable cap like our evening cap would been part of a stylish, modern wardrobe in America as well as in England in the late 1920s. |