1980s Marjon Couture Lilac Evening Maxi Dress

Original late 1930s or early 1940s purple satin and chiffon gown with matching waist sash. This beautiful unlabelled haute couture dress is of superb quality and construction and is ...

This 1960s couture amethyst purple dress is a real showstopper. Tailored from two frothy layers of purple silk of the finest quality, the top layer is made of soft flowing chiffon an...

This vivacious, colourful dress was made in the 1970s by Peterson Maid. A floor-length piece, it is tailored to a classic 1970s silhouette with its flattering nipped-in waist and hig...

This stunning Valentino Boutique gown was designed as part of the Fall 1990 collection, when Mr Garavani was still at the helm of his eponymous fashion house. A dress with the same silhouette, but in green, walked the runway and is pictured here at the end of the presentation. In the same collection, Valentino showed a different style of dress in the same purple-hued ruched silk and lace. Since finding the runway images, we have realised that the detachable bow - photographed by us on the shoulder - can also sit at the waist, or wherever the wearer chooses. Beautifully crafted as only Valentino can, this floor-length gown is tailored from an iridescent silk chiffon that shines between shades of mauve and plum. Up close, the fabric is revealed to be woven with tiny threads of vibrant aqua-blue, which catch the light as the cloth ripples. The gown is cut to a one-shoulder silhouette and has a bustier top where the chiffon is heavily ruched, creating an organic ruffled texture and woven into panels which cross over at the front. The bustier top has a sweetheart neckline and is boned the whole way around, supporting the bust and cinching the waist. The skirt is multilayered and intricately detailed. The bottom layer is crafted from lilac lace and is detailed with flowers and metallic threads. This sits underneath a layer of sheer silk chiffon, revealing flashes of metallic cloth sparkling from underneath. The single strap is crafted from sheer chiffon and is adorned with a large frothy bow that falls elegantly over the shoulder. Vintage Valentino gowns...

1970's Halston purple silk evening gown with a single shoulder strap and wrap skirt featuring a draped waist tie. The silk fabric which the bodice and waist tie are fabricated from i...

Long evening gown in purple chiffon and satin with a sequin neckless collar

1970'S Ecru Polyester Jersey Backless Draped Disco Gown

Lilac raw silk evening dress around the waist and bust. Silk chiffon lining inside the bust. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. Gros-grain inside the waist. SIZE 3...