1990s Jacques Azagury Purple Taffeta Victorian Inspired Dress

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...

This rare ensemble was created for Fall 2000 by French couturier Christian Lacroix. It comprises a button-up jacket and an ankle-length skirt. A dress in the same fabric and with the...

This extraordinary 1970s full length purple wool couture dress is by Greek couture dress is by celebrated Greek designer Nikos-Takis and is of excellent quality. This unusual piece f...

This is a brilliant example of Ceil Chapman's early work from the late 1940s to early 1950s and the black taffeta silk design is exquisite. Its the first thing you notice about this dress which has the most unusual construction. The skirt's textured element from a distance looks like a floral design but its actually a large number of circular pleated stitched designs. The way the fabric is pulled and stitched creates an almost 3D effect. We have never seen this work before but it would have taken a very skilled seamstress and an incredible amount of time to do it. The dress style is a classic shirtwaister design with three taffeta covered buttons to fasten the bodice which is beautifully shaped and Princess seamed. The sleeves are three quarter length and feature a folded cuff...

A theatrical and romantic creation by Victor Costa, this iridescent purple evening gown captures the designer’s flair for sculptural glamour and fantasy couture. Crafted from lustrou...

This Vicky Tiel dress is a stunning vintage piece with pleated silk taffeta on the skirt and sleeves. The bodice has lace and the bust has ruched fabric. The dress also has boning on...

Vicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Organza Floral Detail On Back - 42. This special gown is in excellent condition. This dress features a...

Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1980s Iridescent purple silk taffeta maxi dress featuring ruffled neckline & attached self-fabric tie belt, ruched elasticated bodice leading to tiered drop-wa...