Voluminous Strapless Lavender Tulle Balloon-Ruffle Ballerina Ball Gown– S, 1950s

From the personal estate of department store heiress Estela Jàcome, this dress came from her own department store and was purpose-built for the holidays. Printed in a green and turquoise Christmas ornament motif, the dress features a matching tassel belt that is TO DIE FOR. People will talk. Sleeveless cocktail dress with all-over tasseled Christmas ornament print...

Though it’s almost a half century old, this cocktail dress—with its oversize front bow, puffed shoulders and cinched waist—could have walked off the spring runway. It is a perfect mother-of-the-bride dress...

Ideally suited for a gal with a long waist, this zinger of a party dress “poufs” abruptly where the skirt meets the bodice for a dramatic tabletop skirt effect. Endless yards of tulle make the dress look like lime cotton candy. Strapless prom dress with straight cut bodice and slightly curved dropped waist. Lace princess bodice features flexible boning around full circumference and fixed self rose at left front hip; full circle skirt with two taffeta underslips (one trimmed in crinoline) and double tulle outer skirt. Center back zipper closure with top hook and eye; hanging loops. Fully lined in lime taffeta. fabric: lace, taffeta, tulle noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: invisibly repaired one 1 ¾” loss in outer tulle skirt layer condition: very good with above repair measurements: bust: 31” underbust / rib cage: 28” waist: 26” bodice length: 11” – 13 ½” hips: free skirt length: 31” total length: 42” from underarm sweep: 180” (outer tulle layers), 140” (middle taffeta layer), 88” (taffeta lining) label: Jessica McClintock...

An alluring, yet fully-covered gown for those brides who seek modesty without looking mousy, this wedding gown was custom-made for a 1951 bride who valued discretion and beauty in equal measure. Though this gown pre-dates Kelly's, it is strikingly similar to the Helen Rose gown Grace Kelly wore to her wedding to Prince Ranier in 1956. Ivory lace wedding dress with high neckline and narrow Peter Pan collar with 33 working covered buttons from navel to throat; illusion sleeves, upper back and upper chest with interior attached ivory camisole beneath. Pointed sleeves with 8 working covered buttons at each forearm; lightly puffed shoulders with petite interior shoulder pads. V-shaped front and rear waist seam with gentle gathers in back; free-hanging lace overlay skirt with cathedral train. Skirt fully lined in free-hanging ivory acetate with additional rear tulle lining for fullness. Matching Juliet cap...