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Fashion For Sale
Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress
Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress

Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress

By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston

Located in San Diego, CA

Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small). Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches A spectacular and exceptionally rare 1976 Halston Couture gold lamé sarong dress, embodying the effortless glamour and Studio 54-era sophistication that made Halston one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century. Cut from luminous liquid gold lamé, this dramatic one-shoulder design features Halston’s signature Grecian-inspired draping, an elegant shoulder tie detail, and an asymmetrical sarong-style wrap silhouette that moves beautifully with the body. This museum-worthy design represents everything collectors seek in early Halston couture: minimalist construction, luxurious fabric, sensual draping, and timeless glamour. The fluid silhouette appears deceptively simple while showcasing the masterful engineering and bias-cut techniques that established Halston as the designer of choice for fashion icons, socialites, and Hollywood royalty throughout the 1970s. A nearly identical version of this iconic design was worn by legendary journalist and television personality Barbara Walters at the MET Gala in 1977, further cementing the style’s place in American fashion history. The design has also appeared in museum exhibitions dedicated to Halston’s groundbreaking work and was famously revisited decades later when supermodel Carmen Kass wore the same striking silhouette on the red carpet, demonstrating the enduring relevance and collectibility of Halston’s most celebrated creations. The shimmering gold lamé fabric catches light from every angle, creating the liquid-metal effect that became synonymous with Halston’s eveningwear. Equally at home at a black-tie gala, museum event, luxury resort, or red-carpet occasion, this is the type of archival Halston couture piece that rarely surfaces on the market. Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small). Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches Halston’s work has been collected and exhibited by major institutions including the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and his influence continues to resonate through designers such as Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, and Narciso Rodriguez. Style this extraordinary piece with metallic Christian Louboutin heels, a sculptural Bottega Veneta clutch, vintage Cartier jewelry, or statement pieces from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Gucci for an effortlessly glamorous look. vintage halston couture dress, 1976 halston, gold lamé dress, gold lame gown, one shoulder evening dress, sarong dress, studio 54 fashion...

Category

1970s American Fashion

CHANEL Little Black Tweed Dress with CC Buttons 38 FR
CHANEL Little Black Tweed Dress with CC Buttons 38 FR

CHANEL Little Black Tweed Dress with CC Buttons 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Little Black Tweed Dress with CC Buttons — Iconic & celebrity-cited — as seen on Lily-Rose Depp — — this Chanel little black dress is a cultural unit — and this versio...

Category

2010s Fashion

CHANEL ARCTIC ICE Collectible Runway Suit 40 FR
CHANEL ARCTIC ICE Collectible Runway Suit 40 FR

CHANEL ARCTIC ICE Collectible Runway Suit 40 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL Fall 2010 — From the “Arctic Ice” Runway by Karl Lagerfeld
 – Graphite Cashmere Suit - Dress with Fantasy Fur Accents and The Fluffy Cashmere Bouclé Jacket evokes both glac...

Category

2010s Fashion

Gucci Vintage Plus Bag Circa Late 1970s Black Canvas Green Red Stripe a Story
Gucci Vintage Plus Bag Circa Late 1970s Black Canvas Green Red Stripe a Story

Gucci Vintage Plus Bag Circa Late 1970s Black Canvas Green Red Stripe a Story

By Gucci

Located in Port Hope, ON

This is a Gucci Plus bag, and part of Gucci fashion history. The bag was a distinct line created in the late 1970s and 80s by Paolo Gucci, the grandson of founder Guccio Gucci. Paol...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Fashion

CHANEL 16K$ Black Silk Maxi Dress with CC Logo Print 34 FR
CHANEL 16K$ Black Silk Maxi Dress with CC Logo Print 34 FR

CHANEL 16K$ Black Silk Maxi Dress with CC Logo Print 34 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Black Silk Maxi Dress with CC Logo & Paris Skyline Print — Spring 2020 “PARIS ROOFTOPS” Runway by Virginie Viard • Boutique value: over $16,000 · seen on Jennie Kim · Maga...

Category

2010s Fashion

2000's Gucci Tom Ford era Monogram Kitten Heel Sandals - Shoes EU 38 / UK 5
2000's Gucci Tom Ford era Monogram Kitten Heel Sandals - Shoes EU 38 / UK 5

2000's Gucci Tom Ford era Monogram Kitten Heel Sandals - Shoes EU 38 / UK 5

By Gucci

Located in Sheffield, GB

A Pair of Vintage 2000's Tom Ford era Gucci Kitten Heels. Featuring an iconic GG Monogrammed Sole, tooled cream leather rounded Rope strap and comfortable 2’’ Heel. MADE IN ITALY. R...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Fashion

Vintage 1970s Lillie Rubin Blue Sequin Halter Disco Studio 54 Gown Maxi Dress 70
Vintage 1970s Lillie Rubin Blue Sequin Halter Disco Studio 54 Gown Maxi Dress 70

Vintage 1970s Lillie Rubin Blue Sequin Halter Disco Studio 54 Gown Maxi Dress 70

By Lillie Rubin

Located in San Diego, CA

Best fits a Size Small. The halter neckline can comfortably accommodate a smaller bust measurement. Measurements Bust: Up to 36 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: Up to 36 inches Length (top back center halter to hem): 58 inches The same dress in red is also available in my 1stDibs Shop! A spectacular late 1970s Lillie Rubin evening gown dripping in shimmering sapphire blue paillettes. This glamorous halter-neck design perfectly captures the decadent spirit of the disco era, with its liquid-like sparkle, seductive open back, and effortlessly elegant column silhouette. Thousands of iridescent blue sequins catch the light from every angle, creating a dazzling effect reminiscent of the legendary nights of Studio 54. The softly draped cowl neckline flatters the décolletage, while the dramatic side slit adds movement and allure. The open-back halter construction creates an elongated silhouette, making this an unforgettable choice for evening events, galas, black-tie occasions, holiday parties, red carpet moments, or collectors of exceptional vintage fashion. Constructed with a hidden zipper at the back and hook-and-eye closure. The halter neckline allows some flexibility through the bust, making sizing more forgiving than a traditional structured bodice. An additional two inches of seam allowance remain at the hem should additional length be desired. A rare and striking example of late 1970s disco glamour from one of America’s most beloved special occasion labels. Size: Best fits a Size Small. The halter neckline can comfortably accommodate a smaller bust measurement. Measurements Bust: Up to 36 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: Up to 36 inches Length (top back center halter to hem): 58 inches Condition Very good vintage condition with light, expected wear consistent with age. Presents beautifully. Founded in Miami in 1946, Lillie Rubin became synonymous with glamorous cocktail attire and eveningwear. The label gained a devoted following throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s for its sophisticated party dresses and occasion pieces, making vintage examples increasingly sought after by collectors today. SEO Keywords Vintage Lillie Rubin gown, 1970s disco dress, Studio 54 dress, blue sequin gown...

Category

1970s American Fashion

HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw

HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion

CHANEL Legendary ICON of Icons Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR
CHANEL Legendary ICON of Icons Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR

CHANEL Legendary ICON of Icons Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL – The Ultimate Little Black Jacket — The Icon of Icons. — – A garment that made history—and still shapes it. This is not just a jacket. This is the jacket. – The most iconi...

Category

2010s Fashion

2000s Louis Vuitton Impala Brown Damier Sauvage Evening Minaudière Bag
2000s Louis Vuitton Impala Brown Damier Sauvage Evening Minaudière Bag

2000s Louis Vuitton Impala Brown Damier Sauvage Evening Minaudière Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This stunning Louis Vuitton Impala bag from the rare Damier Sauvage collection is an absolute showstopper for evening events or sophisticated daytime wear, dating back to October 200...

Category

Late 20th Century French Fashion

1950's Strapless Black Sequin Evening Gown, Designer Anonymous
1950's Strapless Black Sequin Evening Gown, Designer Anonymous

1950's Strapless Black Sequin Evening Gown, Designer Anonymous

Located in New Hope, PA

This glamorous black silk strapless gown is covered with small black sequins in a swirling pattern over almost all of the dress and the swirls grow larger as they move down the dress...

Category

1950s Fashion

Fendi Spring 2000 Yellow Beaded Baby Baguette
Fendi Spring 2000 Yellow Beaded Baby Baguette

Fendi Spring 2000 Yellow Beaded Baby Baguette

By Fendi

Located in Rubiera, RE

FENDI Baby baguette Micro beads and faceted embroidery baguette from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection. It is entirely embroidered with thousands of yellow beads and tone-on-tone fa...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Fashion

CHANEL Rare Lesage Tweed Coat CC Jewel Buttons 42 FR
CHANEL Rare Lesage Tweed Coat CC Jewel Buttons 42 FR

CHANEL Rare Lesage Tweed Coat CC Jewel Buttons 42 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Lesage Tweed Coat with CC Jewel Buttons — A textile masterpiece rather than a garment // Boutique value: over $13,000 – Millennium Collection Vault — mid-2000s — Creation...

Category

Early 2000s Fashion

New Tom Ford for Gucci Mink Bamboo Clutch Chain Evening Bag
New Tom Ford for Gucci Mink Bamboo Clutch Chain Evening Bag

New Tom Ford for Gucci Mink Bamboo Clutch Chain Evening Bag

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

New With Tags A Stunning and Rare Find Tom Ford For Gucci Black & Red Mink Black & Gold Enameled Clasp Over Closure Gold Detachable Bamboo Chain Converts bag to a Clutch Black Sati...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion

Chanel Vintage Tennis Racket and Case
Chanel Vintage Tennis Racket and Case

Chanel Vintage Tennis Racket and Case

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

A rare vintage Chanel tennis racket featuring the iconic interlocking CC logo woven into the string bed. Finished in an elegant ivory-toned frame with a blue overgrip, this collectib...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion

Chanel Medium Classic Sequin Single Flap
Chanel Medium Classic Sequin Single Flap

Chanel Medium Classic Sequin Single Flap

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Vintage Medium Sequin Single Flap Bag – Blue & Black with Silver Hardware A rare and show-stopping vintage piece, this authentic Chanel Medium Sequin Single Flap Bag from...

Category

2010s European Fashion

CHANEL grey denim mini skirt FR 34
CHANEL grey denim mini skirt FR 34

CHANEL grey denim mini skirt FR 34

By Chanel

Located in Rubiera, RE

CHANEL Collection Spring 2011 Mini skirt Denim jeans, grey, distressed red Size FR 34 Made in Italy Flat measures: Length cm. 36 Waist cm. 34 Hip cm. 42 Very good cond...

Category

2010s Italian Fashion

Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus Vintage 1970s Black Evening Gown with Back Train
Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus Vintage 1970s Black Evening Gown with Back Train

Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus Vintage 1970s Black Evening Gown with Back Train

By Fendi

Located in Sparks, NV

Rare Fendi label! Fendi 365 for Neiman Marcus vintage black linen blend gown with a halter neckline and back train that can be buttoned up and down as you like. Plunging neckline and...

Category

1970s Italian Fashion

CHANEL ROBOT Collection Runway Shimmer Jacket 36 FR
CHANEL ROBOT Collection Runway Shimmer Jacket 36 FR

CHANEL ROBOT Collection Runway Shimmer Jacket 36 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL Runway Shimmer Jacket with CC Jewel Cubes — “ROBOT” Collection, Spring 2017 by Karl Lagerfeld – Advertising Relic this Chanel jacket once lit up Adverts of the Maison’s b...

Category

2010s Fashion

Yves Saint Laurent Suede Mombasa Bag
Yves Saint Laurent Suede Mombasa Bag

Yves Saint Laurent Suede Mombasa Bag

By Saint Laurent

Located in London, GB

Beige Suede Leather side panels Signature belt detailing Silver-tone hardware Medium size Iconic Mombasa silver-embellished top handle Magnetic snap closure Suede lining Inner zip p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Fashion

Printed cotton flatpack layered track shorts CRAIG GREEN & Comme Des Garçons
Printed cotton flatpack layered track shorts CRAIG GREEN & Comme Des Garçons

Printed cotton flatpack layered track shorts CRAIG GREEN & Comme Des Garçons

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Printed cotton and jacquard flatpack layered track shorts. Wrap fabric belt around the waist. Zip closure on the top middle front. Pocket on both side SIZE S on tag

Category

2010s Fashion

CHANEL Fall 1993 Runway Navy Sequin Tweed Suit 44 FR
CHANEL Fall 1993 Runway Navy Sequin Tweed Suit 44 FR

CHANEL Fall 1993 Runway Navy Sequin Tweed Suit 44 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Navy Sequin Tweed Suit with 64-karat Gold Plated CC Buttons — Fall 1993 Runway by Karl Lagerfeld • Museum level value, rarest connoisseur’s find — A Fall 1993 relic in two ...

Category

1990s Fashion

New Oscar De La Renta Resort 2018 Green Coat Cover-Up or Jacket Sz 10
New Oscar De La Renta Resort 2018 Green Coat Cover-Up or Jacket Sz 10

New Oscar De La Renta Resort 2018 Green Coat Cover-Up or Jacket Sz 10

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Conroe, TX

Brand New With Tags Oscar De La Renta Resort 2018 Open Concept Woven Cover Worn as a Swimsuit Cover-Up for the Resort 2018 Collection Fringe Trim Accent Long Sleeve with Mock Neck Si...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion

Burberry 2000’s Lime Green Chartreuse Candy Stripe Trench Coat - Jacket
Burberry 2000’s Lime Green Chartreuse Candy Stripe Trench Coat - Jacket

Burberry 2000’s Lime Green Chartreuse Candy Stripe Trench Coat - Jacket

By Burberry

Located in Sheffield, GB

A Fun twist on the Iconic Vintage Burberry Trench Coat. The jacket is crafted in a Chartreuse lime green cotton with Contrast off white stripes. The jacket features double breasted b...

Category

Early 2000s English Fashion

1990s Gemma Kahng Vintage Black + White Wool Tuxedo Blazer Jacket
1990s Gemma Kahng Vintage Black + White Wool Tuxedo Blazer Jacket

1990s Gemma Kahng Vintage Black + White Wool Tuxedo Blazer Jacket

By GEMMA KAHNG

Located in Sparks, NV

Gorgeous vintage 1990s black and off-white wool blazer jacket by Gemma Kahng with unique flower buttons. Fully lined with front button and hook closure. Front patch pockets. Structur...

Category

1990s American Fashion

French Art Deco Silk Lame Chinoiserie Opera Coat, Paul Poiret Textile
French Art Deco Silk Lame Chinoiserie Opera Coat, Paul Poiret Textile

French Art Deco Silk Lame Chinoiserie Opera Coat, Paul Poiret Textile

Located in New York, NY

Amazing French Art Deco Silk Lame Chinoiserie Opera Coat. The extraordinary fabric woven with gold and silver metallic lame thread with cornflower blue floss on a cherry red ground. ...

Category

1920s French Fashion

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Dusty Powder Blue Floral Neckline Slip Gown Maxi
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Dusty Powder Blue Floral Neckline Slip Gown Maxi

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Dusty Powder Blue Floral Neckline Slip Gown Maxi

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes 1990's Vintage Dusty powder blue Embroidered floral neckline Has a slight chic crinkle effect Pullover No size or comp tag, refer to measurements below Excellent condi...

Category

1990s Fashion

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Black & Silver Micro Mini Evening Bag
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Black & Silver Micro Mini Evening Bag

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Black & Silver Micro Mini Evening Bag

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Black, silver, and grey tones Dark silver gunmetal hardware Unique ornate chain Stunning beadwork, fringe, and embellishing On one side the finish is coming o...

Category

1990s Fashion

Bottega Veneta Iconic Pochette Knot Clutch in Lime Green
Bottega Veneta Iconic Pochette Knot Clutch in Lime Green

Bottega Veneta Iconic Pochette Knot Clutch in Lime Green

By Bottega Veneta

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Botega Veneta's most iconic clutch POCHETTE KNOT in rare bright green colour and exquisite material Pristine condition, never worn / Size 17cm wide - 11 cm high

Category

2010s Fashion

CHANEL Ad Campaign Shimmer Tweed Jacket 38 FR
CHANEL Ad Campaign Shimmer Tweed Jacket 38 FR

CHANEL Ad Campaign Shimmer Tweed Jacket 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

– A luminous relic from Chanel’s Spring 2007 campaign under Karl Lagerfeld — the jacket that commanded billboards and captured the gaze of the world. – Worn famously by Miroslava...

Category

2010s Fashion

Vintage 1940s Blue Polkadot Cotton Day Dress US 0 UK 4
Vintage 1940s Blue Polkadot Cotton Day Dress US 0 UK 4

Vintage 1940s Blue Polkadot Cotton Day Dress US 0 UK 4

Located in Nashville, TN

This darling 1940's French Blue cotton day dress, with a pattern of embroidered white polkadots and delicate lace details, is just the piece to add to your seasonal vintage collectio...

Category

1940s Fashion

Unworn with Tags Vintage Makins New York Gray Hat with Beading + Rhinestones
Unworn with Tags Vintage Makins New York Gray Hat with Beading + Rhinestones

Unworn with Tags Vintage Makins New York Gray Hat with Beading + Rhinestones

Located in Sparks, NV

Unworn with the original tags still attached! This is a deadstock piece that came from the stock of an old hat store located in Southern California. We have access to the entire inve...

Category

1980s American Fashion

Knit striped dress with gold metal buttons ALEXANDER McQUEEN
Knit striped dress with gold metal buttons ALEXANDER McQUEEN

Knit striped dress with gold metal buttons ALEXANDER McQUEEN

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Knit striped dress with gold metal buttons. Fabric composition: 88% wool, 10% polyamide, 2% elasthane Invisible zip closure on the middle back SIZE 38 (Fr) M

Category

2010s Italian Fashion

CHANEL 9K$ Melania Trump Style Black Tweed Jacket with Chains 40 FR
CHANEL 9K$ Melania Trump Style Black Tweed Jacket with Chains 40 FR

CHANEL 9K$ Melania Trump Style Black Tweed Jacket with Chains 40 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

— This Chanel jacket from the illustrious Paris / SALZBURG Metiers d'Art 2015 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ an Ode to sartorial refinement and modern authority – As seen on Melani...

Category

2010s Fashion

Black lace and satin bustier evening dress GAI MATTIOLO
Black lace and satin bustier evening dress GAI MATTIOLO

Black lace and satin bustier evening dress GAI MATTIOLO

By Gai Mattiolo

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black lace and satin bustier evening dress . Polyester jersey lining. Boned. Padded and underwired bra. Zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. Silicone strap inside the bustier o...

Category

2010s Fashion

1940s Vintage Taffeta Rainbow Striped Chevron Light Weight Duster Coat or Robe
1940s Vintage Taffeta Rainbow Striped Chevron Light Weight Duster Coat or Robe

1940s Vintage Taffeta Rainbow Striped Chevron Light Weight Duster Coat or Robe

By Valley Frocks

Located in Sparks, NV

Incredible colors! This vintage light weight duster or robe from the 1940s features the most amazing striped chevron design. Unlined with front button closure. Hidden side pockets. T...

Category

1940s American Fashion

Vintage Rainbow Disc Dress
Vintage Rainbow Disc Dress

Vintage Rainbow Disc Dress

Located in Austin, TX

vintage rainbow disc dress condition: excellent 32" bust, 30" waist, 29" hips, 32" length

Category

1990s Fashion

CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR
CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR

CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Museum Rare Collectible Grey Silk Bouclé Hoodie with Penguin Motif & CC Logo — Runway of 2007 Fall by by Karl Lagerfeld —  – Extremely Rare Trophy of Chanel Mythology –...

Category

Early 2000s Fashion

CHANEL Paris / Salzburg Denim Trousers with Eagle Buttons 38 FR
CHANEL Paris / Salzburg Denim Trousers with Eagle Buttons 38 FR

CHANEL Paris / Salzburg Denim Trousers with Eagle Buttons 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Iconic Chanel Denim Trousers with Eagle Buttons — Ad Campaign of Paris / SALZBURG 2015 Métiers d’Art Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — As seen on Cara Delevingne – A statement piece ...

Category

2010s Fashion

Fashion: Shop Vintage Clothing, Haute Couture and More

Fashion is littered with stories we can’t help but consume with voracity. Behind the world’s revered luxury houses and designers, there are often accounts of modest beginnings that gave way to the resonant work we’ve cherished all of our lives.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel learned to sew under the tutelage of nuns in an orphanage. Later, as an impoverished teenager at a boarding school in central France, clad in the drab clothes of the underclass compared to those of her classmates, she furthered her needlework skills. By the early 1900s, she was helming a hat shop with help from her sister and her aunt.

Chanel made spare, unadorned hats at first, and the now-momentous “little black dress,” published in the form of a sketch in Vogue in 1926, symbolized her intention to design for all social classes. Working with simple lines and ordinary fabrics, Chanel created garments that she hoped would encourage women to leave extravagant clothes behind. The young milliner would soon become pivotal to the evolution of both covetable casual wear and handmade high-fashion apparel, building a brand that has influenced countless designers all over the world.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only,” Chanel said. “Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

Around the same time, a young former hotel bellboy named Guccio Gucci began to sell imported leather luggage from a small retail space in his native Florence, and it wouldn’t be long before he was overseeing a number of artisans who were making leather goods and other accessories. With the help of his sons, he opened a second shop in Rome and later launched his handbags, wallets and more.

There are people like Chanel and Gucci, sometimes of meager means, working in near obscurity to create lasting and innovative garments and accessories that today fill the interiors of our favorite boutiques and, ultimately, the closets of our home.

There are family-owned luxury-goods companies, such as Hermès in Paris, which began as a saddle manufacturer in the 1800s, serving the era’s carriage trade before it would expand to include venerable handbags as well as its numerous silk scarves, each emblazoned with a richly decorative design.

For many of us, the narratives behind the ornate monograms that adorn these iconic works are just as important as the items themselves.

Haute couture from the House of Chanel — practical, form-fitting evening dresses and menswear made of fine tweeds — has a long lineage, but now it’s earned a legitimate place in museums as often as it has in the homes of modern marquee influencers. Vintage Yves Saint Laurent leather clutches and handbags couldn’t have aged better over time, either. The French luxury fashion label’s long history of vibrant, gender-blurring designs, including the revolutionary Mondrian minidress in 1965, owe to the creative inclinations of a young Yves, who made paper dolls as a child and designed dresses for the women in his family by the time he was a teenager.

The appeal of vintage and designer clothing — whether it’s nostalgia for ’80s fashion treasures like oversize blazers or the bright and elaborate patterns that characterize sundresses of the 1960s — endures, and our appetite for irreplaceable garments as well as their riveting origin stories won’t recede anytime soon. An authentic handbag or purse from Hermès isn’t merely durable and alluring. The Birkin, for example, is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, comes in a variety of exotic leathers and is also a savvy investment.

“The Birkin’s value has consistently risen and never fluctuated downward,” says Reece Morgan, head of handbags and accessories for Xupes, citing the fact that “production has been highly limited to maintain its unattainable aura.” In fact, he adds, Hermès has been “scaling back production each year.”

Today, we’re captivated by the work of prodigious Illinois-born talent Virgil Abloh, who not only triumphed in the fashion world with his Milan-based streetwear label Off-White, but was also a visual artist, a furniture designer and more. In 2018, Abloh, who learned about fashion from his seamstress mother, became one of the first Black designers to head a French luxury fashion house, having secured an artistic director role at Louis Vuitton.

“His clothing turns wearers into accomplices of his grand artistic scheme,” Michael Darling, the chief curator at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, wrote of Abloh’s work.

On 1stDibs, you can revel in the stories behind the fashion we love and browse everything from classic, one-of-a-kind gowns crafted by Parisian couturiers to stylish, modern streetwear designed by forward-looking brands. Shop 19th-century Louis Vuitton trunks or kaleidoscopic and colorful 1960s skirts by Emilio Pucci or edgy ensembles by visionary designers like Azzedine Alaïa. Your fashion journey begins right here.