More Than Just One of The Guys

The name Guy Laroche conjures up images of over-the-top, bow-adorned, taffeta-draped, 1980s extravagance (some obviously more successful than others). It's a shame that our collective memories seem to only remember the last decade of a long + incredible career.

Guy Laroche's career began (as many of the greats' did) as a milliner. In 1949 he went to work for the legendary Jean Desses until he opened his own couture house in the late 50s where he was head designer until his death in 1989.

Images shown from 1957 / 1959 / 1961 / 1972 / 1965 / 1966

Yep. Amazing stuff. That's why we're pleased to offer this late 70s Guy Laroche haute couture evening gown. The construction inside is just as beautiful as the draping outside. Truly stunning!

Late 1970s/very early 80s Guy Laroche strapless haute couture evening gown. Three layers of black sheer silk chiffon draped on the bias and tied at the bust. We love the contrasting opaque edges of the silk. Exquisite haute couture construction features a full netted corset inside to help keep the dress up and in place in addition to a side metal zipper. Please feel free to email for more construction photos. PRISTINE vintage condition - truly looks unworn.

Available at http://www.bustownmodern.com

1993 Versace Couture

Stephanie Seymour by Richard Avedon


Christy Turlington by Richard Avedon


Linda Evangelista by Richard Avedon


Runway photo from L'Officiel


Photo from Grazia

We're pleased to present one of the most iconic pieces from one of Gianni Versace's most iconic collections, S/S 1993. As you can see, this dress is incredibly well documented and is truly a stellar find,one we haven't seen available for sale anywhere in the past 10 years.

Gathered silk floral shelf bust with contrasting floral fitted bodice and flared skirt. A fun surprise awaits the viewer with the double slitted skirt + polkadot lining. Slits run up each leg that both are visible while you walk and the dress flows behind you. The dress features a hidden zipping corset inside and optional super thin halter strap (shown without). Pristine vintage condition.

Available at http://www.bustownmodern.com

A Century of Duquette

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Los Angeles' golden sons, Tony Duquette. Born in L.A. in 1914, Duquette (along with his wife Elizabeth and his partner Hutton Wilkinson) had an extraordinary, varied + star-studded career. If you know us at all, you know we're obsessed with both fashion + furniture. Duquette's work ranged from set designs + costumes for movies + stage to custom jewelry to furniture, lamps + interior design. After college, he freelanced for both William "Billy" Haines + Gilbert Adrian.

Costume sketches for Camelot, c.1960s



Costumes for Jest of Cards, c.1960s


Costumes for Kismet c.1950s


Costumes for Magic Flute


Set design for Der Rosenkavalier

Jewelry designed by Tony Duquette





Bracelet from a line of Duquette-inspired jewelry from Hutton Wilkinson + Reed Krakoff for Coach, 2012

Duquette is probably best known and appreciated for his interior design work. His use of color + texture combined with antiques + custom furniture and lighting creations were what makes his work legendary.

Girls on Bikes

We recently succumbed to the same phenomenon that afflicts most adventurous, young, urban couples -- we got bikes! In an effort to take advantage of the glorious California weather, we've taken to riding bikes to restaurants, the market, the beach + the bar (obviously). The romanticism of bike culture and, most importantly, girls on bikes is deep rooted in world history. This foray has us thinking about bike fashion throughout recent history.

Audrey Hepburn in probably the most hipster looking photo ever


Ava Gardner


Maggie Smith


Rita Hayworth


Brigitte Bardot


Audrey Hepburn


Twiggy


Twiggy


Cate Blanchett






While bike fashions have evolved + expanded over time, the classics remain the same






We'll leave you with fashion history literally repeating itself -- Audrey Hepburn + Linda Evangelista