The Weekly Lineup -- 2015.06.03

1979 Norma Kamali OMO 3-Piece Leather and Spandex Ensemble


Seductive Jean Claude Jitrois Bum-Skimming Leather Halter Dress


c 1951 James Galanos Cherry Red Silk Chiffon Party Dress


1930s Black Sheer Evening Gown w/Open Draped Sleeves


1970s Geoffrey Beene Silk Dress with Contrasting Sash


Cornflower Blue Bohemian Crochet Knit Maxi Dress w/Open Sleeves


2011 Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Silk Kimono Sleeve Cape


Early Norma Kamali OMO Drop Crotch Leather Pants


Recent Sonia Rykiel Convertible Suspender Pants

All pieces available at http://www.bustownmodern.com.

The Two Sides of Beene -- Holiday Edition

Photo courtesy of Architectural Digest

Geoffrey Beene, one of America's most beloved designers, is the king of the cocktail dress. The construction, quality materials + attention to detail make even the simplest of his dresses look elegant. His early career was full of youthful a-line frocks + perfect party attire. Like other designers, his oeuvre changed with the fashion + fads de rigueur. If you pay close attention however, his fashion grew up, just like his clients. As Beene's career furthered his designs went from playful clothing for fashionable youthquakers to breathtaking elegance for the sophisticated woman.

So we present you with two options for your holiday season fête -- a 60s mini dress for the fun loving party girl + an elegant 80s silk + lace gown for the slightly more conservative. While different, both are perfect examples of Beene's work.

Absolutely adorable circa 1969 Geoffrey Beene red wool mini dress. The ultimate mod piece and perfect for all of your holiday parties! Ultra fitted bodice with classic super-high (almost empire) waistline. High white satin mock-neck and black ribbon tuxedo front with bow-tie and covered buttons. Matching zippered cuffs. Synthetic zipper in back. Fully lined in silk. Best fits sizes XS/S.

Absolutely Stunning 1980s Geoffrey Beene floral evening gown. Spectacular quality with the most beautiful details! The dress features a floral chocolate brown and nude floral lace bodice lined with red taffeta. Long skinny sleeves with scalloped neckline. The gathered skirt is metallic silk with swirling florals, huge front pleat and scalloped, lace hem. This is one of those pieces you truly have to see to believe! Pristine vintage condition. Best fits sizes M/L.


All items available at http://www.bustownmodern.com.

Beene's Beautiful Bazaar

From 1963, when he opened his first boutique till his death in 2004, Geoffrey Beene continuously proved he was one of America's greatest fashion designers. His style varied widely but always managed to maintain a quintessential Beene-ness (Beene-a-tude?). His daywear feminine shapes of the 60's gave way to the playful juxtapositions that would form the rest of his career and identity.

"Plastic is perfect in its own ways, so is a diamond. Why shouldn't the two go together?"

Throughout his career, Beene played with the ideas of fashion and art, usually in a tongue-in-cheek manner starting with his sequined football evening gown of 1967 (and continued play with sequined gowns) to his "elegant" dresses of cotton fleece, menswear-inspired bow-tied blouses and jackets, contrasting graphic patterns + ethnic-infused layered ensembles.

If you've been following our eBay store, you may have noticed we've been pretty smitten with Mr. Beene lately. We currently have some great Geoffrey Beene pieces up for sale:

Perfectly-pocketed LBD -- Beene Boutique, early 70s


Poppy-colored full skirt dress with contrasting sash -- Beene Boutique, early 70s


Purple heathered jersey dress -- Beene Boutique, early 70s


Black gold sheer drawstring-side top -- Beene Bag, 80s


Black sateen palazzo pants + tasseled blouse -- Geoffrey Beene, late 70s

For additional information, please email us at info@bustownmodern.com or visit our website at http://www.bustownmodern.com.