Very Valentino

Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities was made into a movie starring Tom Hanks in 1990. We loved the scene with the stubborn dachshund in the rain. We did not love the fashion, but that was then and this is seventeen years later. Though it seems hard to believe, even impossible, there were some good fashion moments in the 80's. If you take the good from the bad and the ugly, there are some things that just look right and especially on trend for now.
It is all about controlled volume. This Valentino Boutique dress is a black strapless with small white polka dots. A tight pin tucked waist ends in a poufy skirt with petticoats underneath. Amazing! High high heels and there is nothing better. Size 6.

For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273

Summer Chic in Christian Dior Haute Couture

Ozone alert day here in Manhattan. High 90s and humid. What is a girl to do to look good, but not wilted? Christian Dior Haute Couture from the 1970s of course. A chic, easy piece for days like this. Black silk babydoll dress with softly ruffled top. Beautiful couture workmanship. No one makes them like this anymore! Size 4/6

For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273

More Really is More!

Here are the Gianni Versace black patent leather booties with gold Medusa medallions that are from the same collection as the bondage-inspired vest that we had previously posted. Size 38 1/2. Tough, seductive and high luxe at the same time! 1992/1993.

For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273

RARE Vintage at Lisa Perry's Beach House for Planned Parenthood Benefit Auction

RARE Vintage was very happy to be able to donate an Haute Couture Courreges dress to the 20th Annual Planned Parenthood "POP" Benefit at Lisa Perry's beautifully situated Beach House in the Hamptons. Our Courreges dress was surrounded by 1960s fashion, furniture and art. We loved Roy Lichtenstein's The Oval Office, the highest-grossing piece of the evening. Congratulations to Lisa Perry, Nancy Hessler and Planned Parenthood for a very successful and fun event!

Two Anniversaries and a Funeral

RARE Vintage's first "Our New Clothes" acquisition blog is dedicated to three of the most talented and recognized Italian designers: Gianfranco Ferre, Gianni Versace and Valentino.

We were very sad to hear of Gianfranco Ferre's death on Sunday June 17th. We have always admired his clothes which are outrageously feminine with volume, ruffles and pleats, but it is a rigorous form of femininity - no Mary Kay pink Cadillacs here!

Gianfranco Ferre was born in 1944 in northern Italy. He received a degree in architecture in 1969, but went on to design accessories, menswear and then couture. In 1989 he became the head designer for Christian Dior and he stayed there until 1997.

He became well known for his incredible white shirts.

RARE Vintage has an iconic example of one of his white shirts from his time at Christian Dior circa 1991. We were told it is a mini dress, but think it is a shirt. On the right girl it could be worn as a dress. It has all of the trademarks of a typical Ferre design: full sleeves, jeweled buttons, a tiny pleated chiffon collar. The fabric is a beautiful, opulent white organza. Size 4/6.
For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273

















It has been ten years since the brutal death of Gianni Versace in Miami on July 15th 1997. On the anniversary of his death, the city of Milan is planning a series of events in his memory. We are celebrating Gianni by posting one of his greatest pieces on "Our New Clothes" acquisition blog. This is Gianni Versace at his most celebrated and most brilliant.
Remember (and who does not) Elizabeth Hurley in that safety pin dress - how many dresses have made a career? This is circa 1992/1993 from one of the most memorable Versace collections. This vest can be worn alone, if you've got it... or to look beautiful and bad at the same time can be worn over a simple white shirt. Or just pop it into a frame and hang it on the wall! Fetish and couture: a happy combination!
The bondage-inspired black leather and wool vest with gold jeweled Medusa's. Size 6. Please note that there is one Medusa medallion missing on the lower back of this vest. As an added bonus we have black patent leather booties with gold Medusas available, we will be posting them later in the week!
For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273




Next month is the the three day extravaganza to celebrate Valentino's forty-five year career in Rome. What do you wear?
That is a lot of pressure!
You want to wear something special, something extraordinary, something that will let you stand out and make you feel like a goddess (why not?) at the same time. Sound impossible? Well, look at the dress on the side. There is NOTHING else to wear to the party.
A Valentino Haute Couture from circa 1973. Very Rare. Silk jersey hand pleated in two shades of blue with grey. Guaranteed to have Mr. Valentino come running (well, maybe not running) up to you! Size 4/6.

For more information about this item please email info@rarevintageinc.com or call (212) 581 7273