Dresses

Paisley has a history stretching back centuries, from the woven shawls of Kashmir to the Liberty prints of London, and this dress carries that lineage. The cotton is tightly woven and dense with detail: large-scale botanical paisley forms in royal blue, deep purple, forest green and cream sweep across the fabric in the kind of intricate repeat that takes time to fully absorb. Look closer at the close-up shots and the pattern reveals itself in layers, a fine ground of micro-detail beneath the sweeping primary motifs. The bodice is pin-tucked at the front with a button placket opening to a V-neckline, the shoulder seams are cleanly set, and the fitted yoke style drop waist transitions into a pleated midi skirt with soft, fluid movement through the hem.

The pin-tucked front placket draws the eye vertically through the bodice, which is particularly flattering if you want to elongate the upper body or minimise width across the chest and shoulders. The drop waist sits below the natural waist, skimming the torso, and the pleated skirt opens freely from the hip, giving ease and movement without adding visual bulk below. A side zip gives a clean, fitted entry.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Consignment
Label: Chow Mein

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and care.
Care: Dry clean only

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust: 38 cm, Waist: 32 cm, Hips: 40 cm
Vintage Size Indicator: 12

Fit: Drop-waist silhouette with pin-tucked bodice, V-neckline, long sleeves, and fitted yoke style pleated midi skirt
Fixture: Side zipper
Features: Large-scale paisley print in royal blue, purple, forest green and cream on a dark background. Pin-tucked front placket with button detail. V-neckline. Long fitted sleeves. Pleated midi skirt.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Woven from a soft lurex blend that shifts between pale lavender and mauvey-silver depending on the light, this floor-length column gown carries mid-century occasion dressing at its most assured. The silhouette is long and unbroken, falling in a clean vertical line from a rounded neckline to the hem. What lifts it decisively from the plain is the asymmetric front panel: a structured fabric tab crosses the bodice diagonally from the left shoulder, secured at its fold by a decorative brooch mount, giving the gown an architectural detail that feels both of its era and genuinely current. The lurex itself has the texture of fine woven cloth rather than costume shimmer, catching light with restraint.

The column cut skims over the body, offering ease through the torso and hips without any structured shaping at the waist. This makes it particularly flattering for those who prefer their evening wear unencumbered: the long vertical line draws the eye from shoulder to floor, while the diagonal panel detail brings visual interest to the upper chest and collarbone without adding width. Pair with strappy heeled sandals and a simple updo to let the gown and its luminous colour do the work.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private collection - Stylist own
Label: N/A

Fabric: Soft lurex blend
Condition: Very good commensurate with age and care. Dress could be taken up due to small area of concern.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 42 cm, Waist 40 cm, Hips 46 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Column
Fixture: Snap clasps at front to secure wrap
Features: Asymmetric diagonal front panel with structured fabric tab at left shoulder.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Additional items pictured not included in sale and may be purchased spearely here.  Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Produced in Auckland by Russell Brighouse under the Sydney-based Mona Crawford Internationals label, this hostess maxi dress carries the kind of provenance that makes a collector pause. The fabric, a fine Easy Care crepe, holds a soft ivory tone that sets off the hand-applied embroidery with quiet authority. Purple corded thread spirals in continuous loops around the standup collar and again across the entire hem border, punctuated at intervals by raised gold bullion discs, densely coiled and textured like tiny medallions. The silhouette is a clean A-line, sleeveless and unadorned through the body, letting the embroidery do all the talking at the collar and hem. A back zip closes the neck opening with understated precision.

The shift-style cut sits away from the body through the bust and waist, making it genuinely comfortable across a range of proportions. Those with a fuller bust or hip will find the A-line release through the skirt accommodating, while the raised collar adds length to the neck and draws the eye upward. The clean, unworked bodice balances the richness of the embroidery so the overall effect is bold without being busy. Wear it as it was intended, as a statement piece with nothing competing, just simple gold earrings and bare arms.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection - Stylist's Own
Label: Mona Crawford Internationals of Sydney, Produced in Auckland by Russell Brighouse

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 42 cm, Waist 40 cm, Hip 48 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: SW

Fit: A-line shift, relaxed through bust and waist, gently flared through hip and hem
Fixture: Back zip at neck opening, standup collar
Features: Hand-applied purple corded spiral embroidery at collar and hem border, raised gold bullion disc accents, fully lined

ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Mona Crawford Internationals of Sydney was a distinguished mid-century fashion house with a reach that extended well beyond its Australian roots. Operating under an international licence model, the label partnered with regional producers to bring its designs to local markets, including a notable Auckland production arrangement with Russell Brighouse, whose name appears on the label of this very dress. Mona Crawford pieces were characterised by confident silhouettes elevated by hand-applied embroidery and decorative surface detail, hallmarks of a label that understood elegance without excess. Surviving pieces produced in collaboration with Russell Brighouse are particularly rare, making this a genuinely collectable artifact of mid-century Australasian fashion history.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Metallic threads move like candlelight across this fitted lurex bodice, catching purple and pink light with every step. The dress narrows through the waist and releases into a softly pleated skirt, anchored by what looks to be a hand-worked crochet medallion at one hip. A sheer pleated godet panel drops below the knee, letting the fabric fall and flutter rather than cling. Spaghetti straps and a centre back zip keep the silhouette clean, while the fine gauge weave gives the fabric real weight and drape despite its light, glimmering surface. Made in California under the New Leaf label, this piece carries the shimmer and shape of a night built for dancing.

The fitted bodice sits close through the ribcage and eases at the hip, so the crochet cutout lands right where movement happens, drawing the eye without pulling at the fabric. Because the piece runs petite through the bust and waist, it suits a smaller, compact frame best, though the flared, sheer hemmed skirt adds room to move without adding bulk at the middle. Wear it as intended for evenings that call for shine. Let The Aviary confirm the fit in person before you commit, this is a dress that rewards trying on.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: New Leaf California by Samir

Fabric: Soft lurex blend
Condition: Very Good commensurate with age and love. Couple of small pulls as shown that do not detract from wearing.
Care: Dry Clean Only

Modern Size Indicator*: 4 - 6
Measurements*: Bust 30cm, Waist 26cm, Hips 34cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted through the bodice and waist, with a gently pleated, flared skirt on one side
Fixture: Centre back zip closure
Features: Crochet cutout medallion at the hip, spaghetti straps, sheer godet hem panel

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

At least 50 years young, this dress in vivid purple florals on a speckled ground of olive, khaki and black is stunning. The Lydia of London label tells you this came out of London at the height of the city's mid-century fashion moment, when British designers were producing work that was genuinely bold and entirely their own. The dress is a fitted shift with a beautiful ruched drape gathered softly across the front neckline and bust, falling into a gentle cowl fold. It is the detail that sets this dress apart from every other shift in the room.

The silhouette is fitted through the waist and hip, hitting at the knee, with a rear zip closure and sleeveless cut. The fabric is a fine cotton blend with a slight lustre that gives the purple florals real depth and the overall print a painterly quality.

Wear it to a wedding with your favourite heels in bronze or silver and a slim silver cuff. Pair it with ankle boots in tan or forest green and a mustard yellow clutch for something that feels current and confident. The purple in this print is bold enough to carry a coral or terracotta shoe beautifully, or go the other direction entirely with a deep teal heel and silver drop earrings for evening. Add a fitted blazer in deep plum or olive and the look shifts from afternoon to dinner. The ruched neckline gives the dress a softness across the bust that balances the fitted body well. It suits a figure that likes a defined waist and a dress with a considered neckline rather than a plain finish.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970 
Origin: Consignment
Label: Lydia of London

Fabric: Cotton, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate)  blend
Condition: Very good, commensurate with age and love. Small repair under left arm, does not detract from wearing.
Care: Cool gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 44 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Fitted shift, defined waist and hip, knee length
Fixture: Rear zip
Features: Vivid purple floral print on speckled khaki and black ground, ruched cowl front neckline, sleeveless, Lydia of London label

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

The dress texture of this fabric is a dense, nubby boucle weave in deep magenta berry, flecked with darker tones that give the surface a depth and richness you simply do not get from flat cloth. Playgirl Exclusive was a New Zealand label making sharp, youthful pieces for women who were paying attention to what was happening in London, and this mini reflects exactly that: a clean sleeveless A-line cut with a back zip and a lining in the same warm magenta, finished with a detail that sets it apart entirely. A central front panel in soft baby pink linen look fabric runs from the deep V-neckline to the hem, threaded through with a cross-laced pink cord and silver-tipped eyelets. It is a very 1960s idea, executed with real care.

The A-line swings straight from the shoulder without nipping the waist, making this an easy wear across different builds. The open V with its laced panel draws the eye down the centre of the body, creating a long vertical line through the chest and torso. The sleeveless cut keeps things uncluttered at the shoulder. Wear it with summer sandals or a fine skivvy underneath with knee-high boots. The lacing detail is the whole point, so let it show.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: Playgirl Exclusive

Fabric: Linen look Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 42 cm, Waist 40 cm, Hips 50 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 13

Fit: Sleeveless A-line mini, straight cut from shoulder to hem
Fixture: Centre back zip
Features: Deep V-neckline, central front baby pink panel with cross-lace pink cord and silver-tipped eyelets, nubby magenta berry boucle weave, magenta lining, sleeveless

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This highly collectable dress is made with a genuinely special fabric in a deep berry shifting through rose and plum in diagonal sweeps, as though watercolour was pulled across the cloth before the roses were placed. And then the roses themselves: loose, blooms in powder blue, ice grey and white with vivid green foliage, scattered across the skirt and bodice with just the right amount of  breathing room between each one. The Palm Island Fashions label places this firmly in the 1950s, a registered Australian label with a good regional following. The fabric is soft and loved in a light cotton that moves beautifully.

The bodice is fitted with darts through the chest and a neat waist seam, and the skirt opens into a generous full circle that swings from the hip with every step. A portrait neckline with folded collar detail frames the collarbone and draws the eye upward, making this a particularly flattering choice for anyone who wants volume through the skirt balanced by clean structure above. Side zip. Wear it as it is with kitten heels and a clutch, or add a simple belt for a secure cinching at the waist.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection AU
Label: Palm Island Fashions (Reg.)

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements*: Bust 46 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hips 76 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted darted bodice with a full pleated circle skirt
Fixture: Side zip
Features: Portrait neckline with folded collar detail, cap sleeves, fitted bodice with waist seam, full pleated circle skirt, brushed moire-effect magenta cotton ground with scattered rose print in powder blue, ice grey and white with green foliage

DESIGNER INFORMATION: Palm Island Fashions was an Australian registered label producing women's day and resort wear through the late 1940s and into the 1950s. They worked with quality printed cottons and understood a good silhouette, sitting comfortably in the better end of the ready-to-wear market at a time when Australian women's fashion was finding its own confident voice. Pieces carrying the Palm Island Fashions (Reg.) label are not easy to find in this condition, and collectors of mid-century Australian fashion know it.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Run your fingers across this fabric and you understand immediately why wool blend knit was the decade's go-to for a well-dressed winter. The stripe sequence here is extraordinary: dozens of horizontal bands in deep violet, amethyst, magenta, berry, periwinkle, lavender and warm grey shift and repeat across the body in a rhythm, each colour bleeding softly into the next at its edges. The knit itself has real substance, a wool-easy care blend with gentle surface texture and excellent recovery. A fold-over polo neck, long fitted sleeves and a centre back zip complete a silhouette that is unmistakably of its era and completely wearable now.

The body-skimming cut follows the torso, sitting closest through the shoulder and upper chest before relaxing slightly through the hip. Horizontal stripes in a knit like this distribute evenly across the frame rather than cutting across it, so the overall effect is long and unbroken. The matching self-covered buckle belt is included and pulls the waist in beautifully when you want it, or leave it off entirely for a cleaner column line. Pair with boots for a warm winter stylish look.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collector NZ
Label: N/A

Fabric: Wool, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Good condition commensurate with age and care. A number of small areas have been repaired and do not detract from wearing.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 44 cm, Waist 46 cm, Hips 50 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Body-skimming column silhouette with gentle ease through hip
Fixture: Centre back zip
Features: Fold-over polo neck, long fitted sleeves, horizontal multi-stripe knit in violet, amethyst, magenta, berry, periwinkle, lavender and grey, matching self-covered buckle belt included

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Oversized botanical forms in deep violet, amethyst, periwinkle, slate grey, black and blush cascade across the fabric in a composition that looks more like a painting than a pattern, each outlined bloom pressing right to the edge of the next with graphic confidence. The 1960s style cotton blend carries the print with weight and clarity, the kind of density you simply do not find in contemporary fabrics. Cut as a sleeveless A-line shift, the silhouette is clean and direct, with a scoop neckline and a central front ruffle placket that adds vertical texture.

The A-line cut skims straight from shoulder to hem without nipping the waist, making it a particularly easy choice if you prefer fabric to move freely across the middle. The sleeveless cut keeps the shoulders open and uncluttered, balancing the visual weight of the print across the body. Pair with flat tan sandals and a single gold cuff for summer, or layer over a fitted longer black skirt or wide leg floaty trousers for something more statement. The print in this wonderful dress does all the talking.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 2000 - current
Origin: Private Collection
Label: Mahana

Fabric: Cotton Blend
Condition: Very good condition commensurate with age and care. One small area of concern as shown.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 44 cm, Waist 46 cm, Hips 50 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Sleeveless A-line shift, straight cut from shoulder to hem
Fixture: Central front ruffle placket
Features: Scoop neckline, sleeveless cut, oversized bold botanical print in violet, amethyst, periwinkle, slate grey, black and blush, central decorative ruffle placket

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Across a ground of soft lavender, an extraordinarily dense and fine hand-drawn paisley print unfolds in ink-outlined swirls of pink, ochre, mint and teal. The silk moves with gentle draping from a gathered roll collar, surprise pockets then through a relaxed blouson bodice, falling to a softly gathered midi skirt that shifts with every step. A discreet back keyhole closes with three pearl buttons. Long sleeves finish the picture.

The blouson bodice skims across the chest and upper torso without clinging, making this a strong choice if you prefer fabric to float rather than define above the waist. The elasticated waist draws in gently, establishing proportion without restriction, while the gathered skirt falls away from the hip.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: France
Label: N/A

Fabric: Silk
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements*: Bust 50 cm, Waist 44 cm, Hip 56 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Relaxed blouson bodice with elasticated waist and gathered midi skirt
Fixture: Back keyhole with twin pearl button closure
Features: Roll collar, long sleeves, gathered front bodice detail, elasticated waist, side seam pockets, all-over paisley print in lavender, pink, ochre, mint and teal on silk

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

The print on this Chow Mein dress looks almost abstract from a distance, then resolves into hundreds of tiny flowers up close: violet, purple, teal, red and khaki blooms tumbling across a cream ground. The cotton is light and breathable, with just enough body to hold the shape of the blouson bodice without stiffness. Mother-of-pearl buttons run down the centre back, and the oversized batwing sleeves give the whole silhouette a relaxed, easy drape that reads as effortlessly put-together.

The blouson cut sits loose through the body, which means it skims rather than reveals, making it genuinely comfortable across a range of shapes. The dropped waist seam creates a visual break that lengthens the upper body, while the midi skirt adds volume below without adding visual weight. If you carry more through the hip and thigh, the skirt falls away cleanly from the blouson hem. This is an easy to style dress that wants flat sandals in summer and ankle boots in autumn.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection
Label: Chow Mein

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Hand wash only in warm water, rinse thoroughly, spin out excess water, do not leave folded damp, hang to dry, do not use dryer

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 36 cm, Waist 48 cm, Hip 54 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 12

Fit: Relaxed blouson bodice with batwing sleeves, dropped waist
Fixture: Mother-of-pearl button back closure at neckline and bodice, dropped waist seam
Features: All-over ditsy floral print in violet, purple, teal, red and khaki on cream ground, batwing long sleeves, round neckline, mother-of-pearl buttons

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Hundreds of tiny blue and teal daisies scattered across a deep raspberry ground, the print on this Osti Fashions dress warrants a closer look. Made in New Zealand when local fashion labels were able to produce genuinely good ready-to-wear, the fabric has a soft texture that gives the print real depth, the flowers shifting between cobalt, periwinkle and sage depending on the light. The bodice is cut with a deep crossover V-neckline, the fabric folding across itself in a clean wrap that needs no fastening. An elasticated waist draws the dress in neatly before the skirt falls in a soft A-line to midi length.

The crossover neckline is a generous silhouette. The elasticated waist accommodates without gripping, and the A-line skirt moves freely below it. Bare arms and a simple flat sandal is all this needs in summer. Come cooler months, a fine knit layered underneath or over top keeps it going well past the season it was made for.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection
Label: Osti Fashions

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Very Good condition commensurate with age and care. One small area of concern as shown.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 42 cm, Waist 32 cm, Hip 48 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Crossover wrap bodice, elasticated waist, A-line midi skirt
Fixture: Elasticated waist, wrap crossover bodice with no fastening
Features: All-over ditsy floral print in cobalt, teal and periwinkle on raspberry ground, deep crossover V-neckline, sleeveless with clean armhole finish, elasticated waist seam, A-line midi skirt, New Zealand made

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A periwinkle all-over floral lace in a soft, open weave covers the entire length of the gown, from the gently puffed short sleeves to the sweeping skirt below. The construction is where it gets interesting: a fitted lace bodice gives way to a double-layered peplum at the hip, its curved hem trimmed with the same tightly crimped ruffle that edges the square almost sweetheart neckline, centre front placket and sleeve cuffs. That ruffle trim, dense and tactile against the open lace ground, is the detail that makes this dress genuinely special.

The neckline sits wide enough to balance broader shoulders beautifully, while the peplum layers at the hip add volume and softness below the waist without adding bulk. If you carry more evenly through the bust and waist, the sheer lace bodice skims the body lightly, and the gathered long skirt falls away from the hip in loose, fluid panels. This one calls for a silk or satin slip underneath, ivory or white, and very little else. Just the kind of dress you wear to something that matters.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection
Label: N/A

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate)
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements*: Bust 34 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 34 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted through bodice, double peplum at hip, gathered maxi skirt falling to floor
Fixture: Hook and eye or concealed closure at back neckline, open front placket with ruffle trim, side zipper
Features: All-over open floral lace throughout, wide neckline, gently puffed short sleeves, crimped ruffle trim to neckline, centre front placket and sleeve cuffs, double-layered curved peplum at hip with ruffle-trimmed hem, gathered sheer skirt with scalloped lace hem

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Layers of colour-saturated georgette catch the light like a prism turned slowly in afternoon sun. Woven in vertical stripes of cobalt, violet, rosy and teal, the sheer fabric shifts and breathes with every movement, its discreet transparency giving the bodice an ethereal, almost watercolour quality. From the waist, the skirt erupts into cascading tiers of softly unfinished ruffles that fall in loose, organic waves to the floor. Long sleeves echo that same floaty ease, finished with covered button detail at the wrist. This is dressmaking rooted in the belief that fabric, when treated with respect, does all the work.

The waist draws gently inward, creating a natural definition at the middle that lets the tiered skirt fall away with full, fluid volume below. That volume builds beautifully on a longer leg line, while the sheer bodice keeps the upper half light and unstructured. If you carry your strength through your shoulders or upper body, the weightless sleeves and open neckline balance that effortlessly. This is a gown for someone who moves through a room and lets the dress do the talking.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: N/A

Fabric: Georgette
Condition: Very Good condition commensurate with age and care. Small area of concern within the ripples of the skirt fabric that does not detract from wear.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 32 cm, Hip 44 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted through the bodice with an elasticated waist, skirt falls in loose tiered ruffles to full maxi length
Fixture: Button and zipper closure at back from neckline, covered buttons at sleeve
Features: Sheer georgette construction throughout, vertical multicolour stripe in cobalt, violet, rose, teal and sage, cascading tiered ruffle skirt from waist to hem, long sheer sleeves, round neckline, covered button detail at shoulder

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Like a starry sky after midnight, this authentic vintage dress pairs a sleek fitted silhouette with the dreamiest cobalt blue lurex detailed embroidery and an unexpectedly romantic silk cowl back. The subtle sheen through the fabric catches the light beautifully, while the delicate floral motif gives the piece a softly theatrical charm. Elegant from the front, unforgettable when you sashay past.

Perfect for weddings, dinner dates or evenings where "just a little longer" turns into dancing until late. The clean lines skim comfortably through the body without feeling restrictive, while the cowl back adds softness and movement across the shoulders. Perfect for those with an evenly proportioned silhouette. Style with a pointed heel, vintage clutch and lipstick worthy of a dramatic entrance.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection
Label: N/A

Fabric: Cotton, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend, silk cowl
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 44 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hips 44 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Softly structured fitted silhouette with elegant drape through the back
Fixture: Rear zip closure underneath cowl
Features: Raised floral detailing with lurex thread, silk cowl back, cap sleeve shaping, rich cobalt blue tone

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Like a faded love letter from an old ballroom, this authentic vintage gown drifts somewhere between silver screen glamour and fairytale romance. Crafted in a dreamy dark duck egg blue, the silhouette pairs a softly structured bodice with gathered sheer shoulder draping and a sweeping full skirt that moves beautifully across the floor. The scalloped neckline adds just enough sweetness, while the fluid fabric gives the gown an effortless elegance rather than a heavy and formal seriousness.

Perfect for weddings, black tie evenings or anyone wanting their main character moment. The fitted waist creates gentle definition while the full skirt floats comfortably through the hips and middle. The gathered shoulders softly frame the neckline and balance the silhouette beautifully. The colour perfection to suit most skin tones. Add satin or metallic heels and a glass of champagne.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 -1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: N/A

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10-12
Measurements*: Bust 40 cm, Waist 34 cm (up to 36 cm firm), Hip 90 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Structured bodice with defined waist and flowing full length skirt
Fixture: Side zip closure
Features: Scalloped neckline, gathered sheer shoulder draping, full skirt, floor length silhouette, dark duck egg blue tone

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Honestly, where has this dress been all your life? Woven in the most ethereal duck-egg blue satin-cotton brocade, with an all-over pattern of abstract medallions pressed into the weave itself, this gown has the kind of quiet, silvery luminosity that makes a room turn its head without you having to do a single thing. The construction is pure mid-century British magic: a sleeveless column cut with clean, uncluttered confidence, finished with hand-applied crystal and paste rhinestone trim running the full length of the wide scoop neckline, along the straps, and across the raised empire waist. A scatter of deeper sapphire-toned stones cascades from the centre front like a tiny, very glamorous constellation.

The raised empire line sitting just below the bust, elongates the torso beautifully and lets the fabric fall in one long, uninterrupted column to the midi hem, skimming rather than clinging. This silhouette is genuinely flattering across a wide range of proportions: it lifts the eye upward toward the collarbone and shoulders, and floats past the waist and hip. Style it with a sleek low chignon, bare skin, silver heels, and the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly what they walked in wearing.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: United Kingdom
Label: N/A

Fabric: Satin cotton blend brocade
Condition: Very good, commensurate with age and love. Some small areas of concern as shown in images.
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hip 40 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Sleeveless empire-line column gown, midi length
Fixture: Concealed back zip and side zip
Features: All-over satin brocade weave, continuous rhinestone trim to neckline and straps, sapphire-toned paste stone cluster detail at centre front neckline, rhinestone band at empire waistline

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A dreamlike heirloom quality gown in ethereal shades of ice blue, lavender, and pearl. This remarkable piece carries the romance of mid-century formal dressing, with a softly structured sequinned bodice flowing into cascading layers of airy tulle. Hand-finished floral appliqué trails across the skirt hem, creating movement that feels almost weightless with every step. The delicate shoulder draping and sweeping silhouette evoke the glamour of debutante balls and candlelit dance halls, while the iridescent sequins catch the light with a soft celestial shimmer.

Designed to create elegant balance through the shoulders and waist, the fitted bodice offers gentle structure through the bust while the full flowing skirt allows graceful movement through the hips and lower body. Ideal for milestone dressing, first balls, formal events, editorial styling, or collectors of fashion history. While wearable, this is a RESCUE/WOUNDED BIRD gown and is best suited to a careful owner who appreciates restoration and preservation. The visible wear only deepens the romance and secret stories of the piece, offering an opportunity for thoughtful repair and continued storytelling.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection
Label: N/A

Fabric: Easy Care, Soft tulle, sequins
Condition: Rescue. While this dress is wearable it has a number of issues including rips in tulle please ask for additional information or make your booking to try on in person at The Aviary. This dress could be repaired, adapted or reworked and live to dance another day!
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 36 cm, Waist 28 cm, Hip 46 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted through the bodice with a softly flowing full-length skirt
Fixture: Hook and eye closures
Features: Sequinned bodice, layered tulle skirt, floral appliqué detailing, draped shoulder straps, iridescent embellishment

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A beautifully romantic authentic vintage dress in a soft powder blue floral print, scattered with delicate pink roses and framed by cascading ruffle detailing across the neckline and shoulders. The lightweight cotton blend fabric carries an airy softness, moving gently through the tiered midi skirt with an effortless drape. Its gathered neckline and flutter sleeves evoke the femininity of occasion dressing, while the fitted waistline creates elegant structure through the body. The floral print feels timeless and quietly nostalgic, balancing sweetness with graceful sophistication.

The silhouette softly defines the waist while allowing ease through the hips and skirt, making it especially lovely for those wanting balanced proportion and fluid movement. The ruffled neckline draws attention upward and beautifully frames the shoulders and collarbone. Style with woven sandals and straw hat for warm weather gatherings, or pair with tall boots and a denim jacket through cooler seasons. The soft blue palette layers beautifully with creams, faded denim, or dusky pink accessories.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: N/A

Fabric: Cotton, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear blend
Condition: Very good, commensurate with age and love. Some small areas of pilling under right arm (as shown) this does not detract from wearing
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 40 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hips 50 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Fitted through the waist with soft movement through the skirt
Fixture: Side zip closure
Features: Ruffled neckline, sleeveless, tiered midi skirt, romantic floral print

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A beautifully preserved Australian authentic vintage dress in a muted powder blue wool blend, tailored with remarkable precision and softness. The sculptural crossover scarf collar, trimmed in cream piping lays atop a beautifully tailored top. The neckline is secured with a statement button fastening, creating an elegant architectural frame through the neckline and shoulders. Fine pleating through the skirt gives the silhouette graceful movement, while the matching belt softly defines the waist. The wool has a refined finish typical of mid-century tailoring, balancing practicality with quiet glamour. A rare example of boutique Australian dressmaking from Susan Silvers Peters, complete with original labels and thoughtful construction throughout.

The silhouette offers elegant structure through the shoulders and waist while allowing fluid movement through the skirt and hips. The broad (removable) scarf collar naturally balances the upper frame and draws attention upward, making it particularly flattering for those who enjoy soft tailoring around the bust and neckline. Style with boots and a long wool coat through winter, or wear with delicate heels and delicate jewellery for evening occasions. The midi length and pleated skirt create beautiful motion while maintaining a polished line through the middle.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: Susan Silvers Peters

Fabric: Wool blend
Condition: Very good commensurate with age and love. Small area of discolouration on underside cream area of collar scarf that does not detract from wearing (as shown)
Care: Dry clean only

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 36 cm, Waist 28 cm, Hip 48 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: MSSX

Fit: Fitted through the waist with softly structured shoulders and a fluid pleated skirt
Fixture: Side metal zip closure, statement button neck fastening, matching belt
Features: Oversized crossover scarf collar with cream piping, midi pleated skirt, matching fabric belt, three-quarter sleeves, original boutique labels

ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Operating from the prestigious Imperial and Her Majesty’s Arcades on Sydney’s Castlereagh Street, Susan Silvers Peters was an elite, mid-century boutique dressmaker catering to affluent clientele in the 1950s and 1960s. This rare label represents localized, limited-run Australian craftsmanship rather than mass production. Partnering with Swift Sportswear Sydney, the designer utilized groundbreaking textile technology of the era - blending premium wool with newly invented Terylene to create garments with crisp, permanently held pleats and immaculate structure. Today, surviving Susan Silvers Peters pieces are incredibly rare, museum-quality artifacts of mid-century fashion history that are highly prized by collectors for their architectural silhouettes and flawless preservation.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A beautifully preserved example of mid-century daywear, this Jontine Model dress carries the quiet practicality and charm of post-war dressing. Crisp navy and white vertical stripes elongate the silhouette, while the softly structured bodice and gentle A-line skirt create elegant movement through the body. The pointed collar and original cream buttons lend a neat, tailored finish, balanced by the ease of the cotton-feel Marveloom fabric, prized for its crease-resistant practicality during the era. Fine construction details, including the side snap closure and carefully panelled skirt, speak to thoughtful everyday craftsmanship.

The fitted waist creates shape while the striped placement draws the eye vertically through the body for a lengthened effect. The sleeves softly frame the shoulders and balance the hip line beautifully. Style with simple flats, espadrilles or a cane basket bag for an understated summer look. 

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection AU
Label: Jontine Model

Fabric: Marveloom fabric, likely cotton blend with crease-resistant finish
Condition: Very Good commensurate with age and love. Some small areas of fabric deterioration however this does not detract when worn (as shown)
Care: Gentle hand wash or dry clean, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 56 cm
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Structured bodice with fitted waist and softly flared skirt
Fixture: Side closure with small snaps, original buttons
Features: Navy and white vertical stripe pattern, pointed collar, cap sleeves, panelled skirt construction, original fixtures

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Rich cobalt florals bloom across a soft blush silk-feel fabric in this striking chinoiserie shift dress, finished with sculptural textured buttons and an elegant asymmetric neckline detail. Echoing the glamour of mid-century cocktail dressing, the silhouette feels both polished and playful, with its clean lines allowing the vivid floral print to take centre stage. The subtle sheen through the fabric catches the light beautifully, giving movement and depth to every step. A beautifully preserved piece that carries the charm and sophistication of authentic vintage fashion so effortlessly.

The softly tailored shift cut skims comfortably through the middle and hips while sitting neatly across the shoulders without feeling restrictive. Short sleeves and the easy silhouette make it wonderfully wearable for both day and evening styling. Pair with knee boots and a structured coat through cooler months, or style simply with understated heels and jewellery for dinner parties, gallery evenings, or special occasions. Chic, expressive, and endlessly versatile, this is the kind of heirloom quality piece that instantly elevates a wardrobe.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection - Stylist's Own
Label: N/A

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate), silk feel
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements*: Bust 50 cm, Waist 48 cm, Hip 56 cm
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Soft shift silhouette with an easy skim through the body
Fixture: Back zip closure with decorative front button detailing
Features: Floral chinoiserie print, asymmetric neckline detail, textured statement buttons, short sleeves, silk feel finish

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This Nicole dress is pure celebration dressing, the kind that makes an entrance without taking centre stage. Those fine straps and the cascading, floaty tiers give it gorgeous movement, while the rainbow stripe pattern keeps it playful and properly dressed up at the same time.

It is the perfect plus-one for weddings, barbeques, and a night out where you plan to dance. The lining keeps coverage sorted, and the minimal stretch gives a comfortable, slightly forgiving fit without losing the shape. The original side zip keeps the silhouette clean.

Style with a bright and sunny butter-yellow bag and gold hoops, or bring the blue forward with a cobalt wrap and silver sandals. If you want a warmer mood, try coral lipstick with a tan leather clutch and simple pumps. It also looks stunning with a soft knit shrug in white or red when the evening turns cool.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection - Stylist's Own
Label: Nicole

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Machine or hand washable with gentle detergent

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements: Bust 38 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hip 40 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 10 - Bust 80 cm, Waist 60 cm, Hip 85 cm (circumphrence)

Fit: Tailored lining with slight (minimal) stretch, floaty tiered overlay, angular midi length
Fixture: Original side zipper

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Layered luminescent tiers of black tulle drift over a soft powder blue taffeta lining, creating a beautifully theatrical silhouette characteristic of mid century occasion dressing. Styled by Belvera Fashions Sydney, this authentic vintage piece balances delicacy with structure through softly gathered skirts, ruched bodice detailing, and sheer illusion panelling across the neckline. The embroidered floral dot motif catches the light with scattered iridescent sparkle, while the voluminous puff sleeves reveal subtle tulle undersleeves beneath. Floating yet sculptural, the dress moves with remarkable softness while retaining the elegant shape so synonymous with formal dressing of the era.

The fitted bodice creates gentle structure through the waist before opening into a full layered skirt that allows movement and balance through the hip area. The soft bateau neckline and sheer upper bodice frame the shoulders beautifully, while the gathered sleeve construction adds softness without overwhelming the silhouette. Ideal for evening events, winter celebrations, or modern occasion dressing, this piece pairs effortlessly with satin heels, delicate jewellery, or a structured coat. Or emulate a 80s/90s look and try a denim jacket and Doc Martin boots! The rear metal zip closure keeps the line clean and traditionally tailored.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: Belvera Fashions, Sydney

Fabric: Easy Care (as shown) taffeta and tulle
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and love
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 60 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: SSW

Fit: Structured fitted bodice with full gathered layered skirt
Fixture: Rear metal zip closure
Features: Black tulle overlay, powder blue taffeta lining, puff sleeves with tulle undersleeves, sheer illusion neckline, ruched bodice detailing, layered skirt construction

ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Operating out of their Taylor Street workshops in Sydney, Australia, Belvera Fashions was a premier mid-century manufacturing label thriving throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Celebrated for capturing classic post-war femininity, the label specialized in striking evening wear, mid-century cocktail gowns, and elegant party pieces. Utilizing the revolutionary textile blends of the era such as structural nylon tulles, flocked rayons, and shimmering jacquards. Belvera Fashions delivered dramatic, architectural silhouettes engineered to dance. Today, surviving garments from this mid-century Sydney label are beautifully preserved artifacts of Australasian fashion history, highly prized by collectors for their nostalgic charm and stellar vintage construction.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

A liquid shimmer of deep ocean blue, this authentic vintage gown captures the glamour of mid century evening dressing with remarkable restraint and elegance. Cut in a statuesque column silhouette, the softly glistening lurex catches the light like the sun across water, creating movement even in stillness. The square neckline frames the collarbone beautifully, while the elongated line of the gown falls cleanly to the floor before opening into a dramatic side split. The simplicity of the construction allows the fabric to become the centrepiece, luminous, fluid, and quietly cinematic.

The structured shoulder line and elongated cut create beautiful balance through the torso, offering a sleek silhouette that skims rather than clings. Ideal for evening events, gallery dinners, winter balls, or modern bridal celebrations, this piece pairs effortlessly with sculptural jewellery and metallic or understated heels. The side split allows graceful movement while the back zip closure keeps the silhouette clean and uninterrupted. Particularly flattering for those seeking elegant vertical lines through the middle and hip area without excessive shaping.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection
Label: N/A

Fabric: Soft metallic lurex blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements*: Bust 42 cm, Waist 40 cm, Hip 46 cm laid flat
Vintage Size Indicator: N/A

Fit: Slim column fit with gentle skim through the waist and hips
Fixture: Back zip closure
Features: Deep ocean blue metallic lurex, square neckline, sleeveless cut, floor length silhouette, rear split

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Derek Clothes. Made in New Zealand. A label that dressed New Zealand women with quiet confidence through the 1960s and 1970s, and this dress is a perfect example of why. The fabric is the first thing you notice. Soft and suede-like in feel, with a fine nap and a subtle texture that sits somewhere between ultrasuede and a brushed easy care blend. The colour is a gorgoeus grey/periwinkle blue that holds beautifully in natural light. The dress has a neat shirt collar, a button front placket, short cap sleeves, side seam pockets and comes with its original matching belt, which cinches the waist with a simple buckle closure.

The silhouette is straight and relaxed through the body, falling to just below the knee. Wear it belted with tan leather ankle boots and a warm amber necklace for a weekday look. Swap in heeled sandals in cognac or gold for a Friday evening. Try a bold orange or cherry red belt in place of the original for a colour contrast that pops against the blue. A crisp white blazer thrown over the top takes it somewhere more structured when the occasion calls for it. This dress works particularly well if you are fairly even through the bust and hip, as the straight silhouette follows the body evenly from shoulder to hem. Worn belted, it defines the waist beautifully for those who like a defined middle. Worn without the belt, it skims through the body and suits those who prefer a relaxed, unstructured line. The sleeve sits close to the shoulder and gives the look a clean, unfussy finish.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here!

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: Derek Clothes, Made in New Zealand

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear, soft suede-like texture Condition: Excellent, commensurate with age and love
Care: Cool gentle machine wash inside out or hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 38 cm, Waist 32 cm, Hip 44 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 12

Fit: Straight through body, relaxed, knee length
Fixture: Original button front, original matching belt
Features: Periwinkle blue suede-feel fabric, shirt collar, cap sleeves, button front placket, side seam pockets, original matching belt

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This fabulous French maxi is at least 50 years young already, and somehow still feels fresh, modern and beautifull. The print is all deep teal-blue with scattered white blooms, like hydrangea confetti across a twilight sky.

The bodice has a softly shaped V neckline, then drops into a defined waist and a gently sweeping skirt that moves as you walk. Finished with short sleeves and a rear zip closure, it’s the kind of vintage that slips straight into a modern wardrobe.

Wear it with a lilac cardi and silver sandals for daytime, or sharpen it up with a cropped acid-lime jacket and a cobalt bag for a colour-on-colour moment. For evenings, try a paprika heel and a metallic clutch, or go sleek with deep indigo denim jacket thrown over your shoulders and bright teal earrings.

Circa: 1940–1970
Origin: France
Label: na

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Gentle cold machine wash (or hand wash). Line dry. Cool iron if needed.

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 – 12
Measurements*: Bust 40 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hip 52 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Shaped through the bodice with a defined waist and a full-length skirt.
Fixture: Rear zip closure.
Features: V neckline, short sleeves, waist seam with soft fullness through the skirt, maxi length, French cotton print.

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This Nicole dress is pure celebration dressing, the kind that makes an entrance without taking centre stage. Those fine straps and the cascading, floaty tiers give it gorgeous movement, while the rainbow stripe pattern keeps it playful and properly dressed up at the same time.

It is the perfect plus-one for weddings, barbeques, and a night out where you plan to dance. The lining keeps coverage sorted, and the minimal stretch gives a comfortable, slightly forgiving fit without losing the shape. The original side zip keeps the silhouette clean.

Style with a bright and sunny butter-yellow bag and gold hoops, or bring the blue forward with a cobalt wrap and silver sandals. If you want a warmer mood, try coral lipstick with a tan leather clutch and simple pumps. It also looks stunning with a soft knit shrug in white or red when the evening turns cool.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection - Stylist's Own
Label: Nicole

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Machine or hand washable with gentle detergent

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements: Bust 38 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hip 40 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 10 - Bust 80 cm, Waist 60 cm, Hip 85 cm (circumphrence)

Fit: Tailored lining with slight (minimal) stretch, floaty tiered overlay, angular midi length
Fixture: Original side zipper

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

At least 50 years young, this ice blue fit and flare dress is the kind of piece that makes you want to put on your best shoes and find somewhere wonderful to go. The colour is a soft, clear baby blue with a fine woven dot texture that catches the light with a gentle sheen. The bodice is carefully darted and seamed to create a close, considered fit through the bust and waist, finishing with a clean V neckline and broad shoulder straps. From the waist, the skirt releases into a full, sweeping circle that moves the way skirts from this era always did, with real volume and a life of its own. This is a dress that was made for dancing, and it shows.
The skirt has the kind of sweep that a dance floor demands, and the bodice is structured enough to hold everything in place while the skirt does exactly as it pleases.

Wear it to a garden wedding with strappy gold heeled sandals and pearl drop earrings. Try ivory kitten heels and a fine silver bracelet for a races day or a ball that feels genuinely special. For something more contemporary, pair it with white sneakers and a denim jacket for a styling contrast that feels fresh and considered. The ice blue of this dress works beautifully with rose gold jewellery, a bold fuchsia lip, or a clutch in deep emerald or coral.

This dress is made for a petite frame with a very small, defined waist and will look breathtaking on the right person. Is that you? ...

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970 
Origin: Consignment
Label: n/a

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear
Condition: Very good, commensurate with age and love. Some small tears at hem of skirt, not visible if hem is taken up.
Care: Cool gentle machine wash inside out or hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 4 - 6
Measurements*: Bust 36 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hip 70 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Fitted darted bodice with full circle skirt, defined waist, midi length
Fixture: Original side zip
Features: Ice blue woven dot fabric, V neckline, broad shoulder straps, full sweeping circle skirt, darted and seamed bodice

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

At least 50 years young, this duck egg blue polka dot dress is the sort of piece that stops you in your tracks and smile. White spots on a soft mid blue ground, long sleeves with a neat buttoned cuff, and a self-tie pussy bow at the neck that can be worn as a proper bow, loosely knotted or left to drape. It is a dress with personality built into every seam. The silhouette is a fitted bodice releasing into a full, gently flared skirt that moves beautifully. The waist is defined and the skirt has real sweep to it, the kind of shape that looks wonderful both standing still and walking into a room.

The fabric is an easy care blend with a slight sheen that gives the blue a warmth and depth in natural light. Long sleeves make this a dress that works across the seasons, as good in an autumn as it is on a spring afternoon. This dress is made for a petite frame with a very defined waist, and it will look extraordinary on the right person. Wear it with your favourite kitten heels in tan or cherry red and a small structured bag. Try white ankle boots for something that feels fresh and modern. For an evening occasion, silver strappy heels and a silver clutch make it feel genuinely special. The blue in this print also loves a pop of warm coral or a bold tangerine lip.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: n/a

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear
Condition: Excellent, commensurate with age and love
Care: Cool gentle machine wash inside out or hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 4 - 8
Measurements*: Bust 40 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hip 70 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Fitted bodice with full flared skirt, defined waist, midi length
Fixture: Original rear zip, self-tie pussy bow neck tie 
Features: Duck egg blue and cream polka dot print, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, self-tie pussy bow neckline, full flared skirt, back zip

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

At least 50 years young, this dress arrives with all the confidence of a decade of colour perfection. Periwinkle blue, teal, and olive gold, rendered in a bold oversized floral that covers every inch of a beautifully light cotton blend. It is the kind of print that has you reaching for it again and again. The dress is a straight shift, easy through the body with a gentle A-line sweep toward the hem. The neckline has a neat round finish with a small decorative button placket that adds a quiet detail to an otherwise clean silhouette.

Wear it loose and easy with flat strappy sandals in tan or white and a cane bag for a summer afternoon. Add a belt, as pictured, and the whole silhouette shifts into something tailored and defined. A woven or leather belt in olive or khaki picks up the colours in the print beautifully. For evening, try heeled mules in gold or a strappy silver sandals. If you want to lean into the print, a bold lipstick works perfectly with the periwinkle tones. This is a dress that suits a straighter or fuller figure and works especially well for women who want a relaxed silhouette that still looks polished. The print does the work and the shape gives you room to breathe.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: n/a

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent, commensurate with age and love
Care: Cool gentle machine wash inside out or hand wash, line dry

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements*: Bust 46 cm, Waist 44 cm, Hip 54 cm (laid flat) 
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Straight shift with gentle A-line sweep, relaxed through body, midi length
Fixture: Original buttons
Features: Bold oversized floral print in periwinkle, teal, blush and olive gold, round neckline with decorative button placket detail, sleeveless, wear belted or unbelted

NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

There are pieces that arrive carrying the full weight of their era, and this is one of them. Created by Marsha Mayne, the signature label of United Fashions Pty Ltd, a Brisbane couture house operated by the Malouf family and sold exclusively through their salon Marcia Gowns at the Strand Building on Queen and Albert Streets, this dress is mid-century Australian fashion history you can hold in your hands. The steel blue iridescent satin shifts between midnight and cornflower depending on the light, and the construction is everything you would expect from a label that dressed Brisbane's best. A wide V-neckline frames the décolletage front and back, the bodice is tailored precisely to the waist, and the full circle skirt falls with that particular sweep that no modern fabric quite replicates. A  statement bow anchors the hem front with a quiet drama that is entirely intentional.

This dress is listed as a Rescue or Wounded bird. It carries a number of small possible moth or cigarette burn holes in the skirt fabric, as shown in the product images. The original cotton thread construction may also benefit from reinforcing in some areas. Worn as is with a dark petticoat underneath and in evening light, the holes are not visible without close inspection. Alternatively, this is a rare opportunity for a creative mind: the bones of this gown, the cut, the fabric, the provenance, are exceptional and worthy of reimagining into something entirely new.

Wear it to an evening event with dark hosiery and heels, a vintage pearl or crystal brooch at the neckline, and hair worn up to let the back V do what it was designed to do. The fitted bodice and full skirt silhouette is one of the most universally flattering shapes in fashion history. It defines the waist and creates balance whether you are narrower through the shoulder and fuller below, broader through the bust and shoulder, or relatively consistent from top to bottom. The skirt volume does the work. You simply wear it.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 – 1970
Origin: Private Collection, Au
Label: Marsha Mayne Creation, Brisbane (United Fashions Pty Ltd)

Fabric: Iridescent satin-finish Easy Care blend (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate)
Condition: Rescue/Wounded as shown. A number of small possible moth or cigarette burn holes present in skirt fabric as shown in product images. Original cotton thread construction may require reinforcing in some areas. Wearable as is with a dark petticoat in evening wear. Creative restoration opportunity. 
Care: Dry clean only recommended

Modern Size Indicator: 10 – 12
Measurements: Available on request prior to purchase to ensure best fit.
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Tailored bodice from bust to waist, full circle skirt
Fixture: Original side zipper
Features: V-neckline front and back, cap sleeves, tailored waist, statement bow at hem front, full circle skirt, iridescent satin fabric, fully lined

NOTE: This is a Rescue/Wounded/Sale item and cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Sold as described and as shown. For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Colours may display differently across various devices.

This Timer dress is a gorgeous slice of collectable Australian fashion history, with that polished department-store tailoring that was built to last. The blue-and-bronze abstract print is unique and has real style presence, while the cut keeps everything clean and wearable. Perfect for heading to lunch when you need something simple but stunning to put on.

The silhouette is a straight, tailored shift with gentle shaping through the bust, then it skims down the body without clinging. The double-breasted fabric-covered buttons add texture and refinement, and the original matching belt lets you choose your level of waist definition, cinched for structure or worn looser for ease. You could even style it creatively as a neck tie, or knot it at the ponytail for a pulled-together finish.

Style it with boots and a toffee-coloured or navy blazer for cooler months, or keep it simple with flats and a tidy shoulder bag when you want a sleek daytime look. The shape is especially good if you like a streamlined line through the tummy and hips, and it also suits anyone who prefers definition up top with a skirt line that falls straight and easy.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collector Au
Label: Timer (David Jones trademark)

Fabric: Easy Care (Acetate) wash and wear
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Hand wash with gentle detergent or specialist dry clean recommended

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements: Bust 46 cm, Waist 44 cm, Hips 48 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Straight shift style, tailored at the bust, skims the body
Fixture: Original fabric-covered buttons and matching original belt
Features: Abstract blue and bronze print, double-breasted front, fabric-covered buttons, matching belt, tailored bust shaping

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Some dresses are made for a moment. This one was made for a decade, and it has held its nerve ever since. Cut in a rich royal blue ribbed knit-blend, the mock turtleneck sits with just enough height to feel considered without being restrictive, and the ribbed texture runs the full length of the dress, shifting between cobalt and midnight depending on the light. The silhouette is gently A-line, skimming cleanly from the shoulder and releasing into a soft flare toward the knee. A full-length rear zipper from neckline to hem tells you everything about how this was made: with care, from beginning to end.

This is unmistakably from the era of clean lines and the quiet conviction that a well-cut dress in a single strong colour was all a woman needed to walk into any room. It still is.

Wear it with knee-high boots and a structured coat, or belt it at the waist for definition and add a vintage brooch at the collar. The clean A-line works beautifully across proportions: it skims if you are fuller through the bust and shoulder, releases gently over the hip without pulling if you carry more fullness below, and a slim belt creates an instant waist on any silhouette. One dress. Endless ways to wear it.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 – 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: n/a

Fabric: Cotton, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent, commensurate with age and love
Care: Hand wash with gentle detergent or dry clean recommended. Do not tumble dry.

Modern Size Indicator: 8–10
Measurements: Bust 38 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hip 44 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 10

Fit: Gently A-line, skimming through the bodice with a soft flare to the knee
Fixture: Original full-length rear zipper, original press-stud cuff closures
Features: Mock turtleneck, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs and original press-stud fastening, full-length rear zipper, ribbed knit texture, knee-length A-line hem

NOTE: Sale Items and Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently across various devices.

This fantastic knit-blend skater dress is the sort of authentic vintage that feels immediately fun, considered and up lifting, thanks to the high neckline, long sleeves, and a tailored bodice that nips in at the waist before dropping into a flared A-line skirt.

The fabric has that easy-care practicality, but the finish feels hand-crafted and thoughtfully constructed. It zips at the back with an original zipper and is secured with an original hook-and-eye at the neckline, which keeps the high collar sitting neatly. The silhouette is brilliant for cooler months because it gives shape without clinging, and the skirt has enough swing to keep it feeling light on its feet.

Style it for work with a sharp navy blazer and boots, or take it weekend-ready with a vintage coat and a leather crossbody. If you like a bit of contrast, try a soft ivory scarf at the neckline, or add a punchy colour bag for a modern twist.

This shape is especially good if you like definition through the waist with a skirt that skims the hips and thighs. It can also be a great balance if you carry more fullness on your bottom half than your top half, or if you are broader through the shoulders and bustline and prefer a waist-defined silhouette that flows away from the body.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Consignment
Label: n/a

Fabric: Cotton, Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Machine washable or hand wash with gentle detergent

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 10
Measurements: Bust 38 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 66 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Skater style with tailored bodice to the waist, then a flared A-line skirt
Fixture: Original rear zipper and original hook-and-eye closure
Features: High collar, long sleeves, hand-crafted construction, waist definition, flared skirt

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This deliciously flirty Italian roll neck mini is a total wardrobe mood-lifter. The sleeveless, tailored bodice keeps the line clean and sharp, while the pleated skirt brings all the movement, perfect for a lunch date, a work do, or a proper night out with the gals.

The print feels like a Monet-inspired wash of blues, soft and painterly, but the cut keeps it grounded and wearable. It is the kind of piece that brings that authentic vintage balance of fun and polish.

Style it with a cropped blazer and boots when the weather cools down, or keep it simple with flats and a bright bag. For evening, go for statement earrings and a sleek little clutch, and let the pleats do their thing.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary - make your booking here.

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Italy
Label: n/a

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Hand wash with gentle detergent, line dry in shade

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Measurements: Bust 44 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hip 50 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Roll neck sleeveless mini, tailored bodice with pleated skirt
Fixture: Original zipper

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This two-tone authentic vintage shirtwaister-style dress is pure fabulous. The fabric in the bodice gives you that crisp, clean, tailored line through the shoulders and collar, while the patterned cotton-blend skirt brings in just the right amount softness and personality.

It is designed to flatter without clinging, with a softly defined waist where the bodice glides into the skirt. The skirt finishes just below the knee in an elegant pencil-skirt shape that sits neatly and moves well, plus you have the practicality of the original buttons up top and an original side zip.

Style it for work with a blazer and boots, then take it into evening with a silk scarf and statement earrings. On warmer days, roll the sleeves, open the collar, and add espadrilles or simple flats.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here

Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection NZ
Label: n/a

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) wash and wear and cotton blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Machine washable with gentle detergent

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements: Bust 34 cm, Waist 34 cm, Hip 46 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: SSW

Fit: Tailored shirtwaister silhouette, defined waist, skirt to just below the knee
Fixture: Original buttons and original side zipper

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.

This exceptional vintage dress is all about line and colour with the pleasant surprise of pockets! That perfect, clear blue, the kind that emulates a polished without trying look. Combined with a tailored silhouette that just skims the body and keeps everything beautifully feminine.

The fabric has a subtle corded texture and a soft sheen that suggests silk, though the fibre content is unconfirmed. It closes with an original side zip, and inside you will spot generous seam allowance, which is always a good sign of quality construction and gives helpful wiggle room for careful alterations if needed.

Style it simply with a blazer and boots, or go full evening with statement jewellery and a sharp little clutch. If you want to play with colour, try citrus accessories for a modern pop, or keep it classic with pearl earrings and a lipstick-red bag.

Keen to try on? Visit The Aviary to try on, make your booking here

Circa: 1940 - 1970
Origin: Private Collection UK
Label: n/a

Fabric: Corded silk (?)
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love
Care: Specialist dry clean recommended

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements: Bust 38 cm, Waist 32 cm, Hip 42 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: n/a

Fit: Tailored silhouette, designed to skim the body. Generous internal seam allowance (as shown)
Fixture: Original side zipper

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.