eBay Finds: Exploring Fashion History
A collaboration with Nora Henick of thanks it's from ebay
Today is a collaboration post with Nora from thanks it’s from ebay, “a newsletter dedicated to finding you the best vintage and pre-loved things on the best corner of the internet, ebay.” These are 5 of her eBay finds from this week, researched by yours truly! Her notes are in italics.
Nora Henick is a digital strategist based in Brooklyn who spends way too much time on eBay. When she’s not on eBay, she’s making homemade pasta, trying to whip up an exact replica of the Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, or attempting to bake croissants.
1) Gianfranco Ferre Haute Couture vintage Sequins top
“I'm actually not sure if this is vintage, it says it is but who knows with eBay sellers!”
Often referred to as the "architect of fashion," Gianfranco Ferré began designing jewelry and accessories in the late 1960s. He worked for various designers before opening his own ready-to-wear company, likely where this piece originates, according to the label found on Vintage Fashion Guild. In 1986, he launched a couture label, and in 1989, he became the artistic director of Christian Dior.
I can absolutely picture this in the 1980s with big silver jewelry and sky high bangs.
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2) Loris Azarro Vintage 1980s Stunning Silk Pouf Wedding Evening Dress W/ Roses
“I'm not a bride to be but maybe there's a fabulous one who follows you who would love this <3”
Loris Azzaro was a Tunisian-born French fashion designer renowned for his glamorous evening wear. Just two years after opening his first workshop in 1965, he presented his first couture collection. Although his pieces have been worn by dozens of iconic celebrities like Tina Turner, Brigitte Bardot, and Jane Birkin, he was never a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion.)
This is a remarkably rare piece of fashion history, and holy MOLY, can you imagine it as a wedding dress?!
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3) MOD EMILIO PUCCI 1960s LUCITE BRACELET
“Feeling so drawn to Pucci and bright colors right now so I pulled a few options”
You cannot mention the psychedelic patterns of the late-60s/70s without mention Emilio Pucci. Quite literally known as the “Prince of Prints,” Pucci’s fashion career began incidentally when he designed a ski suit for a female friend. She was approached at a ski resort by a Harper’s Bazaar photographer who eventually asked Pucci to design skiwear for a 1948 issue of Bazaar.
Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren and even Madonna were Pucci fans and Marilyn Monroe loved his designs so much that she was buried in a Pucci dress.
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4) Vtg Antique Victorian Edwardian Mourning Black Cotton Blend Blouse
“This feels like something you'd find in stores today”
Mourning attire was a significant aspect of Victorian and Edwardian culture, particularly for the upper classes, and typically had three stages: deep mourning, second mourning, and half mourning. Deep mourning had the strictest rules, requiring pure black, dull clothing often made of crepe or wool. This top likely originates from that period. Second mourning allowed some black decoration like beading, silk trim, and jewelry. Half mourning introduced additional colors such as purple, white, and gray.
This mourning dress features tucks similar to those in the eBay listing, which were a popular form of decoration as they were considered understated.
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5) Antique Victorian 3D Lace Silk Ruffle 2 Piece Separates Blouse & Skirt Set
“Doen before Doen was Doen”
Founded in 2016, Doen draws substantial inspiration from vintage designs, particularly those of the 1960s and 1970s, which themselves often featured Victorian and Edwardian revivals. Common design elements inspired by these antique styles include ruffles, lace, smocking, tucks, and delicate embroidery. Their pieces frequently utilize natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool, emphasizing both comfort and sustainability.
I’ll shout it from the rooftops: Fashion is cyclical!
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Check out thanks it’s from ebay and my curation over with Nora!
Pucci!!