When a then-unknown Christian Dior presented his extravagant first collection on February 12, 1947 in a Parisian atelier on Avenue Montaigne, Carmel Snow, the renowned editor in chief of Harper?s Bazaar, enthusiastically declared, ?That?s a New Look!? The fashion-starved, postwar audience was eager to rediscover their romantic and frivolous femininity, and Dior's timing was impeccable. "My dream is to liberate women from nature," Dior flamboyantly declared, transforming mere fashion shows into star-studded events attended by Princess Soraya, the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Bacall and other glitterati of the day (and cashing in before his untimely death in 1957 by signing his name to hats, glasses, stockings and other accessories...virtually inventing the system of licensing).

Beginning June 4th, YOOX.com will be launching a limited-time 100+ piece collection of vintage Dior. Curated by vintage expert and former New York Times fashion critic Holly Brubach (who shares some tips on shopping for vintage like a pro below), the collection will feature choice Dior clothing and accessories previously hidden in far-flung private collections in Europe and the US, from estate sales, and auctioned off at prestigious houses like Christie's New York & Franco Jacassi in Milan.

Some of the highlights include:

A jacket in silk shantung bordered with an elaborate organza fringe, from the early 1960s and an Haute Couture cocktail dress from the 1967 Spring Summer collection; it once belonged to Maria Felix, the legendary film star of the 1940s-1950s, who was as famous for her intense performances as for her personal style. A Dior devotee, the exotic beauty was a regular at the Avenue Montaigne atelier. The dress was purchased from Christie?s of New York, which held a special auction dedicated to the sale of some of the famous actress?s personal memorabilia.

An important necklace owned by the famous fashion journalist Adriana Grassi, correspondent for publications such as Women?s Wear Daily and Gap Magazine, composed of amethyst stone-cut crystals and clear rhinestones from the 1960?s. "Dior?s accessories are statement pieces within themselves," explains Brubach. "Whether it is paired with a pair of jeans, a suit, or an evening dress, the crystal starburst earrings or the brooch in gold-toned metal with cabochon stones are truly eye catching pieces that can bring elegance to any outfit."

"All designers have their ups and downs," explains Brubach, noting that his high point was without question the New Look, "but I don?t believe Dior had a ?bad? collection. His career was cut short by his untimely death." Prices range from $130 for sunglasses to $9000 for a cocktail dress...and if this is anything like the site's vintage Chanel sale last year that sold out in record time,

Sex and the City stylist, Patricia Field, just launched her latest collection of glam-rock kicks at her downtown NYC boutique and studio with an intimate Q&A in her downtown NYC studio, followed by a packed party held in her store next door. 

"I draw much inspiration from my global travels to major fashion capitals including Tokyo and Sao Paulo, among the standards. On the global front, color and pop-glamour are key -- I am excited to bring shoppers these global interpretations in my Payless summer collection. For my second collection for Payless I was inspired to continue the strong metallic theme, layering on bright colors including electric blue, sleek silver and sunny gold with sparkle and high-shine detailing,? explains Field, whose first collection was inspired by her red carpet appearance at the Oscars, after she was nominated for her work on The Devil Wears Prada. This second capsule collection is comprised of shiny blue and gold pumps, glittery ballet flats, metallic Roman-inspired flat sandals, and "sneakers" for the sexy gal (mixed-metallic 3 inch mules).

?We have been thrilled to work with Patricia, America?s style icon, to style our consumer marketing, as well as to bring her designs to shoppers nationwide with the Patricia Field for Payless collection,? says Matthew Rubel, CEO and president of Payless ShoeSource. ?Payless Guest Designers (which have included Lela Rose and Abaete) like Patricia are a powerful element in our mission to democratize fashion in footwear and accessories. Patricia?s impeccable taste and exquisite sense of style is truly apparent in her summer collection, and we are excited to see the positive consumer reaction when the product hits stores this week.?

While the shoes and coordinating clutches are affordably priced in the $25 to $35 range, they're anything but cheap. ?I love what Payless is doing to make fashion democratic," agrees Field, "and I am excited to be a part of that movement.

Also, be sure to check out Sharon Clott's fabulous interview with the uber-stylist for NYMag.com, and find out about "tears of fashion", what Samantha wears in every sex scene, and how Field presented the audience with a lovely Carrie-flower in the opening scene.

The Patricia Field for Payless summer capsule collection is available starting this week at

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