Something that one person discards, another may cherish. And occasionally, that prized item is a stunning garment made by Hollywood’s golden age of dressmaking.
Kansas Michalke is an Austin, Texas-based content developer and mother of two who has a knack for finding hidden gems when shopping thrift.
A surprising discovery was made in an antiquarian bookshop.
The woman admitted that her love for thrift stores was sparked in the early years when her family could not afford new branded products. “We were ordinary people from the country who went straight to the thrift store or the sale,” she noted in the interview. However, she also said that she is not ashamed of it.
Michalke went shopping this time as usual. As she was about to finish shopping, she saw a beautiful, sparkling evening dress. Michalke recalled, “I saw a glimpse of the dress and thought, ‘Oh my god, this is going to be so much fun to play dress up with, and I just threw it in the basket.’ “I didn’t look at the label,” she continued.
I didn’t check anything. “My daughters will love this,” I thought.
Michalke did not realize she had discovered something remarkable until she returned home. She described the moment she realized she had just bought a dress from a dressmaker from the Golden Age of Hollywood: “When I typed in the designer’s name, I thought, NEVER, THAT’S CRAZY!”
“And that’s when I started doing full research on Oleg Cassini and found out how iconic he is,” the happy woman continued. Michalke bought Oleg Cassini’s antique clothes for fifteen dollars. Michalke’s attention was initially caught by the shine and glamor of the dress. On closer inspection, however, she was drawn to the delicate mother-of-pearl details and meticulous work with sequins.
Hollywood stars adored Oleg Cassini.
Legendary fashion designer Oleg Cassini was known as much for his intimate connections with Hollywood’s upper class as for his sophisticated and inventive designs.
Through her clothing of some of the most famous characters of the era, on and off screen, Cassini became associated with American fashion throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Among his clients were Hollywood celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Gina Lollobrigida, and many others.
The classic elegance and meticulous attention to detail in Cassini’s designs have been highly praised.
His expertise with sheath dresses, which became a staple of women’s fashion in the mid-20th century, won him great acclaim. His works reflected the glitter of silver film and the appeal of high society, embodying the height of refinement and grace.
Michalk’s discovery is unique.
Marilyn Monroe and Michael Chalke wear clothes designed by Oleg Cassini.
The $15 find was all the more exciting because Michalke customized the garment to a T. She excitedly posted her find on social media, where many people commented with their own items bearing the Cassini name. Among them all, Michalke’s discovery stood out. The details of the dress indicate that it was not a mass-produced piece. Michalke discovered the dress could be part of Cassini’s “Black Tie Collection” when he looked at the label.
She said: “It’s definitely 1980s or earlier because the label is hand sewn and they didn’t use machine sewing until the 1990s so I know it’s either 1980s or earlier but I can’t find anything else on it. “
Michalke searched far and wide but couldn’t find anything that resembled her glittering attire.
There is nothing like it, but I believe that makes it even more unique. Could it be considered unique?
Maybe a bit on the runway. I’m just not sure,” she mused.
While Michalke would love to learn more about the dress’s origins and value, she finds her greatest happiness in wearing it with her daughters on dressing-up occasions. Michalke laughed and said, “My four-year-old Memphis is obsessed with fashion. Her exact words were, ‘Mom, that’s iconic.’
Michalke’s credo is “Boycott boredom” and this discovery clearly proves it. Her love of thrifting and finding hidden gems at Goodwill inspired her to write a thrifting guide that offers practical advice on how to navigate the thrift store and find just what you’re looking for.
“Sales houses aren’t always bad. I go thrift shopping at least four times a week and I’ve never come across one,” she said.
Another lucky woman, who wasn’t even engaged, got a $6,000 second-hand fashion item for $25.
Kansas Michalke’s $15 thrift store find is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most unusual discoveries come from the most unexpected places. What began as a routine purchase of a fun piece turned into an exciting encounter with fashion history. Michalka’s accidental purchase of a dress by Oleg Cassini, a designer celebrated for dressing some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, underscores the serendipity that often accompanies thrift shopping.
The intricate details and historical significance of the gown highlight the timeless appeal of Cassini’s designs, showing that true elegance and craftsmanship can be found far beyond the confines of luxury boutiques.
Michalka’s joy in sharing this find with her daughters and her enthusiasm for thrift shopping serve as a reminder that treasures can indeed be hidden in plain sight. Her experience reflects the thrill of discovering something unique and valuable and reinforces the notion that an object’s value is not always apparent at first glance.
This discovery not only demonstrates Michalke’s keen eye for hidden gems but also inspires others to explore thrift stores with renewed curiosity. Her story is a celebration of the unexpected joys of thrift shopping and proves that sometimes the best finds are the ones that come with a touch of history and a dash of luck.