1920s House of Adair Floral Black Crepe Beaded Flapper Dress

£1,750.00
The House of Adair was a Parisian atelier that created beaded silk gowns for the export market during the 1920s. They were retailed in the best department stores of the day, especially in the US and UK.
The designs were inspired by haute couture fashions and popular themes including orientalism and the geometric forms of the Art Deco movement. The workers has all been trained in haute couture methods and rare surviving pieces are often acquired by museums and fashion institutions including Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

This dress has a sleeveless, blouson top style v-neck and is fashioned with a lightly gathered drop-waist. This fluid, tubular tailoring was typical of the must-have dresses of this era and the silk crepe is adorned with brightly beaded flowers, among them sunflowers, thistles and gerberas. The original label sits inside the waistband and reads “Adair 4. Cité Paradis Paris”. A century old, this piece is in flawless antique condition - absolutely extraordinary for something of this age. The dress slips on over the head and can be worn with due care and attention. Due to the relaxed nature of the design, she will fit up to a US 6-8 or UK 10-12.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 40 in. ( 101.6 cm)
Waist - 34 in. (86.36 cm)
Hip - 42 in. (106.68 cm)
Length - 53 in. (134.62 cm)

Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE

Usually ready in 24 hours

F.A.Q.

Will you set anything aside for me before I come?

We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance. 

We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.


We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.


You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.

Do you have a price range?

Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.

Can I bring anyone with me?

Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.

Where can I get alterations?

We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.

Do you have an after-care service?

We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.

Can I cancel my appointment?

You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.

Where's the showroom?

Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB

Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.

Do you have parking?

We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.

How do I get there by public transport?

Underground:

Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines

Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line

Overground:

Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal