1950s Navy Silk Couture Bar Jacket with Button Pocket
This early 1950s navy shot silk jacket is unlabelled haute couture circa 1950-51. Of complex construction, it is cut in a classic New Look 'bar' style shape, with rounded front hem, slender waist and accentuated slope of the basque bodice. It has original padding in each shoulder to create structure, and inside the front of the waist to create volume around the hips. The neckline is high and the front is detailed with a panel of fabric that forms a racer-shape over the top. Four large tonal plastic buttons give the appearance of double-breasted tailoring and, below this, there are two flaps which cross over and two slanted welt pockets. The cuffs are designed to be turned up. At the rear, there are two large tonal plastic buttons which attach a navy shot silk cinch belt. The jacket is unlined at the top and lined in a navy man-made cloth below the waist. It fastens at the rear with a hidden tonal zip and two hook-and-eye clasps. We have attached several haute couture examples of bar jackets from the same period by Dior, Balmain and Balenciaga.
The jacket is in wonderful vintage condition with no flaws to note - truly remarkable. No labels remain but this was made in Paris using haute couture fabrics and techniques. It would be a best fit for around a UK 10 or US 6 with some leeway either side of this.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 25 in. (64 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 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