1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress

£380.00
This is a really beautiful example of a late 50s or early 60s design in silk. The large rose print is a blend of pinks and reds which gives the print a painterly quality against the plain nazy background. The dress boasts the most beautiful sculptural sleeve design with folds and pleating of the silk on the shoulders. There is a keyhole element too that may have been added to narrow the arm opening but remove the holding stitches and this opens up if you prefer a wider arm hole. The dress has an elegant but simple pencil line skirt whilst the bodice is darted at the waist with an integrated belt that is semi attached at the waistline. There is a cross over tie detail at the front too and the dress has a centered rear zip.

There are no labels but this piece has clearly been made by a design house and would have retailed in a very high-end department store in America. Construction wise, there are higher end elements such as the silk organza lining, generous seam allowance and under garment fastenings on the shoulder. The condition is very good to excellent - the fabric retains its lustre and sheen and the dress has seen little use in its life. One or two small seams have minor strain marks but this is very common in vintage dresses. Fundamentally the dress has not sustained any damage and these are not noticable when worn. We did notice that the dress has been re-hemmed and importantly the new hemline, which is higher, has not been made permanent. There is not even a crease so it could very easily be returned to its original length (around 3 inches longer). That said, there is a reasonable amount of skillled work in the invisible hem and we have left this for the new owner. The updated hemline is more modern and probably more appropriate for today's wearer. Another minor alteration has taken place along the shoulder seams to lift the shoulders but is very easily reversible.

These dresses are becoming increasingly scarce, especially in this timeless style. Measurements reflect modern sizing today at around a US 6 or UK 10.

MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 35 in. ( 89 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 37 in. (94 cm)
LENGTH - 40.2 in. (102.1 cm)
SHOULDERS - 14 in. ( 35.6 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