1970s Ossie Clark for Quorum Black Angel Sleeve Maxi Dress
This floaty black maxi-dress is by celebrated London boutique Quorum and I'm almost certain that this is an Ossie Clark boutique piece. Quorum was a legendary fashion boutique in the 1960s; founded by Alice Pollock in 1964 and joined a year later by husband and wife team Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell. The designs by Pollock and Clark were often made from fabrics designed by Birtwell and were extolled for their sensual, bohemian aesthetic. They often mixed their designer labels up as well and its fairly common for Ossie designs to have a Quorum label!
This maxi length gown is tailored from a high quality man-made crepe and echoes the classic tea-dress shapes of the 1940s, updated for a swinging sixties audience. The neckline is a low V-shape and there are pretty smocked areas over the bust and at the shoulders. The A-line skirt is designed to swirl around the wearer as they walk or dance. Below the bust, at the sides of the dress, are two long ties which allow the wearer to cinch the empire-waist to the fit of their liking. The dress is unlined and fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal black zip.
A gorgeous, highly adaptable piece in superb vintage condition with no issues. It is labelled a size UK 10 but vintage Ossies run small so please check the measurements below carefully. The fabric is 50% Viscose, 50% Acetate and has no stretch. We estimate a best fit for up to a size UK 8 or US 4 on account of the small bust.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 57 in. (145 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