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Fine and Rare 1986 Antony Price Purple Bird Dress

£4,800.00
Fine and rare 1986 'bird dress' by legendary British designer Antony Price who created some of the most exclusive and glamourous evening wear of the 1970s and 1980s. The fabric is a glowing plum hued floral jacquard silk which catches the light and has the most wonderful texture. The shape is in an exaggerated asymmetrical style, created from an abundant array of pleats. The combination of the playful floral jacquard and the sophistication of the pleats create a truly unique and sensual look to the dress. It is is fully lined in acetate and does up on the right hand side with a full set of hidden buttons that fasten from the top to the hem of the dress. This is in superb archival vintage condition with no apparent alterations, very minimal wear and no flaws to note. Labelled a UK 12, US 8, this is a best fit for a modern UK 8 or US 4.

Antony Price is best known for his work for performers like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Duran Duran but especially Roxy Music where he contributed to all eight Roxy Music album covers. To quote AnOther’s Editor, Alexander Fury aptly noted, “an unparalleled master of modern made-to-measure occasion wear and the most criminally overlooked designer in British fashion.” The V&A Museum has displayed an identical cream taffeta dress for not one but two fashion exhibitions - The Cutting Edge: Fifty Years of British Fashion, 1947–1997 and the 2014 exhibition Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s. We include the original fashion drawing and also examples of the dress owned by Jerry Hall and worn by her daughter Elizabeth Jagger, and Kylie Minogue.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 33 in. (84 cm)
Waist - 26 in. (66 cm)
Hip - 35.6 in. (90.4 cm)
Length - 41.5 in. (105.4 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