1988 John Galliano Runway Documented Hairclips Collection Grey Wool Playsuit
John Galliano graduated from Central Saint Martins in 1984 with a first class honours degree in Fashion Design. In 1987, he won British Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. This playsuit walked the runway for Galliano’s Fall 1988 Ready to Wear 'Hairclips' collection. The designer drew inspiration from the famous French photographer, Brassaï referred to as "the eye of Paris" for his striking photographs of Parisian life between the first and second world wars. Galliano also found inspiration from an unexpected object of beauty, the "hair clip". The models on the runway wore intricate hair clip designs in their hair, and some garments were held together with the clips.
Tailored in the style of a shorts suit, it has a double-breasted front with an asymmetric, sweeping lapel that secures at the waist - a signature detail of the designer’s early pieces and particularly of this 1988 collection. The canny tailoring builds volume at the sleeves and around the hips, creating a distorted, fluid silhouette around the wearer.
Made in England, this elegant piece is cut from 100% pure wool in a soft brown-grey and lined with coordinating 100% silk. It fastens with a hidden tonal zip at the front and is finished with five plastic buttons. The original aqua-on-burgundy Galliano label features lions and cockerels and this is a must-have piece for any archival collector of his early designs. This was the last collection that Galliano independently produced before moving to Paris in 1989.
In excellent, archival vintage condition with no flaws or marks. If we are being picky, there is a small amount of creasing to the lapels when it was dry cleaned at some stage but we consider this very minor. The size label reads size US 8, Europe 36, UK 10. The fabric does not have any stretch to it. Our model is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180cm) and this was a great fit on her with some room to spare.
MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 38 in. (81 cm)
Waist - 28 in. (91 cm)
Hip - 37 in. (142 cm)
Length - 41 in. (140 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