1998 Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Runway Brown Embroidered Dress
This runway documented mini-dress was designed by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy's Spring 1998 presentation. For this collection, McQueen drew inspiration from Japanese gardens and The New York Times went on to describe the “zen-like calm” of the Spring 1998 designs. This sense of serenity surprised the fashion world at a time when McQueen’s bad boy reputation preceded him and marked a changing point in the designer’s oeuvre.
This strapless dress is couture-tailored from a lightweight wool blend with a subtle iridescent finish that ripples between chocolate brown to umber. The bodice contains an internal corset, boned all the way around the body and culminating in a straight neckline. The stand-out detailing of this gown is the embellishment along the sides; a patchwork plumage of intricately detailed, embroidered feathers in tonal orange, brown and black. They seem to creep up the sides of the gown, giving the model on the runway wings. The dress has a slit at the back for ease of movement. The dress is lined in chocolate brown satin. It fastens at the rear of the dress with a hidden tonal brown zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The original label reads “Givenchy Couture - Made in France”.
This dress is in good vintage condition and at first glance presents very well with the embroidery and bodice being in fine condition. Lower sections appear to have suffered a small amount of moth damage in the past or been snagged as there is a small cluster of holes on the front of the left hip and at the rear on the right of the slit. They aren't easy to spot and are not obvious when worn. Whilst Circa usually restores garments back to excellent condition, we have left any restoration, at present, to the new owner as it may be undertaken in conjunction with alterations to fit.
There are no size or composition labels and the fabric has no stretch. We believe that this dress would best fit around a size UK 10-12 or US 6-8 with scope to make smaller.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 33 in. (84 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