1960s Couture Purple Sequin and Beaded Empire Line Dress
This 1960s couture amethyst purple dress is a real showstopper. Tailored from two frothy layers of purple silk of the finest quality, the top layer is made of soft flowing chiffon and the bottom is silk satin in a darker, deeper purple tone. The chiffon falls from below the gathered bust in an empire-line cut. It has an elegant short-sleeve, wide-neck top which is heavily embellished; purple sequins and iridescent bugle beads are scattered amongst flowers formed from beaded petals around a central lilac pearl. The beaded area is thickly lined for comfortable wear. The back of the dress is secured with a tonal purple zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
This dress is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note to the cloth or beadwork. She is exceptionally well made with the embellishment hand-worked together with much of the finishing and the lining. It's such a pity this dress has lost its labels but this would have retailed in one of the finest department stores or couture salons of the day. It would be an excellent choice for a formal event, paired with gloves and decadent jewellery. Please note there's quite a big difference in the purple tone between our studio shots and the late summer's evening style shoot but the colour has definitely been captured better by the studio lighting; please refer to those shots for the colour.
The fabric has no stretch but the empire line affords the dress a good degree of flexibility on sizes up to a US 6-8 or UK 10-12 with slimmer arms on account of the armscyes, which are not very generous. Our model (5ft 4in / 163 cm) is a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and this looked great on her with plenty of room to spare in the body.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 44 in. (112 cm)
HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)
LENGTH - 54 in. (137 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. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
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 purchases 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.
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