ARCHIVE - 1960s Paola Sidoli Alta Moda Green Beaded Mini Dress
This gem-encrusted mini-dress was couture-made by Paola Sidoli during the late 1960s or early 1970s. Up close, the apple green cloth almost has the appearance of shot silk but we believe it to be a silk-wool blend and of an extremely fine quality. Cut to a mini-dress length but with a highly feminine fit-and-flare silhouette, it is fully lined in a tonal apple green silky-feel blend. The embellishments on this dress are exquisite; wide bands of sequins run around the wide boat-neckline and flared sleeves, dotted with flowers with petals formed of emerald green beads around a large central rhinestone. This piece fastens at the back with a long, tonal green zip and top hook-and-eye clasp. The original label reads “Paola Sidioli V. Tre Madonne 20-Roma”.
Haute Couture clothing which is handmade in Italy by members of the Camera Nazionale della Moda is known as Alta Moda. Very few Italian couturiers were well known outside of Italy during this time period with the exception of Valentino Garavani, perhaps the most famous of them all. Circa treasures garments such as these in our collection as they represent an important part of Italian fashion heritage.
This dress is in truly excellent vintage condition with no faults of any note. As it is couture made, there is no composition or size label so please check the measurements below. The fabric has no stretch. Our model (5ft 4in. / 163 cm) is a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and this dress fit her well.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 30 in. (76 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)
LENGTH - 31 in. (79 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
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