ARCHIVE - 1970s Bill Gibb Three Piece Orange Patterned Woollen Set
A well documented Bill Gibb knitted wool three-piece ensemble, Autumn-Winter 1977-78 comprising a polo-neck jumper, cardigan and trousers. The oversized kimono-coat or cardigan has tassel decorations and deep front pockets with a drawstring fastening around the lower mid-waist. The matching pants are straight cut with an elasticated waist and draw string ankle ties, ideal over winter boots. Bill Gibb pieces are held by all the major fashion museums of the world and at the time were only available through Browns Fashion Boutique, Harrods and from the Bill Gibb flagship store on Bond Street. He designed extravagant and avant garde fashion was worn by many flamboyant celebrities of the day including Elizabeth Taylor, Twiggy, Joan Collins, Bianca Jagger and Angelica Huston.
Bill Gibb/Kaffe Fassett knitwear dates from Autumn-Winter 1977-8. In terracotta wool with an overall pine-cone and window pane check pattern on the polo neck sweater, trousers & jacket. Scottish Bill Gibb collaborated with the knitwear designer Kaffe Fassett to produce a range of ready to wear knitted garments. The pattern with geometric motifs went on to become Fassett’s trademark. The range was designed to co-ordinate with each piece cut loose and simple in shape.
The condition of these pieces and the fact that all of it has survived together is remarkable. The colours are extremely fresh and bright. The set retains its shape and there are no areas of fade or wear. We have noted just one or two tiny nibbles here or there that are completely lost in this magnificent ensemble but are easily repaired if required and do not detract in anyway. We have provided all measurements and the ensemble would fit up to a small UK 10 or US 6 as the trousers and top are not as generously cut as the cardigan. This stand out piece alone would fit up to size UK 16 - US 12.
JUMPER MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
WAIST - 31.4 in. (79.7 cm)
HIP - 35.4 in. (89.9 cm)
LENGTH - 27.2 in. (69 cm)
SHOULDERS - 14.6 in. (37 cm)
SLEEVE LENGTH TO WRIST - 20.8 in. (52.8 cm)
CARDIGAN MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 50 in. (127 cm)
WAIST - 45 in. (114.3 cm)
HIP - 48 in. (121.9 cm)
LENGTH - 30.1 in. (76.4 cm)
SHOULDERS - 26.5 in. (67.3 cm)
SLEEVE LENGTH TO WRIST - 19.2 in. (48.7 cm)
TROUSER MEASUREMENTS:
WAIST - 25-30 in. (63.5- 76.5cm)
HIP - 35.4 in. (89.9 cm)
LENGTH - 42 in. (106.6 cm)
FRONT RISE - 11.5 in (29.21 cm)
THIGH - 20.4 in. (51.8 cm)
INNER SEAM LENGTH - 33 in. (83.8 cm)
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