1970s Hanae Mori Haute Couture Printed Silk Chiffon Dress
Superb and rare, early Hanae Mori haute couture burgundy chiffon dress. This dress is late 1970s or early 1980s vintage and was formally owned by the wife of an ambassador. The pattern is a subtle all over floral print in a rich and warm burgundy tone with the floral highlights of cobalt blue, green and ochre.
The dress oozes the lux bohemian vibe with a hand smocked scoop neckline and billowy sleeves. The dress has generous amounts of the lightest tissue silk chiffon and can be worn loose and flowing or cinched at the waist with the matching tie belt as we have pictured here. The dress has no opening and slips on over the head. Fully lined in burgundy silk charmeuse, except for the sleeves. This is the haute couture label and the dress is completely hand-finished; the inner seams are overcast by hand, the edges of the silk chiffon are hand-rolled and it has the most dainty chiffon covered poppers on the cuffs. Simply beautiful.
Condition is excellent and museum worthy. The dress is perfect; there is a small repaired tear in the end of the chiffon belt which will never be noticed. While the measurements suggest this would fit larger sizes, the shoulder measurement limits the fit up to a size UK 12 or US 8 in our opinion. Our model is a US 4 - 6 / UK 8 - 10 and it was a good fit on her with plenty of room.
Measurements:
Bust: 42 inches/106.7 cm
Waist: 42 inches/106.7 cm
Hips: 46 inches/116.8 cm
Length from shoulder to hem: 56 inches/142.2 cm
Sleeve length: 26 inches/66 cm
Across the shoulders: 15.5 inches/39.4 cm
Flat Measurements: (without belt)
Bust: 47 in (119.4cm)
Waist: 49 in (124.5cm)
Hip: 50 in (127cm)
Hanae Mori began her career in the Japanese cinema industry in the 1950s and her acclaim as a fashion designer began in 1965 after her collections were shown in the US and came to the attention of the owner of Neiman Marcus. In 1977 she opened her haute couture house and a boutique in Paris becoming a member of the 'Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture', a rare privilege for a woman and an exceptional one for a foreigner. Her last haute couture collection was 2004 and notable clients were Princess Masako, Hilary Clinton, Nancy Reagan and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
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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.
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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
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