1990s Balenciaga Cream Wedding Dress
1 11

ARCHIVE - 1990s Balenciaga Beige Silk Chiffon Column Dress

£0.00 Sold out
This is an archetypal 1990s minimalist design by revered label Balenciaga from the Le Dix ready to wear range. This has all the hallmarks of the house's young and influential fashion designer at the time – Nicolas Ghesquiere. We are certain that this dress is from around the time he took over as creative director of the fashion house, after the departure of Josephus Thimister in 1997. An almost identical dress, Look 41, from his debut collection featured the same clean lines of this dress. Made in Paris, it is meticulous but austere in its construction. The fabric composition label reads as 100% silk with an intricate mixed fibre/cotton lining. The top layer of the dress has a straight bodice and dropped waist with no delineation on the waistband as such. However the dress from the sides of the lower waistline is enveloped in a double tiered shroud of silk chiffon gauze and the top layer has been gently shaped to give a curved train at the back thus giving this piece amazing fluidity of movement and volume. It fastens to the side with a modern concealed zip and internally there is a separate lining to the dress and cotton bandeau which is lightly boned and finished with a grosgrain ribbon under the bust band. This provides support for the body so that the top layer holds the minimalist shape. There is a separate zip for this internal part of the dress and the construction ensures that it could be worn without undergarments if desired.

This is a wonderfully understated example of minimalist edgy aesthetic that categorised the late 90s and Y2K fashions. The dress is in excellent condition - perhaps it may never have been worn as we can't find any signs of wear.

Labelled a French size 40 but it runs small. Our model is a UK size 8 top, UK size 10 bottom - this was a little tight in the hips. Overall, this is best fit for UK size 10 or smaller, with a slimmer hip. This dress could be altered by a professional trained seamstress if desired.


MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 33 in (83.8 cm)
Waist - 33 in (83.8 cm)
Hip - 38 in (96.5 cm)
Length - 54.5 in (137.2 cm)
Shoulders - FREE

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