1980s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Linen Monochrome Coat Dress
A sophisticated 1980s haute couture mid-length dress cut from black linen by Pierre Balmain circa 1984-1986. Made by hand in France, it is tailored with a cross-over front and off-kilter hook-and-eye fastening that gives it the appearance of a wrap-dress - a silhouette popular during this decade. Polka-dots have long been a signature of the Balmain fashion house. In 1982, after Pierre Balmain’s death, Erik Mortensen took over as creative director and continued to design couture with the founder’s trademarks. White-on-black spots line the front and appear at the turned-up cuffs. Three tonal buttons secure the front.
This dress is in excellent condition with the original labels intact. This piece doesn't have a size label so please check the measurements below. There is a hand-written label inside the waistband that reads "robe de cocktail en socoa noir doublée de toile de soie noire à pois blancs" (cocktail dress in black socoa lined with black silk canvas with white polka dots). It is annotated "76" which probably denotes a runway look, and is stamped with a Pierre Balmain stamp. Runway footage from the earlier part of the 1980s is patchy and we've haven't yet been able to attribute to a particular collection. The dress would best fit around a UK 8-10, US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 38 in. (97 cm)
Waist - 30 in. (76 cm)
Hip - 41 in. (104 cm)
Length - 46 in. (117 cm)
Shoulders - 17 in. (43 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 - 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