1970s Sorelle Fontana Brown Printed Silk Top with Gold Lurex
The grand Italian Alta Moda fashion house Fontana was founded by the three Fontana sisters in 1943 and better known as Sorelle Fontana. The sisters dressed many celebrities, Royal Princesses and members of the Italian nobility including Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Barbara Stanwyck, Anita Ekberg, Joan Collins, Queen Soraya, Infanta Beatriz of Spain, Frederica of Hanover; and American First Ladies: Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
This blouse was designed in the late 1960s to early 1970s and the fabric is stunning. Crafted from sheer chocolate brown silk with vivacious mint green and peach florals. The silk is also detailed with strips of chocolate brown grosgrain that run from the shoulder to bottom hem and are outlined in metallic gold lurex running stitch. The collar is crafted from satin and the laid-back, open neckline is detailed with a silk tie - adding a bohemian feel that is very of this period. Cut to a relaxed, floaty style and has voluminous bell-sleeves and satin cuffs each finished with a brown button. This blouse is unlined.
Sorelle Fontana were founding members of the Camera Nazionale della Moda and the garments they created were Alta Moda, which is Italian for haute couture clothing. Very few Italian couturiers were well known outside of Italy during this time period and Circa treasures garments such as these in our collection as they represent an important part of Italian fashion heritage. This piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. Made in Italy, it is labelled a size 40 which translates to a UK 8 or UK 4 but please check the measurements below as the fabric is cut very generously and this should fit a wide variety of sizes up to a UK 14 or US 10.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 50 in. (127 cm)
WAIST - 50 in. (127 cm)
HIP - 52 in. (132 cm)
LENGTH - 32 in. (81 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. 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.
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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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