ARCHIVED - 1970s Silk Chiffon Scarlet Red Victoriana Maxi Dress

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This is a superb example of 1970s lux Victoriana fashion and has many high end couture elements and tailoring. The dress is made of the finest scarlet red silk chiffon in contrasting ribbon bands and the design is synonymous with the long flowing dresses of the era. Although this piece is unlabelled, we believe it is by one of the great British couture designers, perhaps Hartnell, Amis or Gina Fratini. The bodice has been fashioned to look like a corset but is in fact comprised of clever panelling and ruffles. There is a small, inverted waistline at the front and this is much more exaggerated at the back to keep the A-line look of the dress. The sleeves are a shorter version of an angel sleeve with two layers of ruffles. The edges have been hand stitched and reinforced to ensure the correct draping effect. The skirt is a simple flare from the waistline that is panelled with a deep ruffle flounce hem. The dress zips up at the back with a centre zip fastening and hook and eye. The dress is lined in fine quality Fuji silk of Italian origin as it is printed "seta pura" in the selvage.

This dress is in very good vintage condition with a just few small pulls on the lower section of the skirts; the bodice is perfect. Would fit up to a UK size 8-10, US 4-6.

MEASUREMENTS:

BUST - 35 in. (88.9 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71.1 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (76.5 cm)
LENGTH - 57.5 in. (146.1 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43.2 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 - 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