2006 Runway Documented Christian Lacroix Paisley Print Silk Dress
This rare, documented gown was created by French couturier Christian Lacroix. The mini-dress version walked the runway as look 21/58 in the Fall 2006 show and we have featured a couple of other designs from the same collection which showcase the fabric and the beadwork on the bodice. This dress is fashioned from swathes of sheer silk-chiffon printed with a patchwork of floral and paisley prints that demonstrates Lacroix’s talent for combining outlandish colours in a highly wearable way. The black, chocolate brown and white backgrounds of the silk makes the colours really pop.
As a strapless design, the dress is tailored to look almost like a sarong knotted around the body. At the bodice sits a short, black satin corset and this is boned the whole way around. The printed chiffon is gathered at the bust, with generous pleats of fabric falling from this centralised point and flowing down and around the body. It is trimmed with pretty blue and ochre striped ribbon, detailed with flowers. At the central point of the bust sits a large bow created from twisted rows of high-shine black glass beads, the ears of which flow around to the back of the dress. The fabric is again gathered at the bottom of the back, creating avant-garde tailoring that almost looks like wings. At the front, it falls to a floor-sweeping length but, at the back, it has a flamboyant train which flares out behind the wearer as they walk. The bodice is lined in a decadent blue rose-printed, magenta silk and the body of the dress in pale pink silk-satin. The back of the dress fastens with a black tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp, and the chiffon is secured over the top by two poppers. The dress is labelled “Christian Lacroix” in white font on a red label.
In excellent archival vintage condition with no flaws of any note and appears to be unaltered. It is labelled 100% Silk with a lining of 100% Silk. A size French size 36, UK 8, or US 2-4 but please check the below measurements as the fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 30 in. (76 cm)
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH FRONT- 51 in. (130 cm)
TRAIN LENGTH - 74 in. (188 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.
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.
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
What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.