2011 John Galliano for Christian Dior Runway Purple Chiffon Mini Dress
Appearing as look 43/48 on the Spring 2011 runway, this vibrant purple silk mini-dress is the Christian Dior brand at its most casual and playful. One of Galliano’s final collections for Dior, it drew inspiration from Hawaii and the tropics, it was a camp, decadent affair. This lively dress is tailored from bright purple sheer silk chiffon to a short thigh-length. The dress is carefully constructed with a corseted bustier top that is boned the whole way around the torso. The bust is lightly padded. The back fastens with two rows of hook-and-eyes. The dress is strapless and the outside is adorned with purple silk-chiffon ruffles which look like petals. It has two tonal purple hanging straps and comes with a pretty detachable belt in coordinating fabric which is finished with two flowers crafted from pink and purple silk trimmed with glass beads. The back of the dress fastens with small fabric-covered buttons which fastens through fabric loops.
This dress is in very good vintage condition. Please note there are a few chips to the paint on the glass beads on the flowers on the belt. It is labelled a size UK 10, US 6, but please double-check our measurements below. 100% Silk and the fabric has no stretch. The belt is detailed with mother of pearl and glass. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist: 24" (61cm), Hips: 34.5" (88cm) and Height: 5' 7" (170cm). She's a size UK 6, US 2 and this was a little big on her so we think it better suited to a UK 8 or US 4.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)
LENGTH - 25 in. (64 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.