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ARCHIVE: 1950s Paquin Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Floral Dress

£0.00 Sold out
Impeccable 1950s couture dress from the London branch of the haute couture House of Paquin which closed in 1956. The crepe silk is in fine shades of salmon pink with a painterly looking water-colour floral print. The dress is a wrap style and therefore front fastening with poppers and hook and eyes closures. These are hidden behind the delicately pleated frill hem that also adorns the scoop neck collar and the hem, which falls to around the knee. The waistband is gently gathered and the dress retains its fabric belt, entirely made by hand. The dress is fully lined in charmeuse silk which has the most beautiful sheen and increases the very luxurious feel to the dress. There is an internal grosgrain waist band. In immaculate vintage condition, hardly worn and no issues of any note. Best fit for up to size UK 10-12 or US 6-8.

Designer Notes:

Jeanne Paquin, one of the oldest French haute couture houses, moved her headquarters to London in 1896 and continued to operate both sides of the English Channel. She was President of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture from 1917 to 1919 and retired in 1920. On December 31, 1953, the Paquin House merged with the House of Worth and moved to Grosvenor Street but ceased trading in 1956 after 60 years of business.


MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Waist - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Hip - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
Length - 37 in. (94 cm)
Shoulders - 16 in. (40.6 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