1985 Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Gold Paisley Dress and Shoes
This well documented dress walked the runway as part of Jean-Louis Scherrer’s spectacular Fall 1985 haute couture collection. Comprising a maxi-dress and matching shoes, both pieces are tailored from the most decadent fabric: a stiff jacquard with a paisley print rendered in glittering gold, silver, navy-blue and black. The long-sleeved gown has a high, tunic-style neckline that lends it a formal elegance. It fastens down the front with elaborately carved brass buttons detailed with a mirrored background that can be seen between the cut-outs in the metal. The gown is finished with intricately beaded panels that run either side of the buttons down the front, around the drop-waistband, the cuffs and the high collar. The inside of the cuffs have navy zip closures. The skirt is voluminous and is pleated gently below the drop-waistband. Lined throughout with navy matte silk.
The shoes are crafted to a court style and adorned with coordinating glittering gold, silver, navy-blue and black paisley fabric. They have gently curved toe boxes and curved heels that are 2 inches high. The insoles are made from silver leather and are printed with “René Mancini Paris” alongside “Fait Main”. René Mancini is a luxury French shoe house which was founded in 1950. It made shoes for many fashion houses, including Pierre Balmain, Cristobal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, alongside Jean-Louis Scherrer.
The dress is in excellent archival vintage condition with no issues of any note. There is no belt and the dress has no size or composition labels. We estimate the dress is a best fit for around a UK 10-12 or US 6-8. The shoes appear to have been barely worn, if at all. There are hardly any marks to the soles and the uppers are in excellent condition. The shoes will fit a normal UK 5.5 to 6 or EU 38.5 to 39.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)
HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)
LENGTH - 53 in. (134 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SHOES
LENGTH - 10 in. (25 cm)
WIDTH - 3.5 in. (9 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.