1970s Mollie Parnis for Elizabeth Arden Wool Maxi Dress and Cardigan
Famous today for her cosmetics empire, Elizabeth Arden introduced couture and ready to wear clothing lines alongside her cosmetics salon in 1945. She brought in many young designers to create the collection, amongst them Oscar de la Renta. The clothing boutique closed in the early 1980s.
This 1970s two-piece ensemble was created for Elizabeth Arden by the famous occasion wear designer Mollie Parnis under her boutique label, a ready to wear line founded in 1970. Composed of a maxi-dress and cardigan, both are woven from a stretch-wool to a nautical striped pattern in oatmeal, white and navy. The dress has an elegant, body-skimming cut and is sleeveless with a V-neckline. It fastens at the back of the neck with a hidden tonal zip. The cardigan is detailed with cream plastic buttons and also has a V-neckline. It has two patch pockets. This ensemble has two labels - one for the Mollie Parnis boutique and one for Elizabeth Arden.
In wonderful vintage condition with no flaws to the knit and it looks barely worn. There is no size or composition label and we think this work would for taller women who are around a UK 12 or US 8. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)
HIP- 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 58 in. (147 cm)
MEASUREMENTS CARDIGAN
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)
HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)
LENGTH - 26.5 in. (67 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.
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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.
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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.
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