1970s Bill Gibb Piano Key Pattern Five Piece Ensemble

£1,575.00
This is a rare and complete 5-piece ensemble by the legendary Bill Gibb in collaboration with renowned knitwear designer Kaffe Fassett who worked extensively with Gibb and Missoni during the 70s and 80s. The knitted elements of the ensemble are made up of a complex 'piano key' pattern in the colours; deep sea green, grey, burgundy, black and ivory. The jumper has further design elements including the ribbed knit wide waistband and deep turtle neck. The outer garment is a woollen haoro / kimono style jacket with two deep front pockets that have been perfectly aligned with the patterned banding. The wool tweed skirt is styled in coordinating coloured horizontal bands, fully lined in a burgundy acetate and fastens to the side with the original metal zip. It has a gathered waistband and stitched row pocket detail.

Remarkably, the set has retained the matching beanie hat and a tasselled scarf that could also be used as a belt. It is extremely difficult to find such a well documented set of Bill Gibb designs from his pivotal and early 1974 collection in such flawless vintage condition as these. We can find no repairs, holes or stains and the wool is still very fresh looking. The ensemble is truly worthy of a museum acquisition or a serious private collector and Bill Gibb designs are held in every major fashion museum worldwide - we have included a picture of a similar but less complete ensemble. The second historical photo is of Bill Gibb wearing one of his own designs. There are no size labels but it will fit around a UK 8-10, US 2-4 - our house model fits these well.

MEASUREMENTS:

JUMPER
BUST - 46 in. (116.8 cm)
WAIST - 44 in. (111.8 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (111.8 cm)
LENGTH - 28 in. (71.1 cm)
SHOULDERS - 26 in. (66 cm)

TOP
BUST - 33 in. (83.8 cm)
WAIST - 33 in. (83.8 cm)
HIP - 29 in. (73.7 cm)
LENGTH - 22.5 in. (57.1 cm)
SHOULDERS - 15.5 in. (83.8 cm)

SKIRT
WAIST - 24 in. (61 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 27.5 in. (69.8 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 - 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