1970s Travilla for Neiman Marcus Pink Chiffon Angel Sleeve Gown
This is a 1970s maxi gown by William Travilla for department store Neiman Marcus. Travilla’s name is synonymous with Marilyn Monroe for whom he worked as her costume designer from 1952. He designed, arguably, the most famous cinematic dress in history, the white pleated halterneck dress for 'The Seven Year Itch' and was Oscar nominated 5 times, winning for 'The Adventures of Don Juan' where he designed costumes for Errol Flynn. He designed for his own label from 1957 and was widely acclaimed for his work on the television series The Thorn Birds and Dallas during the 1980s.
Tailored from pink silk chiffon, the dress has long billowing sleeves which create a floaty wing-like effect under arms. The cuffs are very tapered and fasten with a single popper at the wrist. The neckline is generously cut and draped in a cowl-neck style from which the top layer of chiffon hangs down over the bust and ends in a triangular handkerchief hem. The multi-layered skirt has an A-line cut with a kick-flared, fluted bottom adding to the ethereal nature of the design. The back is tailored to a low scoop shape and fastens with a hidden tonal zip. The dress is lined with a man-made tonal pink viscose throughout for modesty and comfort. It retains its detachable belt at the waist which links through belt loops at the side of the waist. The belt, which is padded at the front and covered in tonal pink chiffon, ties at the back with extra-long panels of chiffon which trail behind the wearer.
The gown is in good to very good vintage condition and presents beautifully, especially considering the age and fine and delicate nature of the fabrics used. There are a few items to note; a small graze at the top of the zip; a small age mark and slight grazing to the chiffon at the back of the dress near the bottom of the hem and a couple of pin-prick size marks on the skirt section. The belt also has very faint yellow markings. These issues were only noticed with the dress in hand and they cannot be seen when worn due to the flowing, billowing cut of the fabric. On account of the smaller waist measurement, the dress is suitable for up to a UK size 8-10 or US 4-6 with flexibility in the bust and waist.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 55 in. (140 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
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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.