2001 Ralph Lauren Collection Runway Paisley Velvet Maxi Dress
This beautiful gown was designed for Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2001 Collection - the House's most luxurious runway line with its sumptuous purple label. On the runway the brand showed a maxi skirt and mini-skirt in the same print which Vogue called lavish in its review. The dress is tailored from a silk-mix velvet printed with paisley in rich hues of chocolate brown, crimson red, steel blue, rose pink and grey. It is cut to a simple slip style that is so of this late ’90s/early ’00s era, with a low back, V-neckline and rolled brown satin straps that cross at the top of the back. Lined throughout with a silky chocolate brown satin, and pulls on over the head so has no fastenings. The dress has a train which adds to the sensuous, free flowing tailoring. The bottom of the skirt has a brown satin finger loop to allow the wearer to lift the gown off the floor.
The dress is in excellent archival condition with no issues of any note. Labelled a size US 4, UK 8 with plenty of give in the hip.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 30 in. (76 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH FRONT - 59 in. (150 cm)
LENGTH BACK - 80 in. (203 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.