1970s Christian Dior Butterscotch Silk Sequin Trimmed Midi Dress
This elegant evening dress was designed by Christian Dior in the 1970s and has a London branch label. Tailored to a long-sleeve, midi-dress cut from the finest semi-sheer butterscotch-hued silk chiffon. The skirt falls with soft pleats from a nipped-in waist and is lined with butterscotch crepe. It has a V-neckline which reveals the décolletage. The embellishment is beautiful across the bodice and sleeves; stripes of cream crochet cutwork grace the bodice, back and sleeves, trimmed alternatively with rows of pale caramel hued sequins with a slight sheen and tonal glass bugle beads. This dress fastens at the rear of the neck with the original hidden zip. The bodice is lined in butterscotch silk. Labelled a sample alongside a hand-written label that reads, “No. 4368”. It may have been made under the direction of Jorn Langberg, who headed up the design team in London in the 60s and 70s, or a sample piece from Paris where Marc Bohan was the House's creative director. Either way, its superbly made with many of the hallmarks of the House's haute couture pieces and a good deal of hand finishing.
When this dress first came into Circa's collection I was struck by how similar the lattice work design is to the Spring 1978 haute couture collection although this dress appears to be a little older. We've added a few photos from the runway to show the identical design. The collection is particularly important as this design forms the main ornamentation for the Dior haute couture bridal gown made for the Royal Wedding of King Hussein of Jordan to his American bride Elizabeth Halaby. We have added a photograph after their wedding ceremony in Amman, Jordan, June 17th 1978. Twenty six year old Halaby would become known as Queen Noor al-Hussein.
The dress is in excellent vintage condition with no issues at all noted. In our view, it is difficult to tell apart from the haute couture and demi couture dresses made by the House, such is the quality of the fabrics used and attention to detail. It has no size or composition label, so please check our measurements below carefully. The fabric has no stretch. We believe this would best fit a UK 8-10, US 4-6 with a smaller waist.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 44 in. (112 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