1970s Mignon Lilac Floral Chiffon Maxi Skirt Suit
This romantic chiffon maxi skirt suit was created in the late 1960s to 1970s by Mignon, a high quality US label which mainly retailed in American department stores. A 1969 newspaper article about Vincent Mignon noted that he was the name that no one knew until the Nixons came along. The Nixon women, it noted, "...relied quite heavily on Mr. Mignon in the pre-Inaugural period." It further notes that Vincent and his brother John started the business with their mother, Rose, in 1948.
The ensemble top features dramatic bell sleeves and a wide, softly rounded neckline, with a peplum waist finished in a fluttering hem that enhances the airy silhouette. Crafted from baby pink synthetic chiffon printed with purple, lilac, violet and sage green florals, the cuffs are detailed with striped grosgrain ribbon that cleverly draws out the colours of the print. The top fastens at the back with delicate fabric-covered buttons and a single concealed hook-and-eye, and is lined in nude organza for modesty. The matching skirt is high waisted and full, with pleats beneath the waistband that release into a swirling, maxi silhouette, weighted and trimmed at the hem with matching striped ribbon. Fully lined in nude crepe, it fastens at the back with a concealed zip and a large hook-and-eye.
This ensemble is in excellent vintage condition and you would never know it was over half a century old. There are no size or composition labels; however, it retains the ILGWU label dating the ensemble to the exact time period 1964 - 1973. In our opinion a best fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST STRETCHED - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST UNSTRETCHED - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)
LENGTH - 23 in. (58 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)
LENGTH - 41 in. (104 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.