{"title":"JEAN VARON","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn Bates was a very highly regarded British designer who began his label Jean Varon in 1959.  Famous for sheer panels, short hemlines and bare midriffs, he was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt and trousers for women.  He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book.  In 1965, he designed outfits in Op Art prints for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers.  Towards the 1970's, his garments took on a softer, more feminine look. This collection forms part of Circa’s designer archive, featuring archival vintage and museum-quality fashion pieces from the house of Jean Varon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-peach-chiffon-dress-with-ribbon-trim-uk-size-8","title":"1970s Jean Varon Peach Chiffon Dress With Ribbon Trim","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis captivating 1970s pale peach chiffon dress with ribbon trim is by British label Jean Varon and is a beautiful example of the designer's penchant for softer feminine lines that were synonymous with his work during this era. The dress is comprised of a peach toned shift cut dress with an ethereal chiffon overlay featuring wide set sheer, kaftan style sleeves, full circle floor length skirt and peplum waistband. The waistband, bodice and cuffs are trimmed with wide satin ribbon in parallel rows, with a ribbon bow at the centre front to consolidate the look. The bodice has a deep plunging V with a modesty panel insert to create a square neckline. Fully lined with a concealed zip fastening at the centre reverse, this enchanting piece is in excellent vintage condition and would fit up to US size 4, UK size 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS:\u003cbr\u003e BUST - 34 in. (86.36 cm)\u003cbr\u003e WAIST - 25.5 in. (64.77 cm)\u003cbr\u003e HIP - 36 in. (91.44 cm)\u003cbr\u003e LENGTH - 55 in. (139.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE LONDON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34886647808166,"sku":"","price":375.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/products\/1970s-jean-varon-peach-chiffon-dress-with-ribbon-trim.jpg?v=1617914014"},{"product_id":"1960s-jean-varon-midnight-blue-evening-gown-with-ruffle-detail-uk-size-8-10","title":"1960s Jean Varon Midnight Blue Evening Gown With Ruffle Detail","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis attractive Jean Varon 1960s Midnight Blue evening gown is a sophisticated departure from the designer's trademark space-age style pieces, and has a softer, more feminine focus. The dress is sleeveless, with a classic Empire-Line cut that falls elegantly from below the breast to sweep the floor. The bodice is tastefully embellished with embroidered ribbon work to create a textured ruffle effect. This feature continues in a singular vertical panel down both centre front and reverse of the garment and resolves with a think panel of detail at the hem, whereby the ribbon work is enhanced further by a gliding loop motif. The dress is in excellent vintage condition, with no notable flaws bar some discolouration inside the dress in the reverse of the hem which cannot be seen when worn. Would best fit US size 4-6, UK 8-10.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBUST\u003cbr\u003e34 in. (86.36 cm)\u003cbr\u003eWAIST\u003cbr\u003e30 in. (76.2 cm)\u003cbr\u003eHIP\u003cbr\u003e38 in. (96.52 cm)\u003cbr\u003eLENGTH\u003cbr\u003e49 in. (124.46 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE LONDON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34933917155494,"sku":"","price":460.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/products\/1960s-jean-varon-midnight-blue-evening-gown-with-ruffle-detail.jpg?v=1617917766"},{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-floral-print-low-back-maxi-dress","title":"1970s Jean Varon Floral Rose Print Maxi Dress","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis late 1960s to early 1970s rose print maxi dress is by the renowned British designer John Bates who traded under the Jean Varon label. The striking print combines colours of navy blue, sky blue, green, acid green and white. It has a square neck, neat shaped waistband and gathered full length skirt. The cuffs are gently tapered and have inside seam zips for access. The dress has an unusual deep cut back that finishes at the waistband and fastens with three buttons. There is also a small zip in the skirt portion. This is 100% polyester and the sizing label has been cut out but we believe this to be a best fit for up to a UK 8-10, US 4-6. It is in really excellent vintage condition with no faults of any note. Our model is a size UK 10 US 6 and 5' 9\" and this dress fit her well. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBust - 36 in. (91.4 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaist - 26 in. (66 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHip - 54 in. (137.2 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLength - 61 in. (154.9 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShoulders - 16 in. (40.6 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE LONDON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41367757226150,"sku":"","price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/products\/1970sJeanVaronFloralprintLow-backMaxiDress_A_125copy.jpg?v=1632744304"},{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-red-spotty-tunic-dress","title":"1970s Jean Varon Red Circle Print Tunic Dress","description":"A very wearable late 1960s to early 1970s cotton tunic print dress by high end British label Jean Varon, synonymous with the designer John Bates. The condition of this dress is exemplary - it looks to have never been worn. The cotton blend fabric is very crisp and the print is fresh. Everything about this dress screams unworn to us. It has a high neck collar and a ruffle trimmed yoke. The sleeves are gathered, poet style with the ruffle trim echoing that of the neckline and the bottom hem. This piece is shorter and more wearable than many of his flamboyant designs. This would look fantastic on its own or over skinny jeans or leggings. It fastens to the rear with the original concealed metal zip. There are two plastic buttons that fasten at the cuffs. The label reads a vintage size 14. As the fit is a loose tunic style, it would suit a range of modern dress sizes up to UK 12, US 8.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBust - 40 in. (101.6 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaist - 45 in. (114.3 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHip - 68 in. (172.7 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLength - 38 in. (96.5 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShoulders - 17 in. (43.2 cm)","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE LONDON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41400388452518,"sku":"","price":295.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/products\/1970sRedJeanVaronTunicDress.jpg?v=1633015253"},{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-rainbow-maxi-dress-with-angel-sleeves","title":"1970s Jean Varon Rainbow Maxi-Dress with Angel-Sleeves","description":"\u003cp\u003eDuring the 1960s and beyond, English fashion designer John Bates designed visionary modernist dresses under the name Jean Varon. This flamboyant 1970s maxi-dress, with its floor-sweeping construction and theatrical sleeves, is an attention-grabbing choice for any event. It has an empire-line silhouette. A red grosgrain ribbon encircles the waist below the bust and can be tied in a bow at the front. Below this, the fabric of the skirt falls in pleats. The fabric is mesmerising; a semi-sheer crepe printed with a psychedelic print of gradient polka-dots in ombré rainbow hues set against a black background. The dress is cut with a low-V neckline at the front, a sensuous detail that counterbalances the full-length skirt. The sleeves are a stand-out feature. Tailored from the same sheer rainbow cloth, they have a dramatic waterfall angel-sleeve construction that falls to nearly the same length as the skirt. The body of the dress is lined with a pale pink satin. It fastens at the front with a hidden black zip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collectable piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. Made in England, it is tagged a vintage size UK 14, but vintage sizes vary so please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. Lots of flexibility below the empire line bust and will fit a range of sizes up to a UK 10 or US 6.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBUST - 34 in. (86 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 80 in. (203 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 56 in. (142 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55367054623098,"sku":"","price":895.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/1970s_Jean_Varon_Rainbow_and_Black_Spotted_Maxi-Dress_with_Angel-Sleeves_e22b1009-bc60-4a3d-8ff6-288c2f217999.jpg?v=1746799797"},{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-blue-and-white-lace-ruffle-maxi-dress","title":"1970s Jean Varon Blue and White Lace Ruffle Maxi-Dress","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis very early 1970s lace maxi dress was made by British label Jean Varon and is a beautiful example of the designer's penchant for romantic detailing, synonymous with his work during this era. The dress is comprised of manufactured, white floral all-over lace and the centre of each flower is finished in pale-blue. The sleeves are long and cut to a double, ruffled angel-sleeve style that flares out from the elbow. The neckline is rounded and trimmed with white scalloped lace. This same pretty trim finishes the sleeves and the ruffled flounce hem of the ankle-length skirt. This dress is lined with a white satin slip which is double-lined at the bust to ensure the wearer’s modesty. The sleeves and neckline are sheer. The dress and slip fasten at the back with hidden tonal zips and hook-and-eye clasps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no composition or size labels and the fabric has no stretch. This would be a good fit for up to UK size 8, US size 4 on account of the smaller bust measurement. There is plenty of room elsewhere. In excellent vintage condition with no issues and would make a great choice for a bride; I'm pretty sure this would have retailed as a wedding dress and Jean Varon had a bridal concession in Harrods during this period. John Bates, the designer, chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. Along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, John Bates pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 31\" (80cm), Waist: 25\" (64cm), Hips: 34\" (87cm) and Height: 5' 4\" (164cm) and she's a size UK 6, US 2. This dress was good fit on her with some room on the waist and hips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBUST - 32 in. (81 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 42 in. (107 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 52.5 in. (133 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55388725248378,"sku":"","price":675.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/Jean_Varon_Blue_and_White_Lace_Ruffle_Maxi-Dress_20c81cd1-b975-47ea-92e5-7de2b555d745.jpg?v=1747306516"},{"product_id":"1974-documented-jean-varon-rainbow-maxi-dress","title":"1974 Documented Jean Varon Rainbow Maxi Dress","description":"\u003cp\u003eDuring the 1960s and beyond, English fashion designer John Bates designed visionary modernist dresses under the name Jean Varon. This flamboyant 1970s maxi dress, with its floor-sweeping construction, is an attention-grabbing choice for any event. It was featured in Vogue, April 1974, modelled by Jane Goddard and photographed by David Bailey. It has a dramatic empire-line silhouette, under which plumes of fabric billow towards the floor. The bust is formed from two triangles of the same fabric. The straps and piping around the waist are painted in an ombré rainbow pattern. The fabric is incredible; a semi-sheer polyamide light-weight jersey printed with a psychedelic ombré rainbow pattern. The dress is cut with a low-V neckline at the front, a sensuous detail that counterbalances the swirling full-length skirt. The dress is lined throughout with nude acetate. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden nude zip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collectable piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. It has no size or composition labels so please check our measurements below. It would best fit around a size UK 8 or US 4; however, the empire line and the generous swaths of fabric could be adapted for sizes bigger by a very competent seamstress. Our model is around a UK 10-12 or US 6-8 and it didn't do all the way up at the back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUNDERBUST - 30 in. (76 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 46 in. (117 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 59 in. (150 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55663687795066,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/1974_Documented_Jean_Varon_Rainbow_Maxi_Dress.jpg?v=1753888818"},{"product_id":"1960s-jean-varon-white-sleeveless-ruffle-lace-dress","title":"1960s Jean Varon White Sleeveless Ruffle Lace Dress","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 1960s white lace dress was made by British label Jean Varon and is a beautiful example of the designer's penchant for romantic detailing, synonymous with his work during this era. The dress is comprised of sheer white chiffon and cut to a sleeveless shift style with a full skirt and nipped-in waist. The top and bottom of the skirt are smothered in row after row of ruffled white lace. At the waist, there is a sheer white chiffon belt detailed along the edges with looping stitching that creates a scallop trim, it is tied in a floppy bow to complete the look. This dress is fully lined in high-quality acetate and fastens at the back of the neck with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in England, this dress is in excellent vintage condition and we have expertly cleaned back to true white. There are no composition or size labels and the fabric has no stretch. A good fit for around a UK 8 or US 4. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34\" (87cm), Waist 24\" (61cm), Hips: 34\" (86cm) and 5' 4\" (164cm) and she's a size UK 4-6, US 0-2. This dress had some room to spare on her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great choice for a bride; I'm pretty sure this would have retailed as a wedding dress and Jean Varon had a bridal concession in Harrods during this period. John Bates, the designer, chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. Along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, John Bates pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBUST - 34 in. (86 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 38 in. (97 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 38 in. (97 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55696128901498,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/1960s_Jean_Varon_White_Sleeveless_Ruffle_Lace_Wedding_Dress_828b5311-e8d3-4f2f-a860-bbb33a67ac1c.jpg?v=1753876354"},{"product_id":"1970s-jean-varon-black-jersey-goddess-style-jumpsuit","title":"1970s Jean Varon Black Jersey Goddess Style Jumpsuit","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very striking Jean Varon black jumpsuit which dates to the early 1970s but has a surprisingly contemporary design. It is crafted from a fluid, shiny black jersey with a hint of stretch and falls to the ankle. Generously cut, the wide-leg trousers swirl around the wearer and are pleated where they hit the waistband. The top has a low-cut silhouette with cut-out detailing; pleated panels of fabric cover the chest, crossed by bands of black satin. Across the open back, the bands of black satin become a bra-like formation of straps. They are lined with elastic and so are ruched and give a flexible fit. The straps fasten at the back with two hook-and-eye clasps and a snap closure. The jumpsuit also closes at the back of the waist with two hook-and-eye clasps and a hidden tonal black zip. It is unlined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn excellent vintage condition and looks virtually unworn. Labelled a vintage UK 10, but vintage sizes vary hugely and this is a small fit, particularly around the waist. Our model is a size UK 8 and this was small on her so we would suggest a best fit on a size UK 6-8, or small 8 (US 2 to small 4).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotes on Designer: John Bates was a highly regarded British designer who began his label Jean Varon in 1959. Famous for sheer panels, short hemlines and bare midriffs, he was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt and trousers for women. He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. In 1965, he designed outfits in Op Art prints for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers. John Bates, along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUNDERBUST - 30 in. max (76 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 52 in. (132 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 53 in. (135 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55872516194682,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/1970s_Jean_Varon_Black_Jersey_Goddess_Style_Jumpsuit.jpg?v=1757323639"},{"product_id":"1970s-john-bates-red-crepe-maxi-dress-with-sequin-rocket-applique","title":"1970s John Bates Red Crepe Maxi-Dress with Sequin Rocket Applique","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis playful, wonderfully detailed gown was designed by John Bates in the 1970s. Often operating through his Jean Varon label, John Bates produced some of the most forward-looking designs of the 1960s and 1970s, distinguished by graphic lines, imaginative construction, and a distinctly futuristic sensibility. This dress was created under his own name and is generously tailored from heavy red crepe to a flowing, A-line maxi silhouette. The sleeves are long and cut to a theatrical batwing shape with long, slim cuffs covering the forearm. It is unlined and is secured at the back of the neck with a tonal red zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The applique detailing is beautiful; it forms an abstract shape from red silk satin and rainbow-hued sequins across the front of the gown that could be interpreted as a rocket, a moth or a butterfly. The cuffs are embellished with Art Deco forms created from sequins in pale blue, bronze and navy. They close with two red satin-covered buttons and fabric loops. The skirt has a slit at the front. The dress comes with a slim belt crafted from coordinating red crepe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition wise, this is in excellent vintage condition with no issues and so beautifully made. It is labelled a vintage UK size 14 but vintage sizes vary hugely so please check the below measurements. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34\" (87cm), Waist: 24\" (61cm), Hips: 34.5\" (88cm) and Height: 5' 7\" (170cm) and she's a size UK 6, US 2. We estimate this will fit up to a small-busted UK 12 or US 8 but looks great on our smaller size model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBUST - 34 in. (86 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWAIST - 37 in. (94 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIP - 41 in. (104 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLENGTH - 59 in. (150 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CIRCA VINTAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56404107723130,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/files\/1970s_John_Bates_Red_Crepe_Maxi-Dress_with_Sequin_Rocket_Applique_-_4_80d1fd6a-b5b6-46be-9d8f-0a30097b4941.jpg?v=1767108349"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0398\/5978\/1798\/collections\/JEAN_VARON.jpg?v=1597242397","url":"https:\/\/www.circavintage.com\/it\/collections\/jean-varon.oembed","provider":"CIRCA VINTAGE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}