2000s Franck Sorbier Black Floral Jacquard 3-Piece Corset Ensemble
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We think this circa 2000 ensemble comes from Franck Sorbier’s early period of high-end ready-to-wear, when tailored ensembles were a particular focus of his work. It comprises a maxi skirt, corset top and elongated blazer-style jacket, with a wide coordinating belt. The fabric is stunning, an inky black silk jacquard woven with vibrant flowers in shimmering gold, yellow, fuchsia and tangerine. It recalls antique chinoiserie fabrics popular of the 1920s.
The jacket has wide lapels and fastens with four chunky fabric-covered buttons. Curved patch pockets finish the front, and it is lined throughout in black satin. The corset top is beautifully constructed, with internal boning all the way around the body, a straight bustline and a small peplum at the waist. It fastens beneath the left arm with a concealed zip and is lined in iridescent bronze-gold silk. The full maxi skirt sits high at the waist and fastens at the back with a concealed zip and hook-and-eye. It is unlined. The wide matching belt has a fabric-covered buckle.
All four pieces are in excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. The ensemble is a French size 38 but this runs smaller and is best suited to a UK 8 or US 2-4. The fibre composition has not been filled in on the label, although it records the use of French cloth. The fabric has no stretch, so please check our measurements carefully.
Notes on Designer: Paris couturier Franck Sorbier worked under Thierry Mugler before presenting his first experimental collection in 1987. His luxury ready-to-wear was produced in his own studio, and his house received official haute couture status in 2005. Sorbier works at the sewing machine himself, manipulating lace, tulle and silk to create distinctive textiles. In 2010, he was named Maître d’Art by the French Ministry of Culture. This distinction recognises exceptional craftsmanship and carries a responsibility to pass those skills on, something central to the work of his atelier.
MEASUREMENTS JACKET
BUST - 37 in. (94 cm)
WAIST - 31 in. (79 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 25 in. (64 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17.5 in. (45 cm)
MEASUREMENTS BUSTIER
BUST - 26 in. (66 cm)
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
LENGTH - 12 in. (31 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 46 in. (117 cm)
LENGTH - 39 in. (99 cm)
MEASUREMENTS BELT
LENGTH - 32.5 in. (83 cm)
F.A.Q.
Where can I find more information about this item?
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about any item on our site. Please get in touch at shop@circavintage.com or on +44 (0)20 7736 5038.
Will you set anything aside for me for my appointment?
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 to my appointment?
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 at the showroom?
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.
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Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I have my circa garment altered?
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.
Does Circa 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.
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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.
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Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
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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.