ARCHIVE - 1910s Whitework Fleur de Lis Print and Lace Dress
An extraordinary 1910s mousseline cotton lawn dress with handmade lace inserts and fleur de lis print. This antique, turn of the century lawn dress is a rare find and is in such extraordinarily vintage condition. It is made from the finest and softest mousseline cotton with a dainty grey tone all-over fleur de lis print. Fleur de lis is the heraldic emblem of the French nobility. The high waisted but not quite empire line bodice has a fabulous array of pleating and pin tucking and we believe the lace is "cluny torchon" bobbin lace. The trim runs in vertical bands and also decorates the waistband, high neck round collar and the ruffle running down the middle bodice seam. The sleeves are gently tapered and three quarter length with a wide lace cuff. The skirt element has pin tuck darting either side of the wider central panel with a gently shaped a-line skirt that falls to around ankle length. The skirt hem is trimmed with additional rows of cotton muslin to add some weight and detail to the bottom of the skirt. The dress fastens to the rear with real mother of pearl buttons interspersed with hooks and eyes.
Condition wise this is verging on extraordinary for a dress well over 100 years old - there are no breaks in the cotton, it is freshly laundered and the white is exceptionally bright. Not only is this dress in superb antique condition it is also a wearable size with a good waist and the structure is very sound. The dress will best fit around the UK size 8-10 US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 35 in (88.9 cm)
Waist - 28 in (71.1 cm)
Hip - 38 in (96.5 cm)
Length - 51.5 in (130.8 cm)
Shoulders - 15 in (38.1 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 7365053.
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.
Can I bring anyone with me to my appointment?
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.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the Circa 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 at the Circa showroom?
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 to the Circa showroom 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 does Circa 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.