1930s Black Satin Tulip Print Dress
Designed in the 1930s, this beautiful, vibrant liquid satin evening dress is a spectacular example from this era. The fabric makes it stand out among other pieces from this time; inky black satin is scattered with tulips rendered in painterly rainbow hues, as saturated in colour as the day it was produced. The dress falls in an elegant column style to the floor, held up by delicate spaghetti straps made from coordinating black satin. The bust is slightly gathered with three pleats sewn into place. Adorning the low back are seven large black satin-covered buttons alongside a hook-and-eye clasp. The waist can be cinched by a removable wide belt tailored from the same tulip-printed cloth.
This piece really belongs in a serious collection and is just as wearable today as it was when it was made nearly a century ago. Condition wise, it is well preserved but has some very faint age-related foxing which did not render on our studio photos. These blend very well into the print are are not noticeable when worn. There are a few tiny spot marks inside the bust which also, are not visible when worn. No labels are present in the dress but this is a very well manufactured piece and would have retailed in an upmarket store of the day. The fabric has no stretch and we think this is best suited to sizes UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 61 in. (155 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