ARCHIVE - 1930s Blue and Gold Leaf Print Lame Dress
This original 1930s maxi gown is an eye-catching dress for an upcoming event. It is crafted from semi shear lamé in rich navy-blue and smothered in glittering gold leaves. The detail on these leaves is astounding with every vein and stalk pristinely woven which adds a textual, almost 3D look to the garment. The bias-cut creates a timeless, body-skimming ’30s silhouette while the back and neckline are cut to a flattering V-shape with a gathered bodice. The dress is longer at the back and has a small 'puddle' train finishing to a V-shape.
This dress is now around 90 years old and is in excellent, wearable vintage condition. Please note the following; we have carefully replaced a crudely added zip with a tonal navy zip at the back and have had our resident couture expert repair several holes and breaks in the lame in the train of the skirt with a combination of fusing, over stitching and fabric backing. All of these are skilled methods of preservation and conservation. They are virtually impossible to detect when worn or displayed as they are all towards the bottom of the dress. In terms of tarnish, there are some very faint lines which appear slightly darker, not perceptible when worn. Size wise, there is some give in the measurements due to the bias cut, we estimate a best fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in, this dress fit her well.
MEASUREMENTS :
Bust - 34 in. (86 cm)
Waist - 32 in. (81 cm)
Hip - 40 in. (102 cm)
Length Front- 64 in. (163 cm)
Length Back - 73 in. (185 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
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.