ARCHIVE - 1930s Cream Asymmetric Lace Bodice Wedding Dress
This beautiful, highly romantic dress was made in the mid to late 1930s in France and by a couture trained seamstress. Gowns of this era are extremely collectable, particularly when they’re in such rare excellent condition and this piece is particularly exquisite and of an unusual silhouette. It is tailored from rich cream silk crepe and detailed with an asymmetric layer of tonal guipure lace. Of an ankle to floor-skimming length at the front, the stand-out feature is the long train which adds unusual, whimsical detail. The straps are also crafted from champagne crepe, which flow over the shoulder and, at the bottom of the sensuous open back, give way to the train. Demonstrating masterful craftsmanship, the train can be styled in different ways; flowing out behind the wearer or cascading over the shoulder. This dress is unlined and, as a result, the top of the bodice has a peekaboo, skin-flashing finish. It's very possible that a support garment would have been worn underneath such as a corset. A modern replacement would work well here or a supportive body suit such as skims. The dress fastens at the back with snap closures.
A formidable choice for a bride seeking a usual wedding dress which is in excellent, antique condition and as good as it gets for a dress from this era. We've noted a handful of very, very faint markings and small too, generally towards the bottom of the hem or hidden under the lace. These would not photograph as they are too inconsequential to be seen by the camera lens. As the dress was couture made, it has no size or composition labels so please check the measurements below carefully. We believe it would best fit up to a size UK 8-10, US 4-6. The fabric has no stretch. Our model is a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 and 5ft 11in. This dress was a good fit on her.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 54 in. (137 cm)
TRAIN LENGTH - 84 in. (213 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
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 - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
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 pieces 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. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
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