1940s Tachi Castillo Skirt and Top Set with Novelty Aztec Print
Tachi Castillo was a pioneering female Mexican fashion designer whose work helped define the modern concept of “Mexican style,” a vibrant aesthetic that transcended borders and captivated audiences worldwide. Blending bold colours, rich textiles, indigenous prints, and intricate embroidery with contemporary tailoring, Castillo created a distinctive visual language that became internationally celebrated and widely emulated. Some of her famous clients were: Frida Kahlo, Paulette Godard, Lana Turner, Joan Fontaine, Dolores del Rio, Maria Felix, Brigitte Bardot and Princess Anne.
This ensemble dates back to the 1940s and comprises a skirt and top set. Tailored from a lightweight cotton, it showcases a novelty Aztec print in emerald green set against a mustard-yellow and magenta speckled, painterly pattern with a white background. It is detailed all-over with see-through, iridescent sequins stitched on with white thread. These add texture and moments of shine to both pieces. The top has a t-shirt silhouette and a wide, scallop neckline. The shoulders are gathered forming small cap-sleeves over the top of the arms. The top is secured with an exposed zip along the left hand side and is unlined. The full-skirt has a high-waist cut with a wide waistband. It falls to the calf in soft, swirling folds. It is unlined and is fastened at the left hip with a zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
The ensemble is in very good vintage condition, particularly for a piece of this age with just a few missing sequins but very few. It has no composition or size label so please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. Photographed without a petticoat. We think a best fit for a UK 10 or US 6 with a smaller waist - there is plenty of give in the hip.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)
HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)
LENGTH - 22.5 in. (57 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)
LENGTH - 33 in. (84 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
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.