ARCHIVE - 1950s French Couture Cream Silk and Lace Wedding Dress

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This is an extremely beautiful French couture 1950s cream lace and silk bridal gown. It is in absolutely superb vintage condition with a long train. The dress reminds us of Grace Kelly's wedding dress and will almost certainly be from the same period in history. It has a floral lace bodice overlaid on top of the silk and a high scalloped collar. It has gently tapered sleeves finishing in 3 dainty covered buttons. The dress fastens to the rear with these same handmade buttons. The very fine lightweight silk is gently fashioned from one beautifully cut piece and there is a very long train at the back extending way beyond the length of the dress. A simple silk fabric belt which is attached adds some detail to the waistline. There are no labels present but this is beautifully made to haute couture standards. We will never be able to attribute this piece without the label but it is of the highest quality. The colour is best referenced in the front and side shots. The back was photographed on a different shoot and the close up is a little too antique cream; it is lighter in person.

The condition is superb; there is no fraying, holes or tears. The lace is perfect and even more remarkable is the condition of the silk especially towards the bottom hem which I would not expect to see in such good condition. There are one or two faint marks right near the edge of the longer part of the train and very gentle areas where there are a few darker specks here and there where it has been in contact with the floor. Overall for a dress of this age, it is remarkable to see something as intact and as wearable as this. The waist is very small and so this dress would only be suitable for around a UK size 6 or US 0-2. Although it is photographed without any undergarments and looks incredible, it would equally look superb with additional structure to support the skirt if a more formal look was desired.

MEASUREMENTS:

BUST - 33.4 in. (84.8 cm)
WAIST - 23 in. (58.4 cm)
HIP - 41 in. (104.1 cm)
MIN. LENGTH - 59 in. (149.9 cm)
MAX. LENGTH - 94.5 in. (240 cm)
SHOULDERS - 13.5 in. (34.3 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.