ARCHIVE - 1950s Emerald Green Velvet Evening Dress with Crystal Buttons

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This early 1950s velvet dress is an incredible example of formal evening wear from the 1950s by Ray Hildebrand and also features the retail label Tula of Windsor. It is made from a thick forest green cotton velvet and is beautifully panelled on the torso with a thin piped waistband and panelled A-line flared skirt. The skirt has 2 rows of glass and diamante buttons that flare outwards from the waist. The dress fastens to the rear with the original concealed metal zip and two beautifully attached bows to cover the fastening poppers at the waistline. At the top of the neck, it has a V-necked lapel collar and short cap sleeves. The dress has been stiffened with calico fabric and the bodice is lined with a quality cream acetate.

It presents extremely well and for its age and is verging on excellent vintage condition. The bodice has been let out along both the side seams but this has been done professionally. It is also quite possible to reverse this if necessary. There is a small amount of very narrow fading along the shoulder seams. Due to the colour of the dress and the fact that the velvet has a sheen, it is difficult to detect when worn. The zip fastens well, and all diamantes are present on the buttons. There is one or two slight areas of tonal variations in the fabric, possible from a spilt drink towards the bottom hem but again these are very difficult to see when worn. Good cocktail dresses from this era are getting increasingly hard to source and this is a robust and wearable model that will last for years to come.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 35 in. (88.9 cm)
Waist - 26 in. (66 cm)
Hip - 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Length - 43 in. (109.2 cm)
Shoulders - 16.5 in. (41.9 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