ARCHIVE - 1960s French Haute Couture Cream Bow Bodice Dress

£0.00 Sold out
This incredibly chic haute couture 1960s pale cream dress would make a fabulous entrance at a wedding or red carpet event, where it could be paired with striking accessories and gloves! Constructed from a pique cotton (possibly a silk blend) that creates a fabulous structured shape and very typical of the designs of Jacques Griffe and Cristobel Balenciaga at the fashion presentations in 1960. The dress has lost its label but the workmanship suggests that this was a top tier couture house and I'm sure this was made by a well known couturier.

The bodice has a beautiful curved bow detail to the front, spaghetti straps and a concealed side zip closure, complete with popper detail. The dress is beautifully fitted with princess seaming to emphasise an hour-glass figure and the vertical panels widen at the waist to create fullness in the skirt. It has a full couture shaped interior to ensure a perfect fit but this can of course be adjusted for the new wearer. This dress is in very good vintage condition with no signs of previous alteration and was likely worn just once. We have noted an area to the lower section of the rear skirt which has a graduating area of yellow discoloration - possibly age related which has not lifted with cleaning. It has not shown up in photographs but this can be viewed in our extensive video coverage of the dress. It would best fit a size 6 UK, or 2 US but there is scope to alter as the couture seams are generous. 

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 30.5in. (77 cm)
Waist - 24.5in. (62 cm)
Hip - 40in. (101.6 cm)
Length - 51in. (129.5 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