1950s Lee Delman White Organza Hand Painted Maxi Dress
This pretty late 1950s to early 1960s gown was designed by British designer Lee Delman. The label retailed in Harrods and sat in the top echelons of British ready-to-wear during the 1950s and 1960s. The dress is cut to a floor-length silhouette from layers of white synthetic organza, hand-painted with tulip motifs in shades of pink, purple and green. The fitted bodice is softly gathered and internally boned for structure, with delicate sheer organza shoulder straps and a wide ruched organza waistband. The full skirt falls with plenty of volume and is lined in layers of white tulle, cream satin and white linen to give it its shape. It fastens at the back with its original zip.
The gown is in very good to excellent vintage condition and presents beautifully. There are a few fine cracks within the painted decoration on the skirt, which appear consistent with the original finish and contribute to the artwork's painterly, abstract appearance. They do not detract from the overall presentation.
There are no surviving size or composition labels. Based on the measurements, we recommend it for approximately a UK 8 (US 4) or smaller, with generous room through the hips. Please refer to the measurements to ensure the best fit.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 57 in. (145 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.