1950s Mr John Couture Black Crepe Shift Dress and Jacket
This two-in-one little black dress and jacket is by Mr John, a celebrated American couturier and one of the foremost milliners of the 20th century; his most famous costume designs being those made for Vivien Leigh in "Gone with the Wind," Marlene Dietrich in "Shanghai Express," Greta Garbo in "The Painted Veil" and Marilyn Monroe in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Among the fashionable women who wore his designs were the Duchess of Windsor, Gloria Swanson, Gloria Vanderbilt, Lauren Bacall and Joan Crawford. The New York Times review of his 1956 fall clothing and accessories collection was "a gifted designer and skilled workman who produces some of the most original, wearable, flattering fashions to be seen anywhere."
This evening ensemble was designed in 1956-1959 and tailored to an elegant silhouette with a nipped-in waist and mid-calf length skirt. Thick straps give way to a square neckline trimmed with layers of silk faille. A silver-tone zip and a hook-and-eye clasp secure the gown at the rear and a slit at the bottom hem of the skirt allows for easy movement. The bolero jacket is attached to the dress with large crystal-adorned buttons at the front. It is trimmed with silk faille at the collar and waist. Two pleated tails fall from the rear waist down the length of the skirt, adding a hint of theatre and taking cues from menswear traditions, in particular classic morning jacket styles. This piece is in fantastic vintage condition with no noticeable flaws and will best suit a UK size 8 or US 2-4. Our model is UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163cm) and this was roomy on her bust but otherwise fit her well.
MEASUREMENTS JACKET
Bust - 33 in. (83.82 cm)
Waist - 33 in. (83.82 cm)
Length - 46.5 in. (118.11 cm)
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
Bust - 33 in. (83.82 cm)
Waist - 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Hip - 36 in. (91.44 cm)
Length - 46.3 in. (117.60 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.
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.