1950s Norman Hartnell Couture Black Silk and Pink Floral Print Dress
This 1950s cocktail dress is by the British designer Norman Hartnell and made to the same standard as French Haute Couture. The dress features his late ‘50s to early ‘60s pistachio green couture label.
Tailored to a classic late 1950s, early 1960s shift silhouette, with a nipped in waist and pencil skirt. Hartnell’s exceptional eye-for-detail is apparent from the unusual high, curved neckline and cross-over V-shaped back. The fabric is stunning: smooth black silk detailed with vibrant roses in fuchsia and deep purple. The roses are detailed with flocking which adds soft texture to the piece. The inside of the dress has a boned lining crafted from a thick, dark khaki green silk. The waistband is curved and meets a gathered panel of fabric on the left side of the waist. The dress is lined in black silk throughout. It fastens under the right arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
In excellent vintage condition with no issues, ready to be worn on the red carpet or for a special event. It has no size labels due to being couture-made and the fabric has no stretch. We believe this would be a best fit for up to a size UK 10-12, US 6-8 with a slimmer hip.
Notes on designer: Normal Hartnell was one of the most outstanding couturiers of his time and greatly admired by fellow designer Christian Dior. Hartnell made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, her coronation gown in 1952 and dressed numerous members of the royal family, aristocracy, film stars and socialite's from the 1920s until his death in 1979. The House closed his doors in the early 1990s with the final head designer being Marc Bohan.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 41 in. (104 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
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Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
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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.