1 8

ARCHIVE - 1950s Kittiwake Rose Print Cotton Smocked Swimsuit

£0.00 Sold out
Original late 1950s or very early 1960s smocked one-piece swimsuit made from cotton in an azure blue with a stylised trellis rose and rose stem print. The swimsuit has wide straps and a square neckline with a beautifully shaped and paneled torso. This is the most desirable swimsuit style of the era whereby the hip line is completely covered. The pants, which are separate and hidden at the front by the overlapping torso panel, share the same back where is entirely smock elasticated with a medium-low line. The straps fasten to the rear with fabric hoops that the straps pass through so that you can, if desired, get a criss-cross design at the back. The bust area is shaped and is additionally double lined for modesty.

In absolutely fabulous vintage condition, the swimsuit appears almost unworn. The colours are really crisp and bright. The smocking is excellent and there are no stains or marks. The swimsuit is labelled Kittywake and Made in England. Size is a XXS or UK size 4-6, US 0.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 29 in. (73.7 cm)
Waist - 26 in. (66 cm)
Hip - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Length - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Shoulders - N/A

Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE

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.