ARCHIVE - 1960s Biba Crepe Fuschia Long Sleeve Dress
This early and desirable 1960s Biba dress is presented in superb vintage condition. Tailored from a vibrant pink-purple crepe, it has held its colour and is as vibrant as the day it was made, over 60 years ago. Today, this colour is forever associated with this iconic British label. The quintessential Biba colour, this particular hue was used across the branding and shop design from the beginning. The top of the dress is tailored to a wrap-around style which hugs the waist and contrasts the flippy, flared skirt. The extra-long tie at the waist can be worn in an adaptable manner, with the option of a bow at the hip, front or back. The 30s inspired puff-shoulders and bell-sleeves are generously cut and give way to elongated cuffs which fasten with a row of five fabric-covered buttons. The dress is unlined and fastens at the back of the neck with a tonal hidden zip and hook-and-eye clasp. Worth mentioning is the beautiful original label, designed with the iconic art nouveau-inspired logo and font in glittering, metallic gold thread against a black background. This was the first design label Biba used and it was only in use in the late 1960s until 1970.
This piece really belongs in a serious collection or museum as often Biba clothing was loved and worn to death by its owners! Condition wise, this is in truly excellent vintage condition and is well preserved with no flaws of any note. There is no composition label and the fabric has no stretch. All original vintage Biba sizing runs small and we estimate a best fit for sizes UK 6-8 or US 2-4, same as our model. She reported this was a good fit with room to spare in the hip.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 40 in. (102 cm)
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.