1960s Carven Haute Couture Navy Velvet Soutache Dress Suit
This Carven haute couture 1960s midnight blue dress suit is beautifully crafted from a luxuriously soft velvet. The dress has a simple scoop neckline with a cut out front, with almost spoke-like rope detail. It is cut in a very classic 60s mini shape and finishes at around knee length. The middle section features a thick velvet waistband and the dress fastens up the back with the original zipper and hook and eye closure. The inside is lined in a lovely deep navy blue silk, making it soft against the skin and comfortable to wear. The jacket features a classic pointed collar and light shoulder padding, with beautiful blue pipework detail to the front and the side seams. It closes with a single hook and eye frog fastening, which gives the jacket a distinctive, almost oriental style feel.
The jacket and dress are both in superb vintage condition, with no faults of any note. They would best fit up to a 10 UK, or 6 US. Our model (5ft 4in / 163cm) is a UK 6-8 and this was very roomy on her.
Of note, we will ship this dress in the actual box it was received in, such is the level of preservation!
Founded by Marie Louise Carven in 1945, the house of Carven was one of the first fashion houses to stage its runway shows globally. Carven herself also designed costumes for a number of Hollywood films and was renown for her delicate approach to fabrics, particularly when it came to dressing petite women. Her famous perfume campaign in 1946 saw sample bottles of her new fragrance parachuted over the rooftops of Paris.
MEASUREMENTS
JACKET
Bust - 37 in. (94 cm)
Waist - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
Hip - 42 in. (106.8 cm)
Length - 25.5 in. (64.8 cm)
Shoulders - 15 in. (38.1 cm)
DRESS
Bust - 37 in. (94 cm)
Waist - 33 in. (83.8 cm)
Hip - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Length - 37 in. (94 cm)
Shoulders - 14 in. (35.6 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
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.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces 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. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
Where's the 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?
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 there 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 do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal