1960s Gunne Sax Cream Linen Mini Corset Dress with Wooden Beads
This late 1960s to early 1970s Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock 'hippie' dress is from the brand’s highly collectable black label era. The label reads “Gunne Sax by Jessica”. This branding was used from 1969 into the early 1970s, marking the piece as an early design by the company which was founded in 1967.
Incorporating many of the label’s signature prairie references, this full length dress features scallop trim formed from braided rope across the bust, sleeves and pleated, flounce hem. Atop the shoulders and the mini corset bust, the white rope is laced and finished with a spherical wooden bead. The dress is tailored to an empire-line silhouette from a medium weight hemp cotton in a natural, unbleached cream. The back is squared off and lowered, revealing a flash of skin. Gently gathered cuffs and voluminous puff-shoulders add pretty detailing. This dress fastens at the back with a hidden, tonal zip and it is unlined.
These collectable dresses were worn to events and parties and tend to have suffered over time; however this example is in fabulous vintage condition with no discernible flaws. Laundered with care, it would make a superb wedding dress for the bohemian bride :-) Will fit a range of sizes up to a UK size 10 or US 6. It is labelled as 100% Cotton but there is no size label so please check the measurements below carefully. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 54 in. (137 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.
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Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
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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.
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We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
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Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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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.