1960s Malcolm Starr White Brocade Empire-Line Wedding Dress
Malcolm Starr made hugely popular evening and wedding dresses throughout the 1960s and 1970s and his collections retailed in the finest department stores throughout the USA. Simple shapes, such as shift-dresses, empire line cuts and sculptural forms, were the designer's signature, often finished with flamboyant detailing. It's pleasing to see that this dress also retains the Saks Fifth Avenue label and the ILGWU union label which dates the dress to between 1964 to 1973.
This maxi dress is tailored to a classic empire silhouette that falls to the ankle. The fabric is stunning, a thick brocade with a criss-crossing pattern, a slight sheen and a 3D texture. The wide straps give way to a cross-over neckline. Below this, the dress is shaped as an empire-line cut with soft pleating under the bust that adds an elegance typical of this era. This pretty dress is an off-white to pale cream colour and lined in tonal satin. It is secured with a hidden, tonal zip along the back.
In excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note and ready for your big event. It has no composition or size label so please check the measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. We suggest a best fit for sizes UK 8 or US 4 with plenty of room in the hip and a fairly generous waist measurement. Our model is a UK 6 US 0-2 and 5'11". This dress fit her well with some room to spare.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 57 in. (145 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
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.