1960s Pauline Trigère Demi Couture Gold Lace Dress
This late 1960s Pauline Trigère demi-couture evening dress is tailored from a mesmerising metallic gold silk lace cloth which glitters as it catches the light. It has a nipped-in waist and full, swirling skirt - perfect for making an entrance at a party or high profile event. The neckline is trimmed with a gold lace ruffle with a scallop hem. It has delicate spaghetti straps crafted from gold lace and lined with nude cloth. The bottom hem is cut to a playful scallop to echo the neckline. Lined with nude silk organza throughout and the label reads “Pauline Trigère” in vermillion font against white cloth.
This piece is in excellent, archival vintage condition with no issues. It has no size or composition labels so please check the below measurements as the fabric has no stretch. Current fit is around a UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
Notes on Designer: Pauline Trigère was one of the most famous French-born American couturières working during the 1950s and 1960s. Her career spanned more than four decades and helped define modern American fashion. Beginning in the 1940s, she became known for her architectural tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, and refined ready-to-wear designs that combined elegance with functionality. Trigère was among the first American designers to be internationally recognized, showing collections in Paris and earning multiple industry honors, including several Coty Awards. She was also a trailblazer in her hiring practices, notably becoming one of the first high-profile designers to employ an African American designer, Arthur McGee, in a senior role. Her designs were worn by many famous women including Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Evelyn Lauder, Lena Horne, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis, and Wallis Simpson. Trigère also designed many of Patricia Neal's costumes for Breakfast at Tiffany's, additional dresses were designed by Edith Head.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST -28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 54 in. (137 cm)
LENGTH - 47 in. (120 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. 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 with me?
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?
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?
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 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 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
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.