ARCHIVE - 1960s Bruce Arnold Red Sequin and Beaded Gown

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This early 1960s red crepe fully beaded gown is truly exquisite, and has a lovely weight to it. It features a scoop neckline to both front and back, with capped sleeves, and an original 'USA' central zip closure. The inside of the dress is lined with soft pink silk, making it gentle on the skin and comfortable to wear. The exterior silk fabric is heavily embellished with pale red, almost pink looking coated sequins and fine red beads arranged in a repeat floral pattern. Of note, the dress is more red in real life as the sequins have reflected the studio flash light which shows off the floral pattern beautifully. Its a full length sheath dress falling to around ankle length, depending on height, and also has a kick split to the centre rear, giving freedom of movement and making it the perfect party piece!

The dress is unlabelled but is almost certainly by Bruce Arnold of Hong Kong and made for a very high end department store or retailer. These evening dresses are comparable with Gene Shelley in terms of quality and design.

The dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition with no marks or stains, and has retained all its original beadwork. Some sequin loss is evident on the shoulders but plenty can be taken from elsewhere to fill in the gaps; however, it is minor. As it is beaded it does not have a great amount of stretch, so please refer to our measurements below to ensure a great fit. We feel it would best fit up to a 10 UK, or 6 US.

MEASUREMENTS:

BUST: 34 in. ( 86.36 cm )
SHOULDER: 17 ( 43.18 cm )
WAIST: 28 in. ( 71.12 cm )
HIP: 37 in. ( 93.98 cm )
LENGTH: 54 in. ( 137.16 cm )

Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE

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