1960s Susan Small Lilac and White Spaghetti Strap Dress
This early to mid 1960s dress is by collectable British designer Susan Small whose head designer, Maureen Baker, designed Princess Anne's wedding dress for her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips. The dress is tailored from an intricately detailed fabric woven with lilac and white stripes and further detailed with the pattern of lace. It has a corseted top which is boned the whole way around and demonstrates the incredible workmanship of this British label. The bustier top is accordion pleated to stunning effect, fanning out above the bust. The sides are detailed with purple velvet ribbon, edged with grosgrain, which continues around and meets at the back with a large floppy bow. The top is held up by spaghetti straps in the same lilac gingham fabric. The waist is cinched and gives way to a full skirt that is knife pleated where it meets the waistband. The skirt is lined with white linen, as is the front of the bustier top. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden white zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
The original label reads “Susan Small - Model”. It also has a Peter Robinson label, an up-market 1960s department store that existed on Oxford Circus and Leicester Square. In truly excellent vintage condition with no issues and suitable for a US size 4 or UK 8 with plenty of give in the hip. Photographed without a petticoat; however, for a fuller flare, it would certainly look sensational with one.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 43 in. (109 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.