ARCHIVE - Late 1960s / Early 1970s Alice Pollock Nude Crepe Capelet
This is a such a great example of late 1960s or early 1970s casual evening wear that has taken inspiration from lingerie designs from the 20s and 30s. The capelet is made from a blush coloured medium weight crepe that is edged in nude floral lace around the armlets and neckline. The top simply ties around the under bust and may have been sold with hot pants or trousers as we have sold similarly designed separates over the years. Please see our unlabelled Alice Pollock tap pants for another piece from this collection. It really is a seductive piece that could be worn alone or over a bias-cut dress.
In superb vintage condition - we noticed a tiny, well executed repair on the seam where the belt joins the back of the capelet. Labelled a vintage size 10, this is on the small side and better suited to a UK 6 to 8 or US size 2-4 on account of needing a small cup size.
Notes On Designer:
Quorum was one of the great London boutiques of the 1960s, founded by Alice Pollock in 1964 and joined a year later by husband and wife team Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell. The designs by Pollock and Clark were often made from fabrics designed by Birtwell and were extolled for their sensual, bohemian aesthetic. Quorum was notorious for opulent fashion shows, attracting the brightest creative stars of the 60s/70s in London such as the Beatles, and friends such as David Hockney.
MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 29.5 in (74.9 cm)
Length - 15 in (38.1 cm)
Shoulders - 15 in (38.1 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
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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.