1970s Bellville Sassoon Red Chiffon Top and Skirt
British couture house Bellville Sassoon was founded in 1953 by Belinda Bellville and provided Parisian style fashion in the heart of London for aristocrats and debutantes. Designer David Sassoon joined the company in 1958 and in 1970 the company was renamed Bellville Sassoon. Lorcan Mullany joined in 1987 having worked for Bill Gibb and Hardy Amies as an occasion wear designer. The roster of famous names wearing the House's designs is particularly illustrious: The Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, Princess Michael of Kent, the Duchess of York, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Jerry Hall, Ivana Trump, Shakira Caine, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Melanie Griffith, Helen Mirren and Madonna to name but a few.
This vibrant top and skirt ensemble was created by Bellville Sassoon in 1970s England. Tailored from deep red chiffon, the blouse has a floaty, relaxed fit with playful bell-sleeves. It has a tunic neckline and is detailed with stunning ribbon, metallic braid, embroidery and sequins around the collar and cuffs. The neck can be tied at the front with metallic braid. The shirt is unlined and, as such, is sheer. The skirt is ankle-length and generously cut from breezy red taffeta to a full, swirling style. It has a flattering high-waistline with wide waistband. The waistband, and bottom quarter of the skirt, are striped with navy fabric and detailed with metallic embroidery, sequins and striped grosgrain ribbon. Circles of different coloured fabrics adorn these stripes and are finished with embroidered animal forms, including birds and elephants. The skirt is lined with a tonal tulle petticoat and fastens at the back of the waist with a hidden zip and hook-and-eyes.
This ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. It is 100% Silk and labelled a vintage size UK 10. The bodice is designed to billow softly, allowing some flexibility in fit through the top. However, the skirt has a very small waist, so the ensemble is best suited to a UK 6 or US 2. Please check our measurements below carefully, paying particular attention to the waist.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)
WAIST - 42 in. (107 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 23 in. (59 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 25 in. (64 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 42 in. ( 107 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 7736 5038.
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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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.
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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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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.