1970s Black Pink Floral Maxi-Dress with Caped Top and Pink Trim
This romantic maxi dress dates to around 1975 and, although it has no surviving labels, we rather suspect it is by Susan Small. The quality is simply sublime and the design is highly characteristic of the house, whose head designer, Maureen Baker, created Princess Anne's wedding dress for her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. The original owner purchased the dress from Harrods for a society event, and we have included a contemporary editorial featuring a closely related design from the same period.
Cut to a sweeping floor-length silhouette, the dress has an empire-line bodice and a full, flowing A-line skirt. It is tailored from lightweight gauzy cotton printed with lively fuchsia pink and olive green florals over a subtle black gingham ground, the latter only becoming apparent on closer inspection. From the front, the neckline gives the impression of a halterneck, with a deep V-neck framed by rose pink cotton trim. The straps curve gracefully over the shoulders before fastening at the low back with two plastic buttons and a fabric-covered button on each strap. Three narrow bands of matching pink cotton span the lowest point of the neckline, adding an elegant architectural detail.T he bodice is lined in pale pink cotton, while the skirt is fully lined with a pale pink cotton petticoat finished with a floral flounce to enhance its shape and movement.
The dress is accompanied by a coordinating short cape, cut from the same floral cotton and trimmed with matching rose pink cotton. It is unlined and fastens neatly at the neck with a single hook-and-eye fastening.
The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition and is very fresh looking. Our model, who measures 37" bust, 31" waist and 45" hips (94cm, 80cm and 114cm) and wears a UK 12 (US 8), is shown wearing the dress, which fitted her beautifully. Please refer to the sizing information below to ensure the best fit.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 35 in. (89 cm)
UNDERBUST - 30 in. (76 cm)
WAIST - 42 in. (107 cm)
HIP - 56 in. (142 cm)
LENGTH - 62 in. (157 cm)
CAPE LENGTH - 15 in. (38 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 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.
Can I bring anyone with me to my appointment?
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.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the Circa 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 at the Circa showroom?
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 to the Circa showroom 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 does Circa 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.