1970s Caroline Charles Pink Printed Jersey Top and Skirt Ensemble
After working for Mary Quant, Caroline Charles founded her eponymous fashion label in 1963. She became a prominent name during the Swinging Sixties, with her designs worn by Lulu, Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger, and later by Diana, Princess of Wales. In 1993, Emma Thompson wore Caroline Charles when she received the Academy Award for Best Actress for Howards End.
This top and skirt ensemble was designed by Caroline Charles in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The top is crafted from plain fuchsia pink jersey and decorated around the bust and straps with dots in mint green, pale pink, white and navy. It has a softly rolled and ruffled bustline and matching ruffled lower hem. The back fastens with a fabric-covered button above a keyhole opening.
The coordinating high-waisted skirt is cut from weightier fuchsia jersey with a fluid drape. Its painterly print combines brushstrokes and dotted spots in navy, mint green and white to form tigers, foliage, flowers and abstract shapes. The skirt is pleated into the waistband, falls to midi length and is finished with a rolled, ruffled hem. It fastens at the left hip with a concealed pink zip and large hook-and-eye closure. Both pieces are unlined.
The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues. Labelled a vintage UK 12 and made from 100% viscose, it runs much smaller in todays sizing and is a best fit for a UK 8 or US 4 and below on account of the small waist size.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 30 in. (76 cm)
WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)
LENGTH - 21 in. (53 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 68 in. (173 cm)
LENGTH - 30 in. (76 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
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Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
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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.