1971 Documented Madame Gres Haute Couture Black Silk & Lace Dress

£1,895.00

This is a beautiful example of Madame Gres's work during a pivotal moment in the fashion House's history when she expanded her design repertoire for couture evening dresses and the fluid Greco - Roman Goddess draping she was so famous for.  It is certainly a graceful design and a documented piece from the haute couture fall 1971 collection.  We have referenced the exact dress from an editorial shoot by the renowned French photographer Patrick Bertrand.

Made from the most beautiful silk embroidered tulle that overlays a fine black silk shift dress. The dress has an empire line bodice and a low scoop cut neckline, ruffle edged in a double layer of the tulle. The long sleeves are sheer with a ruffle cuff collar that echoes the neckline. The dress is Princess seemed and fastens to the rear with the original metal zip whilst the tulle overlay has popper closures. The haute couture label is located on the right hand side of the dress just under the arm. The dress is entirely handmade and in absolutely beautiful vintage condition. There are no issues of any note and it looks barely worn. We estimate this dress would suit around a UK 8-10, US 4-6.  Haute couture dresses of this calibre are rare to market, especially in wearable condition and we doubt we will ever see another.  

Madame Grès - was the name of the French haute couture fashion house established in the 1940s and lasting through until the 1980s. Madame was Germaine Émilie Krebs who in her early years also created designs under the Alix label. She was renowned for her attention to detail and minimalistic draping techniques fashioning fluid silk jersey straight onto the wearer.  Her pieces can fetch well over five figure sums and are held in every major museum collection worldwide. She was one of the most revered couturiers of the 20th century and died short of her 90th birthday in 1993. 

MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 35 in (88.9 cm) 
Waist - 27 in (68.6 cm) 
Hip - 36 in (91.4 cm) 
Length - 46 in (116.8 cm) 
Shoulders - 16 in (40.6 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 - please let us know a week in advance. 

We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.


We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.


You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.

Do you have a price range?

Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.

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 pieces 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. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.

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