1970s Rumak Couture Silk Floral Chiffon Dress with Capelet
This 1970s chiffon midi-dress is by Rumak, the bohemian London boutique label that emulated the style and certainly the quality of celebrated British designer Thea Porter. An early example, the dress is crafted from a textured silk chiffon cloth in a dusky pink hue. It is printed with twisting burgundy vines and delicate florals in aqua, apple green and cornflower blue. The silhouette recalls the tea-dress styles of the 1940s with its tailored top and flippy calf-length skirt. The top is sleeveless and features a cut-out keyhole at the neck which fastens with a single fabric-covered button. The neckline is trimmed with burgundy velvet and pale off-white lace as is the beautiful short capelet which is attached at the neckline. The dress buttons down the back with pretty fabric-covered buttons and it could, conceivably, be worn this way around if preferred. The dress is lined with off-white satin. It has a coordinating belt in off-white satin and burgundy velvet which can be attached through fabric belt loops at the sides of the waist.
In excellent vintage condition with only the lightest of wear and no issues. The size label reads a vintage size UK 10 but this runs about a size smaller so please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. We estimate this a good fit for up to a size UK 8 or US 4. The studio photos have come up a bit lighter than this dress is in daylight due to the light reflecting off the dress lining. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist: 24" (61cm), Hips: 34" (86cm) and Height: 5' 4" (164cm) and she's a size UK 4-6, US 0-2. This dress was a good fit on her with a little room to spare.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 44 in. (112 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.
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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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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.
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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.