1975 Jean Muir Runway Documented Rainbow Floral Chiffon Layered Dress
Designed during Jean Muir's most celebrated period in the 1970s, this rare, runway-documented floral silk chiffon dress is a superb example of her effortless, feminine approach to occasion dressing. We were delighted to discover the identical print featured in a Spring 1975 editorial campaign starring Joanna Lumley, one of Muir's favourite models who was wearing another dress from the collection.
Cut from lightweight silk chiffon, the dress is printed with stylised flowers in vivid shades of violet, orange, lime green, red, cobalt blue and peach against a black ground. Contrasting orange topstitching around the hems and cuffs adds subtle definition throughout and was something of a signature for Muir.
The design creates the illusion of a separate blouse and skirt. The blouson-style bodice has a wide ruffled neckline and long bell sleeves finished with buttoned cuffs, each fastened with a distinctive teal toggle button. Beneath sits a slate blue slip dress, overlaid from the empire line with a flowing floral chiffon skirt that falls to the ankle. The dress fastens at the back with a silver-tone metal zip and a matching teal toggle button.
The dress is in truly excellent vintage condition with no notable flaws. Circa acquired it directly from the original owner, who purchased it as her going-away outfit, adding exceptional provenance. It is made from 100% silk and is labelled a UK 12 (US 8). The fabric has no stretch and the fit is smaller by modern standards. We recommend it for approximately a UK 8–10 (US 4–6), with generous room through the hips. Please refer to the sizing information below to ensure the best fit.
Notes on Designer: By the mid-1970s, Jean Muir had established herself as one of Britain's most influential fashion designers, renowned for her refined tailoring, fluid silhouettes and exceptional craftsmanship. Her discreet, understated style attracted an exceptionally loyal clientele that included Joanna Lumley, Lauren Bacall, Charlotte Rampling, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Julie Walters, Joan Plowright, Patricia Hodge, Dr Miriam Stoppard and Princess Margaret. Her menswear was equally admired, with commissions for Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Today, Jean Muir's work is represented in major museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, and remains highly prized by collectors for its enduring design and quality.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)
LENGTH - 48 in. (122 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
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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.