1980s Racine Black and White Checkerboard Silk Jersey Dress
This timeless monochrome checkerboard patterned dress was designed in the late 1970s to early 1980s by Racine. The style is so timeless, it could pass for designs from the mid 60s through to the 90s and would be a great choice for a race meet such as Goodwood. Tailored from luxurious jersey fabric, it has a laid-back, flowing silhouette that falls to a mid-calf length. It has a button-down front adorned with fabric-covered buttons and finished with a small open-collar. The skirt has a drop-waist and falls in box pleats from below that hem-line. The sleeves are tailored to a subtle bell silhouette. Each cuff is finished with a fabric-covered button. It has a coordinating tie belt to cinch the waist. This dress is unlined. The original label reads “C’est un tissu - Racine - Nice Paris Lyon - Made in France” in bronze font on black cloth.
The dress is in very good vintage condition. It originally had quite a thick hem which had been nicely hand sewn but was short. We let the full length down so it currently has a zig-zag edge that was cut with pinking sheers during manufacture. On very close inspection there are a couple of very light markings towards this bottom hem that can only be seen when dress is in hand. If the dress were re-hemmed they would vanish completely. It has no composition or size label so please check the below measurements as the fabric has no stretch to it. We believe it would best fit a size UK 12, US 8.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 43.5 in. (111 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.