1980s Schiaparelli Brown Wool Check Skirt Suit with Velvet Trim
Maison Schiaparelli was founded by Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927 and became renowned for its surrealist haute couture creations. The house closed in 1954 following bankruptcy, but its name continues to hold mythic status in fashion history. In 2014, the brand was revived as a luxury Maison under the direction of Tod’s chairman Diego Della Valle. Less widely known, however, is that Schiaparelli was also briefly revived in the 1980s, with the name licensed for various collections following Elsa’s death in 1973 — we’ve handled remarkable pieces from this period at Circa over the years.
Made in Italy, this unusual two piece suit dates back to the 1980s. Tailored from a beautiful wool cloth flecked with threads of mustard, russet and teal wool, the jacket has a boxy cut with an asymmetric fastening. It has double-breasted buttons above the chest and down one side of the front. These are covered in mustard velvet. Same goes for the jacket's raised collar, welt pockets at the hips and panelled details at the shoulders. The buttoned cuffs are also split and lined with velvet. At the shoulder, the jacket is adorned with a swirling S-shaped gold-metal brooch, playing homage to the high-octane glamour and surreal detailing of the house’s early years. Lined in brown satin which is woven with the brand logo.
The skirt is tailored from a tartan that picks out the colours of the jacket. It has a wide waistband with a basque-curve at the centre front. The skirt falls to knee length and is lined with mustard satin. It has welt pockets at the front of the hips. There is a pleat at the back for ease of movement and it fastens with a hidden brown zip and fabric-covered button.
The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues. It is 80% Wool, 20% Polyester with velvet detailing of 100% Cotton. Labelled a French 44 but the the fabric has no stretch so please check the below measurements carefully. It runs smaller than today's sizing and is better suited to a UK 12 or US 8 on account of the skirt measurements.
MEASUREMENTS JACKET
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 28 in. (71 cm)
SHOULDERS - 18 in. (46 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 28 in. (71 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