1980s Torrente Black Ribbed Cotton Vest Dress with Ra Ra Skirt
This dress was made in the late 1980s to early 1990s by historic French fashion house Torrente. Tailored from ribbed black cotton, this relaxed ready-to-wear dress has a tank-style bodice that fastens through the front with tonal black buttons. The skirt falls from an angled drop waist and is cut in a playful ra-ra style, with two tiers of ruffled cotton with a painterly abstract print in muted shades of grey, red and green. The dress is unlined.
In excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. There are no surviving size or composition labels and the fabric has no stretch. We recommend it for approximately a UK 8 or US 4 and below so please refer to the sizing information to ensure the best fit.
Notes on Designer
Rose Torrente-Mett, born Rosette Lapidus, founded Torrente in 1968 after spending a decade working alongside her brother, designer Ted Lapidus. Her first boutique opened the following year and in 1971 Torrente was admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, establishing the house firmly within Paris couture. By the late 1980s, Torrente had developed an extensive international clientele and retail presence which encompassed haute couture alongside ready-to-wear, menswear and accessories. After Rose Torrente-Mett retired in 2003, the house continued briefly under new creative direction, presenting its final haute couture collection in 2004.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 37 in. (94 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
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Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
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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.