1986 Runway Chanel Gold Black Silk Dress with Detachable Puff Sleeves
This runway documented 1980s Chanel dress is an amazing example of how the chic French fashion house adapted to the era of excess. It walked the runway as part of the brand’s fall 1986 collection, in the early years of Karl Lagerfeld's tenure as creative director. The dress itself is crafted to a deceptively simple strapless style with a sweetheart neckline. Tailored from a lustrous black silk-mix taffeta patterned with zig-zagging stripes of gold, the bodice is ruched diagonally across the chest and around the back. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden tonal black zip and nine polished gold-tone buttons, each engraved with a bottle of Chanel No. 5 detailed with a black double-C logo. Internally, it is boned the whole way around the chest and is lined with matte black silk. The skirt is tailored to a pencil fit.
The dress has two theatrical leg of mutton sleeves that are detachable. Due to the nature of the silk and the tulle lining, they hold their shape well and add billowing volume to the shoulder, before giving way to slim sleeves from the elbow down. Angular cuffs fall over the back of the hand. Due to the slim tailoring, the cuffs can be opened with a black tonal zip on the underside of the wrist. The sleeves are also lined in black silk satin. The inside label reads 'Chanel Boutique' alongside the double-C logo.
Archival Chanel at its best and in fabulous vintage condition, with no marks or flaws to note. It is made from 44% Silk, 56% Polyester with a lining of 100% Silk. It is labelled a French size 36, UK 8 or US 4. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 37 in. (94 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. 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 with me?
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?
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?
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 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 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
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