1989 Caroline Charles Documented Black Velvet Long Jacket
After working for Mary Quant, in 1963 Caroline Charles founded her eponymous fashion brand. She became hugely popular at the height of the Swinging Sixties, with her clothes being worn by celebrities from Lulu, Marianne Faithful, Mick Jagger and later on, Diana, Princess of Wales. Emma Thompson wore a Caroline Charles dress to receive her Best Actress Oscar for Howard’s End in 1993.
The Caroline Charles Studio pieces were limited edition and the collections focused on evening wear, made of luxurious fabrics, many of which were embroidered and beaded by hand. This elegant long jacket was designed by the British brand circa late 1980s and a very similar example was worn by Claudia Schiffer in British Vogue, December 1989. It is tailored from thick black cotton velvet which has been embroidered all-over with tonal floral embroidery in a glittering metallic charcoal grey. These vines and blooms form horizontal waves across the coat. The jacket has an open-collar and narrow lapels. It fastens down the front with four elaborately engraved flower-shaped buttons. The edges of the collar, the cuffs and the front hem are detailed with twisted black grosgrain ribbon - a beautiful example of the label’s great craftsmanship and eye-for-detail. The jacket is cut to an A-line swing style and falls to below the knee. It is lined with luxurious black silk-satin throughout.
The jacket is in fabulous vintage condition, with no marks or flaws to note. Made from 90% Rayon, 10% Silk with a lining of 100% Silk. It is labelled a UK size 14 but vintage size vary hugely so please check the below measurements as we think it better suited for sizes up to a UK 10-12 or US 6-8. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 37 in. (94 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 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
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal