1990s Fabrice Black Satin Gown with Rose Gold Sequin Front
This decadent and unusual dress was created in the early 1990s by Fabrice, a renowned New York fashion label at the time which has now somewhat faded into obscurity. Founded by Haitian-born American fashion designer Fabrice Simon, the young designer was quickly picked up by Henri Bendel for his fabulous beadwork dresses for which he won in 1981, a Coty Fashion Award. The label became hugely popular among the most glamorous and famous partygoers of the 1980s and early 1990s before Fabrice's tragic passing, in 1998, at only 47 years old. Whitney Houston wore Fabrice to the Grammys in 1988 when she won Best Pop Performance for the song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. Cosmo’s legendary editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown said that the “most perfect dress in my wardrobe, and I will keep it like a jewel forever, is made by Fabrice.”
The detailing of this high-low dress is exceptional. Cut from a thick black silk-mix satin, the sides of the gown are shaped to cocoon theatrically around the body to the floor. Inside this cape-like tailoring, sits a sequinned mini-dress. It is held up by delicate double spaghetti straps, which support the bustier top. The top is corseted and padded at the bust, providing support and enhancing a feminine shape. The front panel of the dress is cut to a mini-dress silhouette and is heavily embellished. Thousands of matte, metallic sequins in bronze and gold smother the front and create a rose gold hue from a distance. The bust line, sides of the dress and edges of the longer panels are all smothered in rose gold sequins and outlined in gold bugle beads. These rose gold sequinned trims form a point at each edge of the bust. The bottom edge of the mini-dress is finished with a wavy hem detailed with rose gold sequins and it is lined with a black satin slip. The dress is secured at the back with a hidden black tonal zip and hook-and-eye closure.
In excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the sequin work or structure of the dress. The dress is labelled a US 8 and it is made from 55% Polyester, 45% Silk with a lining of 100% Rayon. Please check our measurements closely as the fabric does not have any stretch and it runs smaller than today's sizing. We estimate a good fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 31 in. (79 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH FRONT - 27 in. (69 cm)
LENGTH BACK - 58 in. (147 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