1990s Perry Ellis Silk Rose Print Slip Dress
Before his infamous 1992 “grunge” collection that resulted in his firing, Marc Jacobs’s work at Perry Ellis reflected a refined take on American sportswear infused with a youthful sensibility. As creative director from 1988 to 1993, he modernised the brand’s preppy heritage with relaxed tailoring, soft knits, and playful layering, gradually introducing a downtown edge that hinted at his later aesthetic.
This dress likely post-dates Jacob's tenure by a few years and is circa 1995 - 2000. It is tailored to a slip silhouette, playing to the underwear-as-outerwear trend that was so in-vogue at the time. It has spaghetti straps and a column silhouette, broken by a seam at the waistband. Below this, the skirt is cut to a flippy, A-line shape that kicks out around the wearer as they walk. The fabric is beautiful; silk-chiffon printed with a pattern of blown-up roses created from two-tones of purple, lilac and a deeper lavender hue. Inside, there is a lilac silk-satin slip. The dress fastens at the left hip with hidden snap closures and a tonal zip.
The dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition; we noted the following on very close inspection: a miniscule peachy coloured mark just above the waistband and a pulled thread diagonally at the back. Neither of these minor issues can be seen when worn. Made from 100% Silk with 100% Silk lining. Labelled a size US 10 but vintage sizes vary hugely so please check our measurements below. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist: 24" (61cm), Hips: 34.5" (88cm) and Height: 5' 7" (170cm). She's a size UK 6, US 2 and there is plenty of flexibility due to the wonderful bias-cut silhouette and tailoring.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 55 in. (140 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
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.