1993 Christian Dior Purple Taffeta Silk Ruffled Cape
This decadent purple cape was designed by Gianfranco Ferré as part of Christian Dior’s Fall 1993 collection. Supermodel Veronica Webb walked the runway wearing a shirt made of the same fabric, and many models wore capes throughout the show. There is a YouTube video of this collection and you can just see this cape in the corner of the screen being modelled in the background. Alas, there is not enough footage to attach here but you can see the pink version being held by the model in the photo.
Crafted from a vivacious purple silk taffeta, the cape is cut in a generous circular shape to envelop the body. The hem is adorned with large ruffles made from pleated purple taffeta detailed with blue-purple stitching. The ruffle continues up to the sides of the neck, where the neckline becomes collarless for ease of wear. According to the label, it is lined with tonal manmade satin but it is unlined. There are two button holes at the shoulders, perhaps where this lining would have once been attached but I like to think they were for a decadent cloak chain as the cape has no fastenings.
The cape is in excellent vintage condition save for the unattached lining, if indeed there ever was one. It is crafted from 100% Silk and the fabric has no stretch. It is labelled a size French 36 and as with all capes there is lots of flexibility on this - it really is one size and could be worn by anyone up to a UK 16 or US 12 with ease.
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH FRONT - 18 in. (46 cm)
LENGTH BACK- 41 in. (104 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.