ARCHIVE - 1997 Runway Documented Richard Tyler Navy Slip Dress
This navy slip-dress was designed during the brand's 1990s heyday and encapsulates the epitome of Nineties minimalist chic; the design walked the runway for the Fall / Winter 1997 Collection. Fashion designer Richard Tyler ran a wildly popular boutique in Los Angeles called Tyler Trafficante which opened in 1988 and where he dressed the touring rock musicians of the day. He would later dress many Hollywood stars including Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, Robert Downey Jr, Sigourney Weaver, Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis as well as Madonna and Janet Jackson.
From the front, it appears to be cut to the minimalist, high-neck slip-dress style that was so in vogue in this era. However, the back reveals a sensuous low cut-out detailed with a hint of Tyler’s telltale glam; four strings of shimmering, iridescent blue-purple beads which caress the skin of the back. The fabric gathers in a cowl style at the bottom of the back. At the front, the slash neckline is high and modest. The body of the dress has a highly flattering bias-cut and a fluted skirt which falls to the ankle. This dress is unlined.
Tyler's creations were fabulously well made and this piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. The fabric is composed of 52% Acetate, 48% Rayon. It is labelled a UK 10 or US 6 and can be worn by sizes smaller due to the bias cut design. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 54 in. (137 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
F.A.Q.
Where can I find more information about this item?
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about any item on our site. Please get in touch at shop@circavintage.com or on +44 (0)20 7365053.
Will you set anything aside for me for my appointment?
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 to my appointment?
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 at the showroom?
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.
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Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
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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.
Does Circa 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.
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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.
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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.
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Underground:
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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.