2001 Balmain Haute Couture Runway Coat and Dress Ensemble
This beautifully crafted coat and dress suit walked the runway as part of Balmain’s Spring 2001 haute couture collection (look 10). Designed by the creative director at the time, Oscar de la Renta, the Vogue review stated that the designer’s faithful followers would have been fans of this collection.
The ensemble is tailored from a lightweight, smooth wool/silk blend in a biscuity beige hue. The dress is cut to a highly wearable shift-dress silhouette with wide straps and a curved neckline. The skirt is pleated at the front from the knees down. The dress is lined with matte tonal silk throughout and fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal zip. The jacket is tailored from the same fabric and is double-faced with a gentle A-line cut and a horizontal panelled construction. The elaborate buttons down the front and at the cuffs are carved to look as though they are woven. There are two flap pockets at the hips. At the rear, there is a martingale, attached with two buttons. The dress and coat are both labelled with the “Pierre Balmain” haute couture label.
These pieces are both faithful to the runway design and are in truly excellent vintage condition - they look barely worn and there are no issues of any note. As they are couture made, they have no size or composition labels so please check our measurements below. The fabric has no stretch. Best suited to a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 with a bigger bust and slimmer hip.
MEASUREMENTS COAT
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 36 in. (91 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 40 in. (102 cm)
SHOULDERS - 16 in. (41 cm)
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 39 in. (99 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
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.
Can I bring anyone with me to my appointment?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I have my circa garment altered?
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.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the Circa 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 at the Circa showroom?
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 to the Circa showroom 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 does Circa 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.