ARCHIVE - 2008 Derek Lam Runway Documented Black Tulle Sequin and Feather Dress
Derek Lam founded his eponymous high-end label in 2003 having previously worked for Michael Kors and Tods. This spectacular evening dress walked the runway for the mainline Fall 2008 collection as look 39/45. Vogue deemed this tulle, feathered gown in particular worthy of a mention, describing it as exuberant and going on to say, “Lam has always had a way with gowns, and this season was no exception.”
Feathered gowns were popular among the bright young things of the 1920s, and this dress echoes the party-ready nature of these designs. Crafted from black tulle, the bodice is held up by delicate spaghetti straps and is adorned with tiny, glittering black and silver sequins. A ruched panel of tulle forms the waistband, trimmed with black tulle ruffles. The skirt is generously tailored to a swirling, A-line silhouette from panels of black tulle and black lace. It is smothered in fluffy black ostrich feathers, and black and silver sequins to match the top. The dress is lined with cream silk for a comfortable, luxurious wear. It fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal black zip.
Presented in excellent vintage condition, with no flaws to the feathers, sequin work or silk. It is made from 100% Polyamide with a lining of 100% Silk and is detailed with ostrich feathers. Labelled a US 4, UK 8 - we have provided measurements below.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 27 in. (69 cm)
HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)
LENGTH - 49 in. (124 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
F.A.Q.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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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.