ARCHIVE - Documented 1976 Bill Gibb Knitted Ensemble With Matching Scarf

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Incredible Bill Gibb knitted ensemble from his Spring/Summer 1976 collection. Comprising of a pale lilac acrylic/nylon mix knit cardigan, drawstring skirt with tying front and long tassled scarf. The folkloric inspired pattern has colours of pink, turquoise, ochre and pale orange. The original 4 petalled gold floral buttons are all present. In really super wearable condition with no faults present and labelled a size medium, which due to the nature of the design, can be worn by a range of sizes.

MEASUREMENTS: 
SCARF 
Length - 102" (257cms) 
JACKET 
Length - 20" (50.5cms) 
Bust - 31" (78.5 cms) 
Waist - 34" (86cms) 
SKIRT 
Length - 30" (76cms) 
Waist - 29.5" (75cms)

A contemporary of Ossie Clark, Biba’s Barbara Hulanicki and Zandra Rhodes, Bill Gibb was crowned ‘Designer of the Year’ by Beatrix Miller of Vogue who selected one of his designs for Baccarat, a pleated tartan skirt and printed blouse worn with a Kaffe Fassett knitted waistcoat, as the 1970 'Dress of the Year'. From humble beginnings in the Scottish Highlands he attended Saint Martin’s School of Art. After graduating top of his class, Gibb was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Art but before completing his degree, he left to start up in business. He was one of six young designers invited to present their designs in New York, which led to a three-month research tour of the United States with his then boyfriend, the artist and textile designer Kaffe Fassett, who would remain a very close friend and design collaborator. On his return to London, Gibb and a group of friends had co-founded the Alice Paul boutique, for which Gibb designed typically late 1960s outfits of miniskirts and long coats, whilst his friends handled the marketing and manufacture. Between 1969–1972, as a freelance designer, Gibb designed for the London fashion house Baccarat. In 1972 Gibb launched his own company, Bill Gibb Fashion Group, which ran until 1988 and in 1975 he opened his first shop in London, on Bond Street. That same year, Harrods opened a dedicated area for Gibb’s designs, calling it the “Bill Gibb Room”. Bill Gibb had a loyal client list including Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor, and friends including models Twiggy and Jan de Villeneuve.

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 - please let us know a week in advance. 

We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.


We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.


You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.

Do you have a price range?

Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.

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 pieces 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. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.

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