Original 1920s Magasin Du Nord Floral Silk Chiffon Dress
This 1920s ethereal dress would be perfect for a bride looking for something a little different for their special day or a true lover of clothing from this period. The dress was retailed in Denmark's most exclusive and fashionable department store, Magasin du Nord, which dates all the way back to 1869. The store may have imported the piece from a couture house in France as it is beautiful quality.
The top dress is crafted from sheer silk chiffon which is a blue-seafoam green hue and detailed with a contrasting fuchsia and chocolate brown rose print. It is cut to a mid-length tunic silhouette with a flared, handkerchief hemline. The neckline is trimmed with sheer ruffles and forms a soft V at the back of the neck. It is cinched at the waist with a wide cream silk satin belt which is adorned at the rear with a large, flat bow. As the original silk belt had perished, Circa made an exact copy from the original design. The dress fastens at the rear with multiple hidden hook-and-eye clasps. but could in theory be worn either way around due to the tunic style. Fully restored by our in-house atelier, we matched this dress with a French haute couture cream silk crepe slip dress which has a lace hem line; it is slightly later - perhaps mid to late 1930s.
This beautiful dress ensemble is in good to very good antique condition and a rare survivor of the period that is still wearable with care. The slip is in truly excellent condition with no issues. Both pieces present very well and can be displayed in a historical setting. On the chiffon tunic dress, scattered age relating markings are in a few areas on the skirt and on the edge of the left sleeve. They are hard to spot unless inspecting the dress closely and would not be noticed when worn. I also noted a few pin prick holes near the hemline - very minor overall.
Please check our measurements closely below as the fabric does not have any stretch to it. We believe this would best fit up to a UK 8 or US 4. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm) and this dress was a good fit on her with some room to spare.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 41 in. (104 cm)
LENGTH - 50 in. (127 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.