ARCHIVE - Pre 1920s Original Black & Gold Egyptian Assuit Kaftan
This spectacular late 1910s - 1920 Egyptian hammered silver Assuit kaftan is a rare and extremely collectable piece. The line of the kaftan is soft and fluid with long wide set sleeves and full volumes of fabric that flare out from the bust with an ankle length hemline. The gold tinted silver-work is arranged in meticulous detail into a bold geometric textile and vertical linear design. Made to be loose fitting this sensational piece is for the serious collector and would best suit a US size 4-6, UK size 8-10 due to the petite bust measurement. In absolutely beautiful antique condition, we have counted around half a dozen tiny to small beaks in the tulle to side and back panels which in no way detract from this important antique textile. They are very hard to spot except on close inspection and are difficult to photograph. We have priced to reflect this.
BUST - 32 in. (81.28 cm)
WAIST - 48 in. (121.92 cm)
HIP - 50 in. (127 cm)
SLEEVE MEASUREMENT- 28.5"
This kaftan pre-dates 1922 with the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb and the subsequent years when the fashion for all things Egyptian reached its zenith until 1926. Many later 1920s Assiut fabrics feature coptic symbols which is indicative of fabric produced for export. Assiut fabric was fashioned into exotic shawls, dresses and jackets during the flapper era worldwide and demand was insatiable. This ancient metal embroidery technique, Ottoman in origin, gradually spread south to Egypt and hence earlier pieces are generally geometric in design; each fragment of metalwork has been individually hammered into the soft black cotton tulle.
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.