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1950s Schiaparelli Red Cashmere Skirt Suit

£1,275.00

Maison Schiaparelli was founded by Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927 and became renowned for its surrealist haute couture creations. The house closed in 1954 following bankruptcy, but its name continues to hold mythic status in fashion history. In 2014, the brand was revived as a luxury Maison under the direction of Tod’s chairman Diego Della Valle. Less widely known, however, is that Schiaparelli was also briefly revived in the 1980s, with the name licensed for various collections following Elsa’s death in 1973 - we’ve handled remarkable pieces from this period at Circa over the years. 

Made in the early 1950s, probably under licence for the export markets, this luxurious skirt suit is crafted from pure cashmere in vibrant red. Cut to a boxy style, the cardigan jacket is crafted from soft cashmere with thick woven tweed trim around the curved collar and down the front. It is double-breasted and fastens with buttons covered in coordinating fabric. The jacket is unlined, except around the collar and behind the buttons where it is lined with a layer of tweed backed with tonal satin. The skirt is tailored from the same tonal tweed that trims the cardigan. It is lined in red satin and fastens on the left hip with a hidden zip, hook-and-eye and snap closure.

This skirt-suit is in very good, bordering on excellent vintage condition. The only thing we noted were some mild marks on one of the buttons. It is 100% Imported Cashmere and has no size labels - please check our measurements below.  Whilst there is some flex on the cardigan - the skirt will only fit a UK 6-8 or US 2-4. 

MEASUREMENTS CARDIGAN

BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

LENGTH - 19.5 in. (50 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT 

WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)

HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

LENGTH - 25.5 in. (65 cm)

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 7736 5038.

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.