2012 Chanel Charcoal Grey Metallic Tweed Dress with Geode Buttons
This long-sleeved Chanel dress comes from Karl Lagerfeld’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, whose dark, shimmering fabrics were described by Vogue as “penumbral tweeds”. The collection drew on the colours, textures and crystalline formations of minerals, bringing an unusual depth and lustre to the house’s signature fabrics. Made in France, the dress is tailored from charcoal grey wool-blend tweed interwoven with metallic silver thread. Its relaxed A-line silhouette allows the richly textured fabric to take centre stage, balanced by slim-cut, full-length sleeves. The slit cuffs fasten with distinctive buttons crafted from silver-toned metal and translucent lilac-grey enamel, resembling miniature geodes. A concealed tonal zip and hook-and-eye fastening close the back, and the dress is lined in black silk satin.
In excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. The composition label has been partially removed and the remaining information identifies a blend of nylon, wool, cotton and viscose. Labelled a French 42, with an estimated fit for approximately a size UK 12 or US 8. The relaxed silhouette would also work well on a UK 10 or US 6. The fabric has some stretch, allowing a little flexibility, but please check our measurements below.
Notes on Designer: Karl Lagerfeld became Chanel’s artistic director in 1983, bringing renewed energy to its couture and ready-to-wear collections. His approach combined an appetite for new ideas with a commitment to the specialist craftsmanship behind the clothes. During his tenure, Chanel began acquiring the artisan houses responsible for many of its intricate finishes, starting with button-maker Desrues in 1985. These skills helped give the collections their extraordinary attention to detail, with fastenings and embellishments considered as carefully as the cut and fabric.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)
HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)
LENGTH - 36 in. (91 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)
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F.A.Q.
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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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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.