1920s Silver Cobweb Lame Flapper Culottes Dress
Tailored to a classic 1920s drop-waist silhouette, this is a rare surviving culottes dress from the earlier part of the flapper era and our oldest ever jumpsuit design! This antique piece features wide lame ribbon straps in shimmering silver. Intricate cobweb lame mimics the appearance of lace, with flowers, shell motifs and geometric shapes woven throughout. The top layer is sheer and the dress is lined with champagne silk with hook-and-eye closures at the rear. The bottom layer forms a pair of culottes. Very unusual for a piece of this time, these shorts are tailored and flared to a relaxed fit that means they could be mistaken for a midi-skirt. Falling delicately over the top of these, layers of petals form a skirt and create a scallop-like effect.
A century old, it is rare that a piece of this delicacy survives. No labels are left in the dress but she has been very well manufactured. Please note that we have expertly repaired some of the breaks in the dress torso since she was photographed so refer to the model shots as these better reflect the condition. Overall, the dress is very good for her age and she can be worn with care. The lining is original and in excellent condition with no stains or holes - quite remarkable. The straps are a well matched replacement and could be quite modern. The silver lame is good to very good overall and without tarnish; the colour has mellowed over the years and the silk mesh interwoven with the lame threads has darkened allover. There a number of areas where this element of the fabric is splitting but due to the extraordinary design of the lame this isn't noticed when worn - large areas of the lame are excellent. It's painstaking work but the mesh could be backed to strengthen through conservation or replaced. We're comfortable with the level of preservation and effort we have put in to get her wearable or for display purposes but anymore than this should be decided by her future owner. She can certainly be enjoyed just as she is.
The dress is very petite and would best fit a UK 6 or US 2, but please double-check the measurements below. Our model (5ft 4in / 163cm) is a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and this was a tight fit.
MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 32 in. (81.2 cm)
Waist - 26 in. (66 cm)
Hip - 32 in. - 34 in. (81.2 cm - 91.4 cm)
Length- 47 in. (119.3 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
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