1960s Christian Dior Patron Original Wool Crepe Dress
This Patron label demi-couture tailored dress has a number of couture elements and the label usually indicated a custom ordered piece. This dress is a superbly tailored shift style with a scoop neckline that sits quite high up sweeping the collar bone; very Holly Golightly and immortalised by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961. This dress is probably from the same period or a few seasons later. The wool crepe is of extremely fine quality and there is a pleasing weight to the fabric. The dress is silk lined and there is a generous seam allowance too. Much of the dress has been constructed by hand. It fastens with a zip at the centre back and there is a decorative tie on the bust-line seam at the back as well as one covered button to fasten the top.
Overall, the condition is vintage excellent. There is one small area of thinning on the front, possibly moth damage which is very small and not immediately noticeable on inspection. This could be invisibly mended. I would normally have this restoration carried out but this is archival quality and the new owner may wish to instruct these works themselves. That said, this is very wearable as is and the thinning virtually indetectable when worn.
Estimated best fit up to UK size 10 or US 6.
MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 35 in. (89 cm)
WAIST - 33 in. (84 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
LENGTH - 41 in. (104 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.
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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.
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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
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