1980s Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Silk Cut Out Dress
French couturier Jean Louis Scherrer trained at the House of Dior until the late 1950s. In 1962, he opened his eponymous couture house going on to dress some of the wealthiest women in the world in his elegant eveningwear. We believe this dress was designed in the 1980s, before the designer left his eponymous fashion house in 1992. After extensive research, we have found a very similar runway design which references the draped silhouette and a similar fuchsia leopard print in the Spring ready-to-wear 1987 collection (pictured above). Very similar leopard print fabrics were also used by Yves Saint Laurent for his haute couture collection in 1987. Master couturiers would often mix design elements to create bespoke pieces for the most prestigious haute couture clients. This dress was recently worn by actor Amelia Gething for a private event and she wore it backwards to amazing effect!
The dress is tailored from incredible fuchsia, almost neon hued leopard print silk chiffon - still as vibrant as the day it was made 30 years ago. The skirt is draped in a tulip style which gathers around the sides of the hips like layers of petals. There is a bandeau crop-top which attaches to the skirt on one side. Above this, a long shawl of leopard silk attaches to the top of the bandeau with a row of snap closures - this can be removed, worn around the shoulders or cascading down the dress. The dress is fully lined with fuchsia silk. The bust is boned and detailed with an internal modesty strap wrapped in fuchsia silk. The top of the skirt is also boned, securing the draped fabric around the hips and waist. The dress fastens with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp inside the panel that joins the bust and skirt.
This garment is in archival vintage condition and handmade of such fine silk it can be worn and displayed with care. On inspection we noted a small trailing edge where the hem has needed to be re-rolled and stitched but this would never be noticed when worn. It does not have a size or composition label so please check our below measurements carefully. The fabric has no stretch. We believe this will be a good fit for a small busted UK size 8-10 or US 4-6. Amelia is sample size and this was a great fit on her with room to spare.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH -51.5 in. (130 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