1970s Bill Gibb Cream and Embroidered Floral Maxi Dress
This is an elaborate 1970s gown by revered British fashion designer Bill Gibb. Crafted from soft cream-yellow cotton, it has a dramatic blouson silhouette and was a bespoke wedding dress made for our client in 1973. The fabric is stunning, it is embroidered all-over with floral shapes intricately woven from orange, brown, cobalt blue and yellow thread. The sleeves are tailored to an extreme elongated length with wide button cuffs finished with ruffled hems. This length results in a theatrical bell-sleeved silhouette when the cuffs sit against the wrists. The neckline is high and trimmed with pale yellow lace, lace which also runs the length of the sleeves. The skirt is dramatic; falling from under the ruffled peplum waist, it is embroidered all-over with tiny flowers in multi-hued thread. The bottom hem is layered and pleated and adorned with heavier embroidery, which echoes the scallop shape of the hem. The dress fastens down the front with large yellow plastic buttons which match those at the cuffs. The dress is lined in cream satin.
It is extremely difficult to find Bill Gibb designs from his pivotal early 1970s collections in such flawless vintage condition as this. We can find no repairs, holes or stains and the fabric is still very fresh looking. One of the buttons concealed underneath the peplum was missing; we replaced with a similar one but it is not identical. Labelled a UK size 10 or US 6 and fairly true to size but please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 52 in. (132 cm)
LENGTH - 57 in. (145 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