1960s Guy Laroche Haute Couture Silk Heraldic Print Dress Suit
This stand-out, early to mid 1960s two-piece haute couture ensemble is by Guy Laroche and the construction is nothing short of superb. Composed of a dress and bolero jacket, it is hand-crafted from silk patterned with a golden heraldic print. The sleeveless dress is cut to an empire-line style with thick straps. Two soft pleats fall from under the bust at the front and repeat again at the rear, to form a cocooning skirt shape around the legs. The skirt is lined in nude silk complete with a seperate taffeta underskirt stiffened by sheer organza which holds the silhouette. The bodice of the dress is lined in cream silk and it fastens under the arm with a hidden tonal zip.
The cropped jacket has elegant three-quarter length sleeves and a double-breasted front, secured by a tonal hook-and-eye clasp. It has a beautiful weight to it as it is double-thickness which has also been stiffened by a hidden organza layer. The haute couture label resides in the jacket.
This sophisticated and very wearable ensemble is in extraordinary vintage condition with no flaws of any note and looks barely worn, the silk retaining a vibrant fresh appearance. It is worthy of mueseum aquisition or by a serious collector of early couture works. Like many haute couture pieces, there is no composition label but it is composed of many fine silk types. The dress and jacket have no stretch to them. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163cm) and this dress fit her well with room to spare in the hip. We believe it will work for sizes up to a UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
Guy Laroche founded his atelier in 1956/57 in Paris and was known for his vibrant use of colors and skilful cutting and tailoring. His early work was influenced by Balenciaga and several well-known designers have worked under Laroche. In 1957, Azzedine Alaia joined him for several years; from 1955 to 1958 Valentino worked there, and Issey Miyake was also a designer for Laroche from 1966 to 1968.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS:
Bust - 34 in (86 cm)
Waist - 32 in (81 cm)
Hip - 42 in (107 cm)
Length - 38 in (97 cm)
JACKET:
Bust - 34 in (86 cm)
Waist - 32 in (81 cm)
Length - 14.5 in (37 cm)
Shoulders - 18 in (46 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