S/S 1998 Runway Giorgio Armani Beaded Chinoiserie Slip Dress
This mesmerising dress was created by Giorgio Armani for his spring / summer 1998 collection and is the exact dress which walked the runway for his high-end Black Label. It was also featured in the campaign shots modelled by Shalom Harlow and lensed by Paolo Roversi. Armani occasion wear came to define red carpet dressing in the ‘90s and the beaded dresses from these runway collections were as exquisite as French and Italian couture. Giorgio would later produce these dresses for the Armani Prive line when he became a corresponding member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture after his first Couture collection in 2005.
Tailored from seafoam blue-grey sheer silk with a hand-painted abstract finish, it is detailed in chinoiserie style using heavy, highly intricate beading. Iridescent beads in silver, pale grey and deeper grey-blue sit against foliage created from olive green embroidery. Covering the entirety of the dress, this beadwork is a testament to Armani’s attention-to-detail and the skill of the brand’s in-house team during the 1990s. The delicate straps are also crafted from silk and are finished with lines of silver beads. There is a dramatic slit in the left-hand side of the skirt which allows for ease of movement.
This dress is in very good to excellent archival vintage condition with no flaws to the beadwork. We noted a few areas in and around the side slit where the silk seams are very slightly stretched but this is not apparent at all when worn. The dress has also undergone minor adjustments; the side slit appears to have been closed up an inch or two – easily reversable. The shoulder straps have also been raised but the full length remains and these can be reinstated to the original length or adjusted to fit by the new owner. There is no composition or size label, so it is best to check our below measurements below and the fabric has no stretch. Our model (5ft 4in / 163cm) is a UK 6-8 and this dress had room to spare, we estimate it would fit up to sizes UK 10 or US 6.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 53 in. (135 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