1970s Mollie Parnis for Elizabeth Arden Wool Maxi Dress and Cardigan
Famous today for her cosmetics empire, Elizabeth Arden introduced couture and ready to wear clothing lines alongside her cosmetics salon in 1945. She brought in many young designers to create the collection, amongst them Oscar de la Renta. The clothing boutique closed in the early 1980s.
This 1970s two-piece ensemble was created for Elizabeth Arden by the famous occasion wear designer Mollie Parnis under her boutique label, a ready to wear line founded in 1970. Composed of a maxi-dress and cardigan, both are woven from a stretch-wool to a nautical striped pattern in oatmeal, white and navy. The dress has an elegant, body-skimming cut and is sleeveless with a V-neckline. It fastens at the back of the neck with a hidden tonal zip. The cardigan is detailed with cream plastic buttons and also has a V-neckline. It has two patch pockets. This ensemble has two labels - one for the Mollie Parnis boutique and one for Elizabeth Arden.
In wonderful vintage condition with no flaws to the knit and it looks barely worn. There is no size or composition label and we think this work would for taller women who are around a UK 12 or US 8. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)
HIP- 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 58 in. (147 cm)
MEASUREMENTS CARDIGAN
BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)
WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)
HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)
LENGTH - 26.5 in. (67 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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