1983 Chanel White Pique Cotton CC Button Shirt Dress
Chanel 1983 Spring / Summer collection white pique cotton midi dress. Pulling inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s and bringing the brand’s tailoring sophistication to a timeless shirt-dress silhouette, this piece is cut with a flattering nipped-in, gathered waist and an open-collar with wide lapels. The white cotton has a waffle texture, adding a sporty feel. The dress exclusively fastens at the front with polished, gold-tone circular buttons containing the brand’s instantly recognisable double-C insignia. The skirt has an apron-like top layer that covers the sides and rear, and the underskirt has a slit at the middle back to allow for ease of movement.
The S/S 1983 collection is from a pivotal moment in Chanel's history; Karl Lagerfeld had just joined the house, some 12 years after Coco died, and was working on the House's couture collections. His trusted assistants, a young Hervé Leger and Eva Campocasso, were handpicked to design this Chanel ready-to-wear presentation. WWD reported that Lagerfeld knew Chanel needed to be pushed into modernity, and brought in many of his own people but he was also nothing if not respectful of the house’s legacy. He gently justified his changes, noting at the time: “Even if she never did it this way, it’s very Chanel, no?”
Many of the garments featured the button design which was, and still is, unique to a particular Chanel collection. We have included a runway shot detailing the button design and a suit which matches this style in what appears to be the same fabric. We purchased this dress as part of an early Chanel collection from the original vendor with all garments dating from the period 1982 - 1990.
The dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. In one or two of the photographs, our studio lights are reflecting a faint yellow haze over the pique cotton but in real life the dress has been expertly cleaned to white and the buttons removed and replaced. Pieces from early Chanel collections are rare to market and this has merit in any Chanel collector’s archive. It is also very wearable in 100% cotton - not lined. There is no size label so please refer to the measurements below- we believe this would fit sizes up to a UK 10 or US 6.
MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 36 in. (91 cm)
Waist - 29 in. (74 cm)
Hip - 38 in. (97 cm)
Length - 42 in. (107 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