1950s Henry A La Pensée Haute Couture Navy Ribbonwork Skirt Suit
Henry à la Pensée was once a famous French couturier who founded his fashion house in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Located at 3 and 5 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, the House specialized in accessories (scarves, bags, and jewelry) and hand knits until 1943, when they introduced "a couture collection of well-tailored suits and dresses. Ingrid Bergman was a well known client and various French and European nobility shopped there for the 'sports chic' look. The business closed in the 1960s and good couture pieces such as this are now rare to market.
I think this ensemble likely dates to the early 1950s and is made up of a midcalf-length skirt and short-sleeve blouse. The fabric demonstrates the brand’s incredible craftsmanship; dark navy crochet is adorned with elaborate lighter blue silk ribbon work detailing that forms horizontal stripes across the length of the top and skirt. The top is cut to a relaxed silhouette. It has a ribbon work collar and fastens down the front with blue plastic buttons with a textured surface. It is lined with a very lightweight navy silk crepe which has a sheer finish. The skirt is high-waisted and also lined in the navy silk crepe. It fastens at the back of the waist with a tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The waist is lined in navy grosgrain ribbon.
This two-piece ensemble is in very good to excellent vintage condition and can be worn with care. She presents beautifully. I noted a small gap in the crochet on the right-hand shoulder. There are a couple of barely discernible and well executed repairs that have been caried out in-house to preserve the garments. The fabric has no stretch and I think the suit would be a good fit for sizes UK 10-12 or US 6-8 with a smaller waist.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)
WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 22 in. (56 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)
LENGTH - 29 in. (73 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