1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress
This decadent, rich cream mini-dress was created in the early 1990s by Fabrice, a renowned New York fashion label at the time which has now somewhat faded into obscurity. Founded by Haitian-born American fashion designer Fabrice Simon, the young designer was quickly picked up by Henri Bendel for his fabulous beadwork dresses for which he won in 1981, a Coty Fashion Award. The label became hugely popular among the most glamorous and famous partygoers of the 1980s and early 1990s before Fabrice's tragic passing, in 1998, at only 47 years old. Whitney Houston wore Fabrice to the Grammys in 1988 when she won Best Pop Performance for the song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. Cosmo’s legendary editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown said that the “most perfect dress in my wardrobe, and I will keep it like a jewel forever, is made by Fabrice.”
The detailing of this rare mini-dress is exceptional. Cut from buttery, rich cream silk with a strapless, sweetheart neckline with a slightly lowered V-back, it is boned all the way around and adorned all-over with heavy beadwork. Fabrice would stencil his designs onto the fabric then send back to his homeland in Haiti where the beadwork was done, mostly by hand. In this design, stripes are formed from zig-zagging rows of clear, silver and grey beads whilst thousands of iridescent cylindrical beads cover the rest of the body. Ruffled stripes of tonal cream lace adorn the body and trim the neckline and bottom hem. The rear of this spotlight-hogging dress is secured with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. Ribbons have been hand-sewn into the inside to allow it to be hung up easily. It is fully lined in cream silk.
This dress is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the beadwork or structure of the dress. It has no size or composition label so please check our measurements closely as the fabric does not have any stretch. We estimate a good fit for sizes UK 8-10 or US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 29.5 in. (75 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