1970s Bellville Sassoon White Silk Sequin Embroidered Dress
High-end British fashion house Bellville Sassoon was founded in 1953 by Belinda Bellville. Designer David Sassoon joined the company in 1958 and in 1970 the company was renamed Bellville Sassoon. Made in England circa 1978, this stunningly detailed dress epitomises the decadent eye-for-detail that defined this fashion house for decades. Tailored from white silk chiffon, the top is tailored to an off-shoulder style with a drawstring neckline that ties at the front and is finished with two tassels. Romantic detailing abounds; the bell-sleeves are sheer and finished with a panel of beadwork adorned with iridescent flower and shell shaped beads. This panel is attached to the main body of the sleeve with tiny off-white beads - the same way the sleeves attach to the body of the dress. A pretty tassel also hangs from this panel of beading down over the elbow. There is a coordinating beaded panel at the chest and the cuffs too. The skirt is embroidered all over with white running stitch which forms row after row of pattern. The back of the dress fastens with the original hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The cuffs fasten with three hidden hook-and-eye clasps. The body of the dress is lined with white crepe and the skirt is lined with sheer voile and a final layer of cream satin.
Superbly made, this dress is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. Due to its age, there are no size or composition labels and we estimate this dress to be a UK size 8-10 or US 4-6 but please check the below measurements carefully as the waist is small. The fabric has no stretch.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 42 in (107 cm)
LENGTH - 63 in. (160 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