ARCHIVE - 1980s Laura Ashley White Embossed Print Wedding Dress
Laura Ashley was the most famous name on the British High Street from the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. The textile-founded company made some fantastically playful and excellent quality clothing which often took inspiration from bygone eras. The company made some of the most aspirational wedding dresses of the 1980s.
This late 1980s to early 1990s dress is tailored from white cotton with an embossed print in pale ivory with a slight sheen that catches the light. The print is detailed and shows swirling ribbons and bows, twisting around delicate flowers and leaves. The romantic silhouette features a nipped-in waist and full, circular skirt. The bodice is tailored in Laura Ashley's signature romantic style and the neckline is adorned with decadent ruffles that sweep around the bust and ripple around over the lowered back. The bust is boned the whole way around and is crowned with a frothy bow in coordinating cloth. The puff-sleeves are finished with bows. This dress is lined with a removable underskirt composed of matching printed cotton at the top, making it a comfortable wear. It ties with a drawstring at the waist. The underskirt is layered with two stiff layers of tulle and a final bottom layer of cotton. When worn, this underskirt means it holds its voluminous shape on the wearer. The dress fastens at the rear with a hidden tonal zip.
This piece is in truly excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note and has been professionally cleaned. The composition label reads 100% Cotton. It’s labelled a UK size 14 but Laura Ashley vintage sizing is tiny by today's standards and we recommend no bigger than a UK size 8-10 or US 4-6 as the fabric has no stretch. We have attached very similar editorial shots from 1991, including a very young Kate Moss, to show you how this would look on.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 74 in. (188 cm)
LENGTH - 54 in. (137 cm)
MEASUREMENTS UNDERSKIRT
WAIST - 36 in. (91 cm)
HIP - 50 in. (127 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
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