1960s Balestra Alta Moda Green and Pink Floral Silk Dress
Italian couturier Renato Balestra founded his clothing label in 1959 and dressed all of the most famous women of the day. This impressive list included the last Empress of Iran, Farah Diba; Queen Sirikit of Thailand; the First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos; and actresses Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Ava Gardner, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Natalie Wood together with businesswomen, aristocrats and opera singers. He also created high-end ready to wear collections for the most exclusive American department stores; Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Foley’s, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor. This pretty haute couture dress is one of Balestra’s earlier designs - we believe it dates to the mid to late 1960s. The beautiful silk fabric shows a swirling, painterly pattern of roses in chalky pink and white set against an eye-catching chartreuse green background. The deceptively simple, shift silhouette is cut to appear like a skirt and top from the front. At the back, Balestra’s eye for detail can be understood; the wide neckline gives way to a curved, low back and the top layer of fabric sweeps around from the front, gathered and pleated to meet at the centre of the spine. At the rear, the skirt has soft pleats falling from under this sweeping cloth, adding a jovial kick to the skirt as the wearer walks. The rear is secured by a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The dress is stunningly lined in apple green silk and features a green grosgrain band inside to secure the waist. The original “Balestra Roma” label is intact.
Haute Couture clothing which is handmade in Italy by members of the Camera Nazionale della Moda is known as Alta Moda. Very few Italian couturiers were well known outside of Italy during this time period and Circa treasures garments such as these in our collection as they represent an important part of Italian fashion heritage. Condition wise, this dress is in superb vintage condition with no issues and looks barely worn. It is made from 100% Silk. There is no composition or size label so please check the measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. We estimate a good fit for sizes up to a UK 10-12 or US 6-8 with a slimmer hip.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 36 in (91 cm)
WAIST - 32 in (81 cm)
HIP - 38 in (97 cm)
LENGTH 38 in (97 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