2008 Matthew Williamson Runway Multicoloured Geometric Pattern Dress
This dress walked the finale on the runway as part of Matthew Williamson’s Fall 2008 collection and was the very last Look of the presentation. The designer said, “I had a vision of a girl in the depths of the countryside, rustic and earthy.” This maxi-length gown is tailored from a flamboyant silk adorned with the geometric floral prints that the designer did so well. A flowing champagne silk with a hint of stretch, the print is of vibrant fuchsia roses and pistachio green leaves. Described by Vogue as “the faded wallpaper you’d find in a cozy cottage”, the designer has updated it from the 21st century by pixelating it. This digital print adds a contemporary feel and was popular during the late-noughties. The cloth is finished with tiny circles of metallic thread in gold and silver that form jagged stripes across the fabric, and many of the hems are left raw. The dress has a one-shoulder empire cut and is decadently gathered across the shoulder, with plumes of fabric gathered at the chest. The bust is adorned with five roses crafted from the same fabric with prettily frayed edges. The dress falls to the floor with cascading plumes of silk. Inside, the dress is lined with nude satin. An internal corset with a padded chest fastens with three rows of hook-and-eye clasps along the side. The dress fastens under the arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It has been professionally made bigger by adding in extra paneling which is tapered either side of the zip on the empire line only. The work is very skilled and the fabric matching and I think it may have been done by the atelier themselves. The composition label reads 84% Silk, 16% Polyester with a lining of 100% Polyamide. It is labelled a UK 10 or US 6 but as it has been altered at the bust please check our measurements below carefully. The fabric has no stretch. In our view the bust was originally small and these alterations makes it truer to size. They are completely reversable by a skilled tailor/seamstress if desired.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH - 61 in. (155 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