Circa Vintage

An impressive and unusual brooch in the shape of a torch from French couture brand Kalinger. This piece is typical of their 1980’s style and is made up of green resin, which has bee...

This dress is an extraordinary Parisian made example from the early days of the house of Christian Dior and we have been fortunate to handle this same dress twice in the last 20 years. It is so well made that these examples are generally known as 'demi couture' and were made to almost the same standards as the haute couture line. Of complex construction and cut from a beautiful pink and red damask silk, with stunning bow detail at the left hip. It epitomises perfectly Dior's most celebrated silhouette, that of a nipped in waist and full hipped skirt. The bodice features a crossover front, and the fabric is draped across the back to create a layered effect. The skirt features two stiffened net tulle underskirts to create extra volume and structure. The inside of the dress is lined with a soft and delicate white silk organza, which would feel incredible on the body when worn. The dress is accessed from the side zip of the bodice and a central rear zip which also has dainty poppers to fasten the skirt portion. The label, which is perfectly intact, reads 'Made in France, Christian Dior Paris, 2813201', and having researched numerous archives and haute couture collections, we feel it can be dated to 1956/57 - a period which oversaw the climax of Dior's career, and the production of some of his final designs. This condition of this Dior is nothing short of extraordinary and she has been very carefully preserved. Slight adjustments appear to have been made for the comfort of the two owners over time. We note that the dress has been let out slightly at both of the side seams and we believe the exterior zip is a quality replacement - though the inner central zip is certainly the original. These alterations have been done incredibly well and all the original fabric is retained. The darts at the back, which are unseen due to the cross over bodice, have been let out slightly; the hem has also been taken up, but no area of the dress has been cut or altered permanently. All of these alterations are very easily returned to their original state if desired. The craftsmanship and detail in this piece is truly spectacular, and it is in fabulous vintage condition, aside from the very minor alterations noted already. We found only a very small tea stain on the inside of the tulle underskirt - not visible at all when worn. She is also a very rare size and would fit a size 10-12 UK, or 6-8 US, with a generous seam allowance on the skirt. A professional seamstress could also take her back to her slightly smaller original size. Our model is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180cm) and this dress fit her well. 1950s Dior...

This is a sensational 1920s full-length pink flapper dress. The detail of the fabric is extraordinary, with aztec-style gold and silver woven lamé design would make a memorable choic...

This stylish 1950s chocolate brown silk swing coat is smart, chic and in beautiful vintage condition. A high round neckline and neatly tailored shoulders give way to a luxurious volu...

This fabulous runway documented Bob Mackie dress was designed for his spring / summer 1997 collection was Mackie's triumphant return to the runway after a three year hiatus. Known f...

Tom Ford stepped down from his role as Creative Director at both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in 2004. Made in France, this jacket was created by Ford in 2004 for the final show he d...

This dramatic evening dress was designed by occasion wear designer Joan Leslie in the late 1980s or early 1990s. It offers a highly wearable take on the theatricality of 1980s design...

This is a magnificent body-con maxi gown by Parisian Atelier Guy Laroche - the exact one which walked the runway for the Fall/Winter 2007 couture collection. A floor length creation ...

Renowned American occasion wear designer Victor Costa created this mini dress for Saks Fifth Avenue in the late 1980s or early 1990s. Cut from sapphire-blue mesh, it is tailored to a...

This opulent 1960s dress is a rare find. Unusually intricate in detail, it is crafted from glossy, pale cream satin and embroidered all-over with swirling vines and an assortment of ...

This rare trouser suit was designed by Ossie Clark for Radley in the late 1960s to 1970s. After the designer’s mainline boutique faced financial difficulties, the company was purchas...

During the 1960s and beyond, English fashion designer John Bates designed visionary modernist dresses under the name Jean Varon. He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be...

This late 1960s to early 1970s Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock 'hippie' dress is from the brand’s highly collectable black label era. The label reads “Gunne Sax by Jessica”. This bra...

This flamboyant rainbow gown walked the runway as part of Chloé’s Spring 2016 collection. It was the standout look at number 24 and one of the most memor...

This is a really beautiful example of late 1950s to early 1960s cocktail wear from the era. It has the retail label ‘Eleanor's House of Fashion Miami’, but I suspect very much that d...

Beautiful 1950s Christian Dior necklace set with large pale blue circular and square crystal stones and fashioned from a pewter coloured m...

This exact dress walked the runway, Look 51 of 58, for Christian Lacroix's spring / summer 2008 ready to wear collection. It was one of his last runway shows as his salon shut in 20...

This mesmerising two-piece ensemble was created by Yves Saint Laurent for the brand’s beloved Fall 1976 collection and for his Rive Gauche label, a reference to Paris’s younger and t...

This stunning cocktail dress and jacket were made in the 1950s by American boutique label Mardi Gras. We love this label at Circa as everything we have seen is so well made. The hig...

Known as the Marie Antoinette dress, this outstanding design walked the runway as part of Karl Lagerfeld's memorable Spring/Summer 1988 collection. A true statement piece, this dress...

This 1970s chiffon maxi-dress has a striking print; an unusual, scribbled, artistic take on marble that swirls orange, pale pink, magenta, black, apple green and brown together to ka...

This sensational 1970s lamé paisley print maxi dress in gold, red, lilac and green is labelled Michael Modelle and is in excellent vintage condition. It has an opulent, bohemian aest...

A statement pair of Ciner vintage clip-on earrings with two smaller red and blue oval cabouchon glass stones emulating ruby and sapphire and a large purple domed cabouchon reprensent...

A statement pair of 1990s Ciner burnished gold tone metal clip on earrings. These striking earrings are very similar to Chanel button earrings and have the most amazing soft gold hue...

This necklace can be dated to around 1980, prior to the well documented pieces designed when Victoire de Castellane joined Chanel after the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld. The designer of...

This elegant Christian Dior evening dress was retailed in their London branch during the late 1960s and may have been a special order from Paris. Designed when Marc Bohan was creati...

This is an elaborate 1970s gown by revered British fashion designer Bill Gibb. Crafted from soft cream-yellow cotton, it has a dramatic blouson silhouette and was a bespoke wedding d...

This 1970s mousseline cotton dress has many of the hallmarks of traditional Mexican wedding design. It is tailored to a breezy ankle length, A-line sil...

The Cage Boots walked the Saint Laurent runway for the fashion house's Spring 2009 runway. Designed when Stefano Pilati was the creative director, these designs were instantly iconic...

This beautifully made 'oatmeal' hued dress suit was designed in the 1960s and is of complex construction. Composed of a sleeveless dress and lightweight coordinating jacket, it is cr...

This summery ensemble was designed in the 1970s and is reminiscent of the work of great American stylist and designer Giorgio di Sant' Angelo, best remembered for his fashion shoot i...

This 1960s couture maxi dress is crafted from what feels like silk organza with a swirling print of flowers, leaves and vines in blue, green and purple hues. It has an A-line cut and...

This charming 1950s black taffeta embroidered party dress with cross over straps is gamine, feminine and in lovely vintage condition. The exquisite embroidered flowers start on the b...

A very interesting knitted suit from renowned British designer Mary Farrin in a wonderful combination of mauve and lilac purples and copper and beige tones. Two types of wool acrylic...

This beautiful 1960s black empire line mini dress is couture by French designer Simone Mirman and is of exceptional quality. The dress is comprised of black crepe and immaculately li...

This beautiful vintage 1940s black organza dress features a unique guipure lace under layer in soft cream which is visible beneath the sheer fabric of the skirt, a pretty sweetheart ...

This beautiful early 1950s black silk dress is likely to be by Omar Kiam for designer Ben Reig, a brand renowned during this era for its simple, elegant lines and luxurious quality o...

This original 1960s black scalloped lace jacket with rose detail is a wonderfully versatile piece and in impeccable vintage condition. Designed to be worn open, the jacket is collarl...

This exquisite 1960s crochet woollen sweater vest by boutique designer Alan Lee is heavily beaded with sequins and pearlescent seeds and features rocaille tassel embellishments at th...

These original 1930s peach lace-edged tap pants are a superb example of art deco period lingerie and in really good vintage condition; we noticed just a couple of very faint marks to...

Wow, when we first looked at these, we thought they were high-end jewellery, such is the quality from the fabulous American designer Ciner. The company, which closed in 2022, was th...

Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII - 1939-1947. It has a V-neck collar, with subtle notching, and fastens at the left h...

Mid to late 1990s Moschino Cheap and Chic monochrome dress. This is a midi-length dress with a very striking mono print - almost tuxedo like and perfect for more formal dos or a day ...

This enchanting antique wedding dress is in wonderful condition for a piece of its age and delicacy. Designed a century ago, it is crafted from fine cream silk in the laid-back apron style that was the early 1920s vogue...

This elegant Yves Saint Laurent Circa 1974 black silk jersey two piece suit would lend itself effortlessly to both formal occasion wear and to evening wear. The simple lines create a...

Ann Demeulemeester graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 1981. In 1986, Demeulemeester and six fellow Belgian graduates - including Dries Van Noten - showcased ...

Made in Studio City, California, during the 1970s, this striking A-line coat is perfect for making an entrance at a glitzy event. Heavily smothered in high-shine gold sequins, it has...

A late 1950s to early 1960s matched pair of large, charming brooches by renowned American designer Hattie Carnegie, each taking the shape of a butterfly with large iridescent stones....

This vibrant 1990s vintage jacket by Carlisle is crafted from printed silk finished with black threaded quilting all-over. Superbly made, the print is an intricate paisley drawn in ...

This spotlight-stealing gown was designed by Antony Price during the 1990s. Price became known for his image-making, collaborating on outlandish, seductive designs with the most famous musicians of the 20th century, including David Bowie, Duran Duran and Roxy Music. He went on to dress Anjelica Huston, Jerry Hall, Yasmin Le Bon, Diana Ross and Dita Von Teese. The fashion journalist and AnOther’s Magazine Editor, Alexander Fury, aptly noted “an unparalleled master of modern made-to-measure occasion wear and the most criminally overlooked designer in British fashion.” This decadent evening gown showcases Price’s fabric-draping genius and the body and asymmetric hemline falls as though modelled on an ancient Greek Goddess statue...

Late 1980s to early 1990s knitted jumper designed by French luxury label Angelo Tariazzi. Woven from pure wool, it is super-soft and has a tight, smooth weave, ribbed at the cuffs. C...

This skirt and jacket ensemble was designed by Italian label Medici in the 1980s. The fabric is a weighty stretch-knit woven with wool in a soft duck-egg blue and ivory. It has a chu...

This top, skirt, jacket and scarf ensemble was designed by London label Mary Farrin in the 1970s. Mary Farrin was known as the Queen of the Knits, even supplying Angora knits to Chri...

Famous today for her cosmetics empire, Elizabeth Arden introduced couture and ready to wear clothing lines alongside her cosmetics salon in 1945. She brought in many young designers ...

This unusual dress was designed by iconic London department store Liberty during the early 1970s. Tailored from the brand’s signature Tana Lawn soft cotton, it is printed with a repe...

This 1950s cotton novelty print dress is tailored to a full-skirted, pleated style typical of this era. It has short-sleeves and a nipped-in waist. The square-neckline is held in pla...

1950s clear and pearlescent hexagonal confetti lucite bag. The original label reads 'Charles S. Kahn Inc. - Miami, Florida', a collectable brand known as Kahn of Florida. Some of the...

This impressive maxi-skirt was bespoke made by Tatters of London in the early 1990s. They had a shop on the Kings Road in London, which was the place to go for bespoke bridal and ev...

A very pretty 1950s white cotton organza Christian Dior blouse. This is an early surviving example of Christian Dior-New York Inc Day Wear. It is made of a wonderful quality cotton organza that features a wide boat neck, darted bodice and a large integral double central bow tie attached with poppers on one side for decoration. The buttons are milk glass. This piece is in excellent vintage condition overall and presents well with a fresh appearance. There are two well-executed repairs to the front corner of the arm gusset. It is rare to see Christian Dior separates...

This vivacious 1960s red silk chiffon empire line dress is by American designer Levino Verna and is in beautiful vintage condition with a vibrant, contemp...