1980s Arnold Scaasi Couture Black Velvet Rosette Dress
A soft V-neckline at the front and rear forms an off-shoulder, sweetheart shape. The couture, silk blend fabric is the star of the show - festooned with polka-dots, some in tinsel-like metallic threads and others formed from velvet, it is adorned in places with fabric flowers. Scaasi’s ability to manipulate fabric is seen in the careful drapery with ruching adding detail to the sleeves, skirt and shoulders. The voluminous skirt holds its shape due to stiff tulle stitched into the hem and multiple layers of tulle. Beautifully lined, the interior conceals padding at the chest and a boned waist, creating a highly feminine silhouette on the wearer and finishing below the knee for most. There is a concealed zip at the back with a hook-and-eye clasp at the top. This piece is in truly excellent vintage condition and will fit up to a UK 12-14 or US 8-10. It looks unworn!
NOTES ON THE DESIGNER : Arnold Isaacs, known as Arnold Scaasi, was a Canadian fashion designer who designed dresses for a number of First Ladies including Mamie Eisenhower, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. Other Scaasi fans were Barbara Streisand, Joan Crawford, Ivana Trump, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor & Catherine Deneuve to name a few. His designs were noted for their tailoring and he became synonymous with glamorous evening wear and cocktail dresses.
MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 36 in. (91.5 cm)
Waist - 34 in. (86.36 cm)
Hip - 48 in. (122 cm)
Length - 39 in. (99 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