1970s Caroline Charles Pink Printed Jersey Top and Skirt Ensemble

After working for Mary Quant, Caroline Charles founded her eponymous fashion label in 1963. She became a prominent name during the Swinging Sixties, with her designs worn by Lulu, Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger, and later by Diana, Princess of Wales. In 1993, Emma Thompson wore Caroline Charles when she received the Academy Award for Best Actress for Howards End.

This top and skirt ensemble was designed by Caroline Charles in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The top is crafted from plain fuchsia pink jersey and decorated around the bust and straps with dots in mint green, pale pink, white and navy. It has a softly rolled and ruffled bustline and matching ruffled lower hem. The back fastens with a fabric-covered button above a keyhole opening.

The coordinating high-waisted skirt is cut from weightier fuchsia jersey with a fluid drape. Its painterly print combines brushstrokes and dotted spots in navy, mint green and white to form tigers, foliage, flowers and abstract shapes. The skirt is pleated into the waistband, falls to midi length and is finished with a rolled, ruffled hem. It fastens at the left hip with a concealed pink zip and large hook-and-eye closure. Both pieces are unlined.

The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues. Labelled a vintage UK 12 and made from 100% viscose, it runs much smaller in todays sizing and is a best fit for a UK 8 or US 4 and below on account of the small waist size.

MEASUREMENTS TOP

BUST - 30 in. (76 cm)

WAIST - 35 in. (89 cm)

LENGTH - 21 in. (53 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT

WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)

HIP - 68 in. (173 cm)

LENGTH - 30 in. (76 cm)