1990s Documented Catherine Buckley Rose Print Lace Wedding Suit

British designer Catherine Buckley founded her brand in 1963 and went on to open her first shop in Notting Hill, London. Her romantic, slightly eccentric designs drew on historical references and found an audience among fashion fans and celebrities alike. This 1990s two-piece ensemble is composed of an ankle-length pencil skirt and a long bustier top. Tailored from an off-white sheer cotton mesh woven with a lace and bow pattern and dotted with intricately detailed pink and green rose buds. The skirt is high-waisted and fully lined in white satin viscose. It has a slit at the rear of the hem and fastens at the back of the waist with a hidden zip and two hook-and-eye clasps.

The bustier top is tailored from the same cotton cloth and is lined with white viscose/acetate. The woven fine cotton mesh is elegantly draped across the front and rear and gathered at the side. Fabric cascades down the back and over the skirt in multiple curved layers, adorned at the top with a pretty cloth rose. Across the top of the bustier, pleated cream satin forms straps and a V-shaped neckline. The top fastens with cream satin covered buttons and fabric loops which references the Victorian period and the romantic gowns of the 1930s; the designs of which were revived by many designers, notably John Galliano for Christian Dior.

This lovely ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws and is clean and ready to wear. We were able to reference this exact design through Catherine Buckley's Instagram account and we purchased direct from the original owner. It was bespoke made so please check the measurements below closely as these pieces are very petite. Our couture seamstress, who also models for us, could not put this on and she is a UK 6-8. It would at best fit a UK 4-6 / US 0.

MEASUREMENTS BODICE:

Bust - 32 in. (81 cm)

Waist - 25 in. (64 cm)

Length - 29 in. (74 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT:

Waist - 23 in. (58 cm)

Hip - 33 in. (84 cm)

Length - 37 in. (94 cm)