1940s Tachi Castillo Skirt and Top Set with Novelty Aztec Print

Tachi Castillo was a pioneering female Mexican fashion designer whose work helped define the modern concept of “Mexican style,” a vibrant aesthetic that transcended borders and captivated audiences worldwide. Blending bold colours, rich textiles, indigenous prints, and intricate embroidery with contemporary tailoring, Castillo created a distinctive visual language that became internationally celebrated and widely emulated. Some of her famous clients were: Frida Kahlo, Paulette Godard, Lana Turner, Joan Fontaine, Dolores del Rio, Maria Felix, Brigitte Bardot and Princess Anne.

This ensemble dates back to the 1940s and comprises a skirt and top set. Tailored from a lightweight cotton, it showcases a novelty Aztec print in emerald green set against a mustard-yellow and magenta speckled, painterly pattern with a white background. It is detailed all-over with see-through, iridescent sequins stitched on with white thread. These add texture and moments of shine to both pieces. The top has a t-shirt silhouette and a wide, scallop neckline. The shoulders are gathered forming small cap-sleeves over the top of the arms. The top is secured with an exposed zip along the left hand side and is unlined. The full-skirt has a high-waist cut with a wide waistband. It falls to the calf in soft, swirling folds. It is unlined and is fastened at the left hip with a zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

The ensemble is in very good vintage condition, particularly for a piece of this age with just a few missing sequins but very few. It has no composition or size label so please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. Photographed without a petticoat. We think a best fit for a UK 10 or US 6 with a smaller waist - there is plenty of give in the hip.

MEASUREMENTS TOP

BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)

LENGTH - 22.5 in. (57 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)

LENGTH - 33 in. (84 cm)