1980s Ariella emerald set from the British occasionwear label Ariella, featuring a dramatic puff-sleeve peplum top and matching pencil skirt. Made in the UK, this emerald two-piece has a polished late-1980s cocktail silhouette, with a silk-look slubbed finish, covered buttons and elegant formalwear appeal.
Condition:
Good used vintage condition. No major flaws noticed from the photos provided. As with all vintage garments, there may be light signs of age or wear. Please check all photos carefully before purchasing.
Key Features:
- Material: Silk-look dupion / shantung-style fabric; exact fibre not confirmed
- Colour: Emerald green with a subtle iridescent sheen
- Design:
- Puff-sleeve peplum top with structured waist
- Wrap-effect front with covered buttons
- Matching pencil skirt with elegant formalwear shape
- Complete two-piece set, ideal for cocktail or occasion dressing
- Style: Late 1980s British occasionwear / evening skirt suit
- Brand: Ariella London, Paris, New York
- Origin: Made in UK
Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
This 1980s Ariella emerald set most likely dates from the mid-to-late 1980s, possibly crossing into the very early 1990s. The puff sleeves, peplum waist, covered buttons and matching pencil skirt are strong features of late-1980s occasionwear, when structured silhouettes and jewel-toned evening fabrics were especially fashionable.
Ariella is a British occasionwear label founded in London in the 1960s, known for cocktail dresses, eveningwear and special-occasion pieces. The label on this 1980s Ariella emerald set reads London, Paris, New York, reflecting the brand’s international identity. Ariella should be understood as premium British occasionwear rather than couture-level luxury: above ordinary high street, but not in the same tier as major luxury houses such as Dior, Chanel or Saint Laurent.
The fabric has a crisp slubbed texture similar to silk dupion or silk shantung, but because there is no visible fibre label, it is safest to describe it as silk-look or possibly silk-blend rather than 100% silk. The emerald colour gives this 1980s Ariella emerald set a strong formalwear presence, making it suitable for collectors of vintage cocktailwear, British designer occasionwear and statement evening separates.
Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:
This piece comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, an ambassador and former TWA air hostess whose extraordinary life was shaped by travel, diplomacy and formal society events. Doreen was invited to many special occasions and met Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana multiple times, adding exceptional social-history provenance to this 1980s Ariella emerald set. Her collection offers an intimate glimpse into a century-spanning wardrobe of elegance, travel and cultural history.
Size Information:
- Garment Measurements:
- Top: Shoulder: 41 cm | Length: 73 cm | Chest: 102 cm | Waist: 72 cm | Sleeve: 38 cm
- Skirt: Waist: 66 cm | Hip: 96 cm | Length: 69 cm
- Modern Sizing Equivalent:
- Estimated best fit: UK 8–10
- US: 4–6
- EU: 36–38
- Model Reference: Model is 167 cm and typically wears UK size 8.
Please note: Estimated modern size is for reference only. Customers should refer to the exact measurements provided above to ensure the best fit.
Materials:
No fibre composition label shown. Feels like silk dupion or silk shantung-style fabric, possibly silk blend or high-quality silk-look synthetic. Exact material is not confirmed.
Care Instructions:
Dry clean recommended. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Iron on low heat from the reverse side, ideally with a cloth between the iron and fabric.
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68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).
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