1960s, Brand Heritage
Mexicana Dress | Alfredo Bouret’s Sloane Street Boutique
Feb
We’re thrilled to be able to offer this full length dress from the exclusive boutique Mexicana. Formed by renowned fashion illustrator Alfredo Bouret and London-based couturier John Cavanagh, it was home to some of the most dazzling dresses of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Bouret was born in Mexico in 1926, a love of fashion and illustration earned him a scholarship, which took him to Paris during the golden age of couture. Before long his illustrations were in demand and he was created work for Coco Chanel, Dior, Pierre Balmain, and Valentino. His talent was such that he was one of the few granted unique access to the reclusive Balencianga’s collections.
Most of all people adored Bouret’s illustrations of native costume from Mexico. This was brought to the fore in 1968 when the Olympics were hosted in Mexico City and people wanted to reference the countries textiles in their clothes.
Bouret was working in London for English Vogue when the couturier John Cavanagh asked him to form a boutique on London’s Lower Sloane Street.
Mexicano delighted London audiences with garments that celebrated Mexican art and culture, combined with the ultra contemporary silhouettes of the time.
It was a wonderful surprise to get hold of a Mexicano dress, it is exceptional in its construction and styling. It remains modern and fresh; more than enough to stand out for all of the right reasons, today.
Images
Above: Illustration of a Balenciaga dress by Alfredo Bouret
Right: Alfredo Bouret Photographed by Vogue for Norman Parkinson
I love Mexicana! Both my aunts wore them to get married second time around in the 1970’s and I now own a lovely black shirt with many pin tucks & massive balloon sleeves as well as a beautiful turquoise dress, sourced from a vintage shop in Charlotte Street. Time for a revival…
I was married in 1981 in a Mexicans dress from Sloane street. Still have it still married it hangs on display in our bedroom
I worked in Mexican 25 very happy years.
I was married in a beautiful white Mexicana dress bought in Lower Sloane Street in April 1980, the dress is as beautiful today as it was then.