The twin of this dress was photoed with Yves Saint Laurent himself, backstage during the Fall runway show by Roxanne Lowit. This was one of the main pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this example.
The dress is made from a gold wool and metallic thread brocade that has an embroidered gold design woven through the fabric. This is done so that it has a slightly raised feel to it and gives the dress the beautiful texture that it has. The two parts of the design also allow for a play on the tones of gold used and the raised parts have a more metallic, lame feel to them which makes the brocade pattern really pop. The dress perfectly represents this time period and you can see the transition from the opulence and over the top feel of the eighties slowly moving into simpler, sleeker shapes for the 1990s. That touch of excess from the 1980s is still there through that gold fabrication, but the shape is getting sleeker and more powerful in feel. The neckline is a simple scoop. Vertical seaming runs down the front and back on to create the slightest of shape through the waist but there is no break in the line that a waist seam would have made. The skirt is cut slim and straight. The sleeves end just below the elbow. The cut is restrained and simple so that the amazing gold fabric takes center stage. It is amazing on the body. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a gold silky rayon through the body and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back, hidden set zipper. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 40 and has a generous cut through the waist and bust
Sleeves: 18"Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3295
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Yves Saint Laurent, Avenue Marceau à Paris, March 1991. Photo by Roxanne Lowit. / (3) Fall 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
