yves saint laurent

1979 Haute Couture Yves Saint Laurent Silk Dress

While researching the Haute Couture pieces I have just gotten into the shop, it came to my attention that in the present world of Haute Couture, a day dress starts at a price tag of $30,000US dollars. Starts. That is an incredible amount of money and easily makes a dress like this and priced for what it is here, a virtual steal. You also get the added exclusivity with this dress by virtue of the fact that the house of present day Saint Laurent no longer produced Haute Couture, and that this dress was produced and made by hand, under Yves himself. It is a true treasure. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this. A similar dress to this did sell at auction several years back through Kerry Taylor, but the HC number was different and it had some subtle differences in design.

The dress is amazing and a classic Yves Saint Laurent cut and silhouette. It is entirely done by hand and the silk is of the highest possible grade. It feels stupendous on. The top is loose fitting and the sleeves slightly voluminous above their ruffled cuffs. A ruffle finish goes around the neck and down the front edging. Each sleeve has an elaborate ruffle. The skirt is a masterpiece of pleat work and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is very deep and uses an excessive amount of fabric - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to so this -  and each line of the pattern in the silk brilliantly lines up perfectly with the ones beside it when the pleat closes. It comes with its original long tie that can be worn around the neck or waist. It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

In the clip below you will see a vignette from the runway show. It does not include the dress however I thought it was of interest since you can clearly hear the music that is reflective of the tartan plaid used and was the inspiration for the opening of the show. The black and white photo is from the fall Rive Gauche ad campaign. His RTW collections often were inspired by the Haute Couture collection of the season before and it is interesting to see the progression from this dress to the later ready to wear collection.

Unlined with all interior seams hand finished. It closes with a handset side painted metal zip on the hip and then hand set fabric covered snaps close it along the waist. It buttons from the neck to the waist. The buttons are a muted gold tone metal with a ring of black rhinestones set around their edges. Small padding in each shoulder. The cuffs button above a circle of fabric through which your wrists slip through - very unusual. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture number 47729

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14" (slightly inset)
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD2019

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

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