yves saint laurent

1977 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Museum Piece

The twins of this stunning spring/summer 1977 two piece set by Yves Saint Laurent is held in the archives of both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and  the Indianapolis Museum of Art (the last two photos are their collection archive photos respectively). Given the scarcity of Haute Couture productions this may very well be the only other set produced in the world beside the one held in the YSL archives! This stunning evening ensemble is constructed from a combination of silk chiffon over which a cotton lace is applied in wide swaths at the collar, waist and hem. It also rings the beautiful wide cuffed wrists and finished with a silk ribbon in pink there.

As the description that accompanies the ensemble held at the IMA states "He is credited with many innovations in silhouettes, among which is the introduction in 1976 and 1977 of a collection based on rich peasant costumes and nicknamed “Cossack” or “Russian.” The couture ensemble in this exhibit is an example of the exotic peasant style, with a blouse of silk georgette and a long, full skirt of the same material". The top is a perfect example of that peasant influence with its loose full cut, while the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of silk and lace. It is stunning and a rare and wonderful example of one of the greatest designers of our time. Presents as excellent condition but please read the description below as the ensemble does have some small issues.

Both pieces are fully lined in silk chiffon and the entire outfit is of course constructed by hand as defined by Haute Couture. The top slips on and the skirt close with a painted metal zipper. There is a light discoloration under each arm (see photo included of the areas), however when on you actually do not see this because of the volume of fabric. I had the outfit specialty cleaned and my cleaners felt that with another cleaning they could perhaps lighten it even more but since it is HC and important I chose to take the more conservative route and leave it as is since I feel it is wearable now. The zipper on the skirt is also broken. Again I chose the more conservative route and left it as is since it is original to the piece and it would devalue it for the museum or Couture collector to have it changed by anyone by the YSL atelier. Finally there are two very tiny storage spots on the skirt that are really only mentioned for accuracy and they don't affect the wearabilty or value whatsoever. It is priced far lower then what I would have priced it at and I feel this is an incredible price for a Haute Couture piece held by two major museums.

Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2032

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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