Early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Hand Embroidered & Beaded Silk Chiffon Top

This is a beautiful Yves Saint Laurent top that is a true piece of Haute Couture. It comes directly from the daughter of the original owner. Her mother purchased it along with many of the other couture pieces I have had in the shop from this collection. Her mother removed the label on this one because it showed through the sheerness of the top. A similar top with different sleeves was just a part of the Zizi Jeanmarie collection auctioned at Christie’s. In an interesting note, they had theirs dated as being from 1990, however, my client was no longer buying couture by then so it is absolutely earlier. I have included that as a reference for you. This one actually has more extensive embroidery and beadwork that that version did, with the sleeves and the back especially. The auction piece sold for $1125 euros plus a 25% buyers premium and a 5.5% additional cost. That translates to just under $1800USD.

The workmanship on this top is absolutely exquisite. The top is entirely hand made as the parameters of Haute Couture define. The silk chiffon used is of the finest possible grade and you can feel the difference at first touch. I love the extensive embroidery and bead work that covers the exterior. The level of workmanship is extraordinary and it is almost certainly the work of the Lesage ateliers. It forms an intricate pattern over the silk chiffon that completely covers the sleeves and the top from the waist up. Under the waist the top has no embroidery work so that it does not get ruined when you tuck it onto your skirt or trousers. At the back the zipper extends past the lower hem. Both of these details are done in the manner that Couture pieces were finished during this time period. The workmanship is extensive and the time it would have taken to create this piece is extraordinary. I have included photos of it with the skirt that I had from the same owner. You can see how it tucks perfectly under the waist band of the skirt to give the illusion of there being nothing underneath there. It is an absolute work of art and a stunning example of Haute Couture during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Backed in a nude silk chiffon and closes down the back with a hand set zipper that extends beyond the hem in the traditional Haute Couture manner. Entirely hand done. Note that there is a slight texture change to the silk under each arm with minor discoloration. There is no evidence of it on the exterior. 

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S876

Reference Photo: Yves Saint Laurent piece from Christie's auction (as mentioned above).

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