yves saint laurent

1972 Yves Saint Laurent Red Floral Silk Chiffon & Red Silk Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Pleat Detailing

  • When dating this extraordinary Yves Saint Laurent dress, we found a photo of a piece with almost an identical cut bodice from 1972 along with several runway photos that show other pieces with that same cut to the bodice.
  • It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
  • I have included the reference photos here for you and it is interesting to note that the pleating technique that is used around the upper hip of the skirt was also done in a more intricate fashion for the 1974 Couture show.
  • Yves often use ideas from both collections. - Rive Gauche and Couture - to build and develop ideas and it is fascinating to see the progression of his work from garment to garment.
  • The dress combines a floral silk chiffon with a muted red silk on the skirt.
  • This combination of silks give the dress just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but while still making it feel soft and romantic.
  • The top is a printed silk chiffon and it has a floral pattern in red, purples and greens that float over the entire bodice and the sleeves.
  • The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. It plunges at the front and crosses over itself. The neckline has been detailed with ruffles that begin at the back of the neck and circle around to follow the V at the front and then run down to the waist piping done in the same fabric detail.
  • The skirt falls to the floor from there and it has yards and yards of fabric in it that creates the fullness and volume that you see.
  • It is quite full by the time it reaches the hem and I love the volume that this type of fabric creates and how it billows around you as you move but at the same time it is as light as a feather.
  • Under the waist are a series of tiny pleats that gradually open out to create the volume underneath. This intricate detail is a beautiful addition to the dress.
  • The sleeves are outstanding and the perfect finishing detail. Each is a single layer of the silk chiffon and are wide and very full. They are caught up at the wrist with a circle full circle ruffle underneath. This creates a beautiful and dramatic finish to the top.
  • The dress is fully lined in a red silk except for the sleeves which are unlined. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Attached ties at the waist and elastic in each cuff. Between the top silk and inner lining is a tulle ruffle that helps keep the volume of the skirt. I see some light marks around the hem of the skirt that are minor but mentioned for accuracy.
  • Tagged a vintage YSL 38
  • Excellent condition

Sleeves: 24" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5561

Reference Photos: Fall 1972 Yves Saint Laurent.

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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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