yves saint laurent

Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Attr. Plunging Silk Jersey Top & Skirt Set

This was sold to me and dated as an unlabeled Yves Saint Laurent skirt and top set from the 1982 or 1983 seasons. While we did not find a photo of this exact version we did find a photo from the ready-to-wear collection that shows a similar draping technique around the waist and I found his sketch of a dress from the Spring 1983 that is similar in feel. I have included a photo of the inner seams so you can see the Haute Couture level of workmanship. It also still retains its couture hang tag loop that pieces from this period had added and has the appropriate X stitches at the waist bands to mark the front of the garment and which way it is to be worn. It is priced far less then what it would be if it had its label. Women often removed them during this period as this was well before our modern day importance that we give to them.

This is a wonderful example of Haute Couture utilizing a silk jersey. Both the top and the skirt are made from a fine black silk jersey that drapes over the body beautifully. This fabric is notoriously difficult to work with and when you add in that it was all entirely made by hand the level of workmanship takes on a whole new meaning. It is a set made up of a very low plunging top and a chic simple skirt that falls to the floor. The top is cut to skim over you and hooks to close at the hem of the bottom of the plunge at the back. The waist of the top is banded and you can wear it low to meet the band of the skirt so it looks like a dress or wear it higher to leave some bare skin showing between the top and the skirt. The front and the back fall from the shoulders where the fabric is gathered in a flat band there. This cleverly helps to add detail and also helps to hold the top in place when you wear it. At the front it plunges almost to the waist with just enough closure at the bottom to help hold it securely in place. At the back it opens right to the waistband to leave the entire center of your back bare. The skirt is made of the same high end black silk jersey. The waist is banded and there is a panel of fabric there that wraps around you to give it this fantastic gathered cummerbund effect and highlight the curve of the waist. It falls to the floor from there, gently widening out as it goes. If there ever was a piece that needed a real body in it this is it and I can guarantee you that once on this is as chic and sexy as they come. I also love that being two pieces the set gives you the versatility to break it up and wear it with other pieces you already own so that it extends the wearability of the set. This is a rare piece of fashion history. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with one minor note

Both pieces are unlined. The skirt closes with a hand set side zipper and the top hooks to close at the back. Entirely made by hand. Unlabeled but has a hand written tape with RV155 written on it in the top and another faint number in the skirt. I see one tiny repair to the skirt

Top
Bust: open
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 16.5" from neck hem

Skirt
Waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 39" from top of bodice to waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML


Modern Sizing Equivalent:

Item# DD3976

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1983 YSL Haute Couture Sketch. / (2) Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.

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

Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!

Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:

  • We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
  • payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
  • The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
  • items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit 

Read More

We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.

Want it faster?

We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.

Read More

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.

SEE MORE FROM YVES SAINT LAURENT