This is one of my all time favourite Yves Saint Laurent pieces. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special because it is a version of the dress that was photoed for the ad campaign for YSL that season that ran in the September issue of Vogue. I love this dress so much and it is extremely flattering once on. 

This is a fabulous Yves Saint Laurent dress that is made of a classic black silk crepe. The cut has a definitive nod to the forties with its strong shoulder and cut. Every detail on it is perfection and it is a dress that you will reach for again and again. The sleeves and shoulders are a moment on their own. There is padding inside to help support and shape them. The sleeves are shorter and each wraps around the arm and overlaps over itself. This creates a very pretty curving shape and I love this tiny detail. Across the tops of the shoulders the fabric is gathered and this creates soft folds that run over the bust. Again this a very forties detail. The front neckline plunges into a V and then under that a series of glossy black sequin bands start. The bands of sequins are set over top of elastic that is built into the dress. These start just under the bust and run over to the top of the hips, wrapping all the way around you. This makes the entire middle part of the dress elasticized and very easy to wear. It is very comfortable on while at the same time the rows of elastic molds and shapes you into an hourglass. This bandage effect also gives the bodice above and the skirt below the illusion of more volume and that just adds to the hourglass feel as well. Below the last row of sequins the skirt flares outs and it is quite jaunty. It is a dress that really needs a body in it to truly come to life and it is gorgeous on. Excellent condition

The fabric is self backed in a satin. Well finished inside. It slips on and the gathered area between the sequins is elastic for an easy fit. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 38 but the easy cut and elastic should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 10-16" flat across from side seam to side seam with stretch
Hips: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from neck to first sequin band
Banding: 15" from first sequin band to last
Skirt: 19" from last sequin band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3786

Reference Photos: (1) Reference Photo: Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (2) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Vogue, September 1983.

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