This Yves Saint Laurent dress is insanely good and it is very sexy. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special because it is the twin of the dress that was shot by Helmut Newton for the ad campaign that year. I love that it is done in black which gives it a very modern feel. It feels like it could have stepped off a current runway but has the added provenance of being such a well documented piece of vintage from one of the greatest of the modern designers. It is a very special dress.  

This is a stunning dress that is very clever in its construction. It has an extremely deep plunge but the way it is cut holds it perfectly in place. The dress is made from a black silk crepe that has enough weight and drape to it to perfectly fall into the beautiful lines that Yves wanted it to be shaped in. It perfectly represents this time period with its precisely shaped shoulders and the shape of the skirt that narrows down as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut a little extra long and narrow down in at the cuffs so that it bunches slightly on the arm. They are cut to mimic the shape of the body of the dress. They are cut wider where they meet the shoulders and then narrow down to the wrist. The bodice is cut to skim over the body and hooks and snaps to close at the base of that very low front plunge. The extremely low cut V of the front is if course what makes it so edgy feeling. It plunges right to the waist and goes as deep as the one in the campaign shot. There are folds worked into the fabric that angle in towards the centre and these highlight the plunge even more. They gather at its base and the masterful cut keep it firmly and remarkably in place. There is an attached sash that is on the front of the dress that goes over the waist and hooks into place at the centre. Under the waist seam there are more soft gathers and the skirt is cut straight and narrow. A long double tie is attached at the waist and falls from the centre. All of this gives the illusion that the dress is just wrapped and tied around you but there is really an entire complicated structured of hooks, snaps and a zipper that  keeps it all in place. It is amazing on the body and a rare find. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the base of the plunge with hook & eye and snaps and a zipper under that. Each sleeve zips to close. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 36 but it feels generously cut for that size. . 

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: to 16" but meant to be slightly exaggerated
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
Plunge: 16" from top to base

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3706

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1983 Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Helmut Newton.  /  (2) Julia Roberts in Yves Saint Laurent at the 2010 Golden Globes.

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