Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Black and White Bow print Skirt Suit, 1980s

Yves Saint Laurent was a champion of creating practical, yet stylish women's wear collections. Borrowing elements from menswear and feminizing them, Saint Laurent took the suit and transformed it into a signature look for women through his implementation of sharp tailoring to accent curves, and fun – sometimes loud—color schemes and prints. This skirt suit is from YSL’s Rive Gauche Spring 1987 collection, featuring both a tailored jacket and a pencil skirt.

This suit incorporates a jovial black on white bow print, evoking a youthful quality from a normally rigid style of clothing. The skirt, though ecstatic, falls at knee level, so it definitely could be worn in either a professional or casual setting. The jacket has a broad shouldered, slightly relaxed fit sleeve that alludes to the 1980s Yuppie aesthetic. This particular spring collection was well-received publicly, having been featured in British Vogue in May of 1987. A suit such as this one evokes YSL’s philosophy of designing for a multifaceted woman. She means business, but isn’t afraid to show off her fun side.

Size: 42 French

Size Estimate: S/M

Measurements:

Jacket:

Shoulders: 16 inches

Sleeves: 23 inches

Bust: 38 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Length: 24.5 inches

Skirt:

Waist: 26.5 inches

Hips: 37 inches

Length: 20 inches

This black, and white bow print suit is fully lined, and made from 100% cotton with white topstitch finishing. The fabric is a brushed twill that is smooth to the touch yet very crisp, and structured. The jacket contains a high notched lapel as well as a breast welt pocket, and two flapped pockets at the waist. It closes at the front with three large white faceted buttons starting just below bust level.

The skirt closes with a side zip, and also has two side in-seam pockets. Professionally cleaned, and in excellent condition. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.