1982 Yves Saint Laurent Multicolored Striped Silk Dress Documented YSL

A pioneer in style and design, Yves Saint Laurent was also a pioneer in the fashion industry when it comes to his brands’ model portfolio. Saint Laurent was one of French couture’s industry leaders in utilizing unconventional looks for his models in his runway shows and advertisements that supported his equally exotic designs. In a 1982 photo featured in Vogue by Helmut Newton, model Violetta Sanchez models an iteration this chromatically dramatic dress in a YSL Rive Gauche advertisement.

This silk shirtwaist-style dress bears a bold vertical stripe pattern comprised of stripes in shocking pink, indigo, turquoise, Dijon yellow, and yellow orange. Sections of black and white stripes divide the sharp colors providing a rhythmic optical effect. The stripes elongate the form and highlight the waist with the thick pink waistband that introduces the fully box-pleated skirt that emphasize the pink stripes in the fabric as the other colors peek out from within the pleat.

The striped fabric is used horizontally at the shoulder yoke accentuating the shoulders in the classic 1980s aesthetic, however the shoulder pads can be easily removed to soften the look. Balancing the linearity, the mock bishop sleeves introduce a degree of organic volume that is supported by the attached pussy bow at the neckline.

Measurements:

Shoulders: 14 inches

Sleeves: 24 inches

Bust: up to 41 inches

Waist: 25 inches

Hips; 37 inches

Length: 47 inches

Made from a rich silk fabric, this dress fits more loosely in the bodice, is cinched at the waist, and transitions into a pleated pencil skirt silhouette. The sleeves establish a slight additional volume that flows into simple barrel cuffs. Buttons closures are featured at centre front above the waist with an additional zip at the side. The dress is in excellent condition and has been professionally cleaned and pressed. 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.