Saint Laurent Emerald Green Velvet Silk Taffeta Ruffle Dress YSL, 1980s

Coming off of his highly successful global-inspired collections of the late 1970s, YSL’s 1980 collection paid one more homage in the silhouettes to the Opium and Russian collection before setting off to showcase the new defining feature for YSL in the 80s: velvet with a pop of color. This dress is an enchanting combination of a rich black velvet bodice and a heavily gathered emerald silk taffeta skirt.

A deep scoop neckline frames the neck in a small emerald ruffle as it moved into the black expanse of the bodice. An almost leg-o-mutton sleeve that ends in another green flourished cuff round out the stately nature of the bodice. With a dropped waist, the skirt is gathered and attached into a sharp asymmetric seamline that rises at the left-front and scoops down in the back creating a dramatic high-low hemline.

The many gathers and the sheen of the taffeta allow for the skirt to produce an almost metallic luster that plays off of the hypnotic black velvet bodice. This dress is a luxurious evening wear option having a variety eye-catching feature. As an adaptation for his Rive Gauche line, the almost identical couture version of this dress can be seen in the images above.

Size: 38

FR Size estimate: Medium

Measurements:

Shoulders: 14 inches

Sleeves: 24 inches

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 28 inches

Hips: 37 inches

Length: 45-60 inches

Through the waist there is a slight fit aided by the illusion provided by the black velvet. Although the dress showcases a beautiful silhouette on its own, belting just below the bust as seen in the image is a styling option for this gown. Closing at the side with a painted metal zip, this dress is lined only on the bodice, excluding the sleeves.

Professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed, this dress is in very good condition with some issues to the interior lining only. 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.