Description

This is one of several versions that are well documented from the Spring 1979 Yves Saint Laurent runway show. I have included all that we could find so you can see how wonderful this collection was and what an integral part of that years show this dress and those like it were. The very first reference photo has the twin of this dress but in a different colour way towards the back of the shot. It gives you an idea of how fabulous this will be on. It is a spectacular piece and very easy to wear.

I love the pretty mix of colours in this dress and the incredible movement that it has. Yves was just a master with fabric and this dress is wonderful. The three colours used are bright and compliment each other perfectly. The top layer is a bright sea green and then there is a royal blue layer under that and a final red layer at the bottom. The entire thing is constructed from a beautiful light weight silk chiffon. Each tiered layer has been knife pleated. This allows the fabric to expand out as each layer reaches the hem. When you move the pleats are what gives the dress its incredible movement. The entire dress is cut to be as comfortable to wear as possible. The neckline is finished with a green satin finish flat ribbon piping to highlight its edge. This same ribbon is used for the straps that curve up and around your shoulders. I think that you could probably tuck the straps in and wear this as a strapless dress if you wanted and I love the versatility that would give you. The dress skims over your bust and then opens up to be full over the waist and hips. The layers flow to the floor and they widen out in with each tier to the bottom hem. The dress has a fantastic romantic and light feel to it and the bareness of the shoulders gives it a bit of a sexy touch. I love that the runway and ad shots show you how he would have styled this too. Tons of ideas to play with there. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The bodice is lined in a nude silk chiffon and then the tiers under that make it opaque enough to wear. It buttons to closes at the side above a small keyhole. I see slight colour run on one side of the green tier but it is very subtle and faint. Withe the pleats you really only see it if you spread it out flat as I did for the photo. Please see the shot after the label shot. Some of the pleats have softened slightly near the hems. Tagged a vintage YSL 38. The top edge seam has no give so that measurement is firm unless altered. Otherwise the easy cut should fit a range of sizes.

Seam at the top of the bust: 16 flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bust: to 18 flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 19 flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 55 from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4050

Reference Photos: (1-5) Spring 1979 Yves Saint Laurent Collection. Assorted runway & ad campaign photos.    (6) 1979 Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Photo by Francois Lamy for Vogue.