This is an exceptional Yves Saint Laurent designed silk taffeta dress from the Fall 1986 collection. The same dress in a moire Silk Taffeta was featured in the catalogue that year and I have included the reference photo of that here.

The cut is stunning. It has an almost monastic feel to it but with his full skirted look that he was doing during this time period. The skirt is very full and yet the fabric it is still very light. The choice of a silk taffeta gives it the structure to hold its shape and fullness but with virtually no weight. I love that there are pockets hidden along the seam of the skirt and the series of soft pleats that circle the waist. These pleats are what give the skirt the volume that you see but are set along the waist so that they don't add bulk. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt and this is balanced by the more fitted top. The bodice crosses over at the front in a series of soft pleats that are set angled from each shoulder seam to the mid waist. The shoulders are cut wider and each has light padding underneath to give them shape. The sleeves are set into the bodice low and wide. Each is cut on a curve that follows the shape of the arm and they narrow down as they near the wrist, ending with a zipped finish. Exceptional. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a side, fine metal painted zipper. Zippers at the cuff of each sleeve. Light padding in each shoulder and pockets on the hips. Hand finished. Looks to have been worn very little.

Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2199

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent Runway (Model: Paloma Morales).  /  (2) Photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche F/W 1986 Catalogue Campaign.

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