This special red jersey dress by Yves Saint Laurent is very well documented. We always love finding pieces that have a solid history behind them. It's from the Spring 1982 collection and its twin was shown on the runway and it was also featured in ad campaigns that ran in various magazines. It's interesting that we actually found two different shots for ads that feature the same three dresses but with the models depicted in different positions. The end that year was shot by helmet Newton which as yet another layer to the history of this dress. The dress is not perfect but it's completely wearable as is and its gorgeous lines and easy to wear cut combined  with its place in fashion history easily offset any small flaws.

The dress is made from a cherry coloured red silk jersey. It is an extremely easy dress to wear. There is elastic through the waist and you just slip the dress on and tie it at the one shoulder and you are ready to go. When the dress is off the body the waist looks dropped but once it's on you realize that this is what allows the bodice to drape over the waist line like you see on the runway and in the ad photos. The silk jersey is fine and light and I love this colour of red. It has an almost pink undertone to it in person and it's very flattering on almost any skin tone. The fabric is gathered along the upper neckline and this gives it the drape and slight gathered look that you see. The upper neckline edge is finished with a piped tie and this extends out and is what is used to tie it at the shoulder. I love how the ends of the long ties just fall down your back from there. The bust is loose and easy and it drapes over that inner elastic waist line. The skirt falls from under there and widens out as it nears the hem. Is incredibly easy to wear and incredibly flattering once on the body. Excellent overall condition but please read the condition notes below.

The dress slips on to wear with elastic through the waist. It ties on the top of one shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 40 but the generous cut and elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress has some marks on the silk jersey of the skirt. It's mostly in the lower areas of the skirt. I also see grubbiness and a couple of pinholes around the hem. It has been cleaned of course and the marks may come out more with additional cleaning. The extent of fabric in the skirt hides it and the dress is perfectly wearable as is. The price is far less then what it would have been otherwise for this well documented dress. The fabric has stretch and movement. The measurements are given with a comfortable range laying flat.

Bust: 15-26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 24" from top of shoulder to waist but meant to drape over
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4158

Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3-4) Spring 1982 YVes Saint Laurent Ad Campaign photographed by Helmut Newton.

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