I recently had a version of this dress in the shop that had a darker backdrop to the flowers. I am so pleased to have another one so soon. This one is even a little more special because it is an exact match to the one we have so much documentation on. The twin of this dress was used for the 1992 ad campaign that was shot by Helmut Newton. That campaign featured the beautiful Karen Mulder. It was also featured in Vogue that season on the equally stunning Beverly Peele. And if that was not enough we also have the original runway footage so you can see just how gorgeous it is on and moving. In the Vogue editorial it also included some interesting information that tells us that the original retail price of the dress was $1695USD, which would be the equivalent of $3009USD in today's dollars. Yves pieces are only increasing in value each year and this one is still a bargain even at its higher price. It is pristine and a very collectable vintage piece due to its strong provenance. This was one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this one.
The dress is made from a soft silk that has a slight texture to it. It has just enough weight and drape to it to perfectly fall once on the body, skimming over your curves in a chic and simple line. The dress perfectly represents this time period and you can see the transition from the stronger, more angular shaped of the eighties slowly moving into simpler shapes for the 1990s while still retaining the emphasis on the shoulders that the eighties had. That touch of excess from the 1980s is still there, but the shape is softening. The neckline is scooped and set wide so that you get a glimpse of collar bone. Vertical seaming runs down the front on either side so that is has some shape but there is no break in the line that a waist seam would have made. The skirt is slim and straight. The sleeves are the star of the show and each has an elastic at it end and lots of gathered fabric above that that gives it the volume you see on the dress form and the two reference photos provided. It is amazing on the body and a rare find. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a white silk through the body and a silk chiffon through the sleeves. It closes with a side set zipper. Elastic at the end of each sleeve.
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 35" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3716
Reference Photos: (1) Karen Mulder for Yves Saint Laurent, Spring 1992. Photo by Helmut Newton. / (2) Vogue US, March 1992.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.