yves saint laurent

Iconic Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Ad Campaign Red Plunge Dress w Jewel Clasp

I have had a version of this dress in black before and was so pleased to now have this red one. The twin of this dress was used for the 1985 ad campaign shot by Helmut Newton that featured his long time muse Kirat Young. This is one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this. These were made in two versions for production, the deeply plunged version like you see in the reference photos and this more wearable version that has a deep V but that does not go right to the waist. Of course if you prefer the full plunge a tailor could easily open it for you in a flash.

The dress is made from a beautiful red silk jersey that has enough weight and drape to it so that is falls perfectly in the sharp angular lines that Yves wanted it to be shaped in. It is a beautiful representation of this time period with its precisely shaped strong shoulders and how the shape of it narrows in as it reaches the hem. The dress is cut to skim over the body. It hooks and snaps to close at the waist in behind that spectacular gold and jewel clasp. The low cut V of the front is if course what makes it so edgy and the addition of that strong shot of gold and red at the waist makes it an instantly recognizable piece of YSL. The clasp is based on a Robert Goossen design and suggests coral or branches, each tipped with a red rhinestone. The center is a large faceted red glass stone and the this hides the hooked clasp behind it that brings in the waist. The fabric is gathered in towards that clasp to give you shape while still keeping it very easy to wear. The dress skims over you from shoulder to hem. Each sleeve is long and cut to mimic the shape of the body of the dress by having them be cut wider at the shoulders and then narrow down to the wrist. It is amazing on the body and just a beautiful dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Part lined through the upper bodice in a red silk chiffon with the rest of the dress unlined. It slips over the head to wear, hooking in at the waist behind the jewel with a flat hook & eye. Snaps bring in the fabric under that. Each sleeve zips to close. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 42. The fabric does have stretch so will fit a variety of sizes, stretching to accommodate curves and draping on smaller frames

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: to 16.5" but meant to be slightly exaggerated
Bust: 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4035

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3) Kirat Young for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche F/W 1985, shot by Helmut Newton, Vogue US March 1985.  /  (4) Another shot from the same shoot used for other publications that year.

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

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SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

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