This is the Ready-to-Wear version of what was shown on the runway for the Spring 1977 Haute Couture collection. In the book on Yves Saint Laurent's work "Catwalk" the note for the collection state that "for evening Yves Saint Laurent designed taffeta skirts puffed out by full petticoats paired with delicate blouses." American Vogue wrote "Saint Laurent, the totally romantic view of woman and clothes" while French Vogue raved about the multicultural inspiration of the collection saying "you can no longer go out in the evening without coming across a taffeta flounce". The most prominent references were to Spain and these tiered skirts were integral to the collection. We have added several photos of the various variations of this skirt from that show and along with a shot of what looks like it's twin from The Met Museum's exhibit book published to accompany their 1984 exhibit on his work to that date. 

This is the YSL skirt of dreams. In an amazing testament to construction and pure joy of form, this phenomenal full length maxi skirt by Yves Saint Laurent is perfection. The skirt is made of a black silk taffeta that was one of his favourite fabrics to use when he did this type of full voluminous look. The fabric holds the shape well but without getting so cumbersome that they are uncomfortable to wear. This one is made of three tiers of the silk. The waist is banded and then the first tier is very full around the hips. This meets the second panel of silk and I love how he attached that panel with an overlapping ruffle that goes all the way around you. At the hem a dramatic flounce of ruffle is made from the same fabric to create the third tier and here he again has attached it into the body of the skirt so there is a ruffle above the seam. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it so that it is very very full and you gets lots of lovely volume when you move. Underneath where each band is attached there is an added wide band of stiffened netting encased in black silk that is set on the inside of the skirt. This helps the skirt hold its shape and adds inner structure. It is just incredible. At one point, I had a similar skirt to this in the shop that was from roughly the same time period and that one had its original price tag still. It was originally over $6k even then (roughly 22K in modern dollars). This type of full skirt was a key look from his work that you saw him repeat and build on throughout all of the decades of his creative life. I love it. Excellent condition

Unlined with inner stiffened netting as described above. It closes with a flat hook and eye above a keyhole at the side of the waist. I see a well-done older feeling repair beneath the opening of that keyhole. Tagged a vintage YSL 38. 

Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4808

Reference Photos: Looks from Spring 1977 Yves Saint Laurent collection, from the exhibit book "Yves Saint Laurent" published by the Metropolitan Museum.

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