• The twin of this tunic walked the runway in the Fall 1985 YSL Haute Couture collection for Look 43.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• This is the collection that the book 'Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk' notes that "silence reigned during the catwalk presentation for which YSL had decided not to include music. The models processed noiselessly into the salon of the Hotel Intercontinental. This was a collection of essentials for an autumn/winter that was marked by a sobriety, simplicity and purity". French Vogue said "the woman herself was showcased in her typical Parisian elegance". The review specifically noted the use of purple balancing out the more sombre blue, brown and greys. Several variations of the shape of this tunic were shown on that runway.
• In the YSL folio that contains all the drawings from the collection we found the original sketch for the look.
• I love that it started with the scarf that matches the folio drawing and then as the model proceeded down the runway the scarf was removed and she had a fabulous jewelled choker underneath.
• Yves always cut his couture pieces so perfectly. In my opinion owning a piece of his couture work is one of the ultimate vintage acquisitions.
  
• It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier. 
• The tunic is made from a high-end wool jersey that holds it shape and drapes beautifully.
• This is a gorgeous and versatile piece. It can be worn open and easy. layered under other pieces. or belted. I have added a simple black grosgrain ribbon around the waist for some of the photos to show you how the shape changes once belted. The ribbon is not original to the tunic but I will include it.
• The neckline is scooped and the shoulders have handmade padding underneath to hold that perfect 1980s shape.
• The top of one shoulder is detailed with three buttons and all of these buttons are functional.
• The sleeves are set wide into the body of the tunic and gathered at the top for a slight cap affect. They billow out to be very full and open all the way to the cuff. The cuffs are finished so that the sleeve gather into them. The cuffs themselves are also slightly over-sized in their diameter.
• The body of the tunic is extremely loose and easy and widens out as it nears the hem. It is intentionally made to feel over-sized. This makes it very easy to fit on a variety of body types.
• I love the seam that runs down just inside of the outer edges on both sides. These end in a curve at the hem and there is a slit on both sides. Just above the slits are hidden set pockets.
• The back has a defined seam that runs down its centre and the zipper is hidden underneath it. Once on the body it appears to have no closures.
• It is a fantastic piece of true Couture and an easy way to work in some YSL vintage magic into your wardrobe.
• The tunic is fully lined in a handset matching purple silk through the body and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a zipper at the back. The buttons on the top of the shoulder are functional. Pockets on each side. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 22.5" and they are approximately 20" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.25"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5664

Reference Photo: Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture, Look 43.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.