1958 Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent Emerald Green Satin Sash-Bow Cocktail Dress

ID: 0203263

Size: small

Condition: excellent

This exceptional, archival Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent emerald green silk satin cocktail dress dates back to his 1958 spring/summer collection. That year marked a pivotal moment in fashion history, as a 21-year-old Yves Saint Laurent was appointed Creative Director of the House of Dior following Christian Dior’s sudden passing. In an extraordinary debut, Saint Laurent preserved the elegance and discipline of the maison while introducing a softer, more youthful modernity which launched Dior into a new era.

This magnificent museum-worthy dress exemplifies that delicate balance. The silhouette is flattering and refined, nipping in at the waist before falling into a clean pencil skirt that elongates the line. The bodice features a sculpted construction that creates subtle movement across the bust, supported by a fully boned interior corset that shapes and holds the form beautifully. The waist is precisely nipped, drawing the eye to the most dramatic detail: a large-scale fringed bow that anchors the look. The bow attaches to the dress with three discreet snaps and secures with hooks and eyes, allowing it to sit with sculptural confidence while remaining functional. We discovered a closely related dress from the same year, featuring the exact same bow detail affirming the design’s presence within Dior’s international collections of the period. Finished with a "Christian Dior – New York" label, this piece reflects the house’s mid-century expansion into the American market, where select designs were produced for international clients while maintaining Parisian standards of craftsmanship.

Elegant yet assertive, this is the kind of dress you slip into and immediately understand its power. The color is also the prettiest shade of emerald green which works perfectly year round. Whether worn for an intimate evening or a red carpet event, you feel the precision and confidence woven into every seam. Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent dresses from this formative moment are increasingly difficult to find—making this a rare opportunity to own a true cornerstone of fashion history.