2001 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Lilac Silk Sculptural Asymmetric Gown

ID: 0831262

Size: small

Condition: excellent

Few names in fashion are as legendary as Yves Saint Laurent, and this breathtaking Fall/Winter 2001 haute couture lilac silk sculptural gown comes from one of the final chapters of his extraordinary career. After beginning his career at Christian Dior, where he became the house’s head designer at just 21 years old, Saint Laurent founded his own label in Paris in 1961 and forever changed how women dressed. After four decades at the helm, he retired in 2002; this collection was his second to last, making the gown a particularly meaningful example of his genius.

Presented as Look 60 and worn by supermodel Shalom Harlow, the gown is fashioned from a fluid lightweight lilac silk crepe fully lined in matching silk charmeuse, which feels wonderful against the skin. The silhouette skims the waist and hips in a long, statuesque line before falling to the floor. Its simplicity places all the attention on the incredible sculptural work concentrated at the bodice. In true haute couture fashion, the intricate construction is brilliant. What initially appears to be an over-sized deconstructed bow is actually a stunning arrangement of folded and draped silk built directly into the gown. One panel sweeps across the bust before gathering near the center, while another crosses diagonally toward the opposite side. From this point, the fabric rises over one shoulder in a dramatic bow-like flourish, cleverly concealing the single shoulder strap within its folds. A smaller padded loop drops from the side, accompanied by a long free panel that comes alive as you move. The interior features an expertly constructed boned bustier that provides excellent support. The side zipper is concealed beneath silk flaps secured with a series of tiny snaps, including a final fold that closes over the bust so the fastening virtually disappears once you are dressed. It is exactly the sort of ingenious workmanship one hopes to find in true haute couture. The back is intentionally clean, finished with a narrow strap for added security and a wide folded band across the top, before the fabric falls uninterrupted into an ultra-chic train.

Acquiring a lifetime Yves Saint Laurent haute couture gown is special in itself; finding one documented on the couture runway and created during the designer’s final years at his own house makes this example even more significant. For collectors and fashionistas alike, the wonderful combination of provenance, beauty, and wearability makes an archival piece of couture like this especially exciting to own.

Measurements
Bust: 32-33 inches
Waist: 25 inches
Hips: best up to 36 inches
Front Length: 60 inches
Back Length: 67 inches

This special Yves Saint Laurent haute couture gown is in beautiful condition with no holes, rips or alterations. The garment closes with duel hidden side zippers; one for the incredible boned bustier interior. Freshly dry-cleaned by expert couture cleaners. The only sign of age is one faint light spot on the backside which is not noticeable when worn. Please message for detailed pictures. Highly wearable and an investment piece that will continue to increase in value.