The little belt loops at the waist suggest this Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche piece began life as a belted shirt dress. What I love is how naturally it lends itself to a second life as a lightweight jacket. Even with a full lining, the fabric has a supple drape, and the simple round neckline lets the pattern do the talking. Inky navy, plum and warm biscuit trace irregular shapes that look almost like brushstrokes, especially across the back.
I’d leave the buttons undone and slip it over a white T-shirt and jeans. For autumn, I’d wear it with a fine knit and leather trousers, or let it fall open over a plain maxi dress. It’s a little love-worn, but that print and the way the fabric moves are exactly why I chose it.
Details
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, believed to date from the 1970s
- Soft, textured fabric believed to be wool. Fully lined.
- Collarless, with long sleeves and small dark buttons down the front
- Waist belt loops are present. The original belt is missing.
- Condition: Some areas of moth damage have been repaired. Two small holes remain, both shown in the close-up photographs.
