The Shrimpton Couture Archives

• This amazing dress is almost certainly from the Spring 1999 collection. It is almost identical to the Couture version done in a different print that walked the runway that season.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• We have included the runway photos of its Haute Couture counterpart from Spring 1999 so that you can see how it looks once on the body.
  
• The dress is made of a beautiful bias cut silk chiffon that has an extraordinary brilliant floral pattern running over its entire surface. It is like wearing an entire bouquet of flowers in the best possible way.
• The bust angles on a slight curve up to a wide gathered strap that curves over the shoulder to become a part of the back where it angles softly back down to the side. This leaves the other shoulder bare and exposed.
• The inner dress drapes and skims over the bust and curves in at the waist to a seam. From there it curves back out over the the hips.This gives is a slightly more generous feel through the waist so it is easier to fit. 
• There is an attached panel of fabric at the front waist that loops around and then wraps all the way back around you to attach along the front of the neckline. At the back it snaps into place over a hidden set zipper slightly off to the side. At the front it snaps into place under the arm and then it is attached to the shoulder on the other side.
• This panel is what gives the dress is extraordinary beauty. The panel that is attached to the shoulder curves and cascades over the arm and all the way down the body. As the panel falls down the side of the body it extends well past the hem to create a training affect around you. You can also loop this panel more over your arm to bring it up and off the floor. You can see that in the runway photos.
• On one side of the skirt there is a high side slit so that when you move or sit you get a flash of bare leg and it also allows you to walk.. 
• The way that this is all laid out and attached is a nod to a sarong but at the same time it feel so elevated and chic. It is absolutely the most flattering dress once on the body. This is a true YSL masterpiece.
• The dress is fully lined in matching nude silk chiffon through the upper bodice and then the rest of the dress is lined in a deep blue silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden offset back zipper. The lining is partially set by hand. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a vintage YSL 42 
• Excellent condition

Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 22" from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Reference Photos: Spring 1999 Yves Saint Laurent Couture.

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