Iconic 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Midnight Blue Velvet Jacket w Ribbon Trimmed Edges

The jacket is closest to the Haute Couture Spring 1971 Yves Saint Laurent reference that we found. It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent. The near couture twin of the jacket is seen in the book "Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution" along with several other references from 1971. It is quite obviously the influencer of the famous 1996 Gucci set worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the VMAs. He did several renditions of this jacket prior to that homage and besides the 1971 example that appeared in Vogue with a stronger contrasting trim than this one, I have also included examples from 1974 on Charlotte Rampling, Fall 1979 and Fall 1989. Designers after YSL have also done renditions of this that I am sure you are familiar with. It is so interesting to see the progression of the jacket and having one of the earlier originals is fantastic. You can clearly see it's closeness to the Couture 1971 version. That version had a strong contrasting trim and buttons. On this version, the contrast is still there but in a more subtle way. The jacket is made out of a deep midnight blue velvet with black trim. The shoulders are soft and the arms are cut fairly straight all the way down before narrowing in slightly to the cuff. The colour has a notched cut that is not quite as exaggerated as the Couture version was. Under that it wraps over itself slightly with a double row of buttons to close. The body of the jacket has an almost box cut. It's cut very much with a strong nod to a man's jacket and how the proportions are. It's just fantastic. There are three pockets on the front. A slit pocket at one breast and two pockets on each hip. Each pocket has a black trim on their top edge and the ones at the hip are set to have a slight slouch feel to them. The collar front of the jacket, and around the hem and cuffs are all edged in the same black trim that you see on the top of each pocket It is a phenomenal jacket that is easy to wear and is an easy way to add some vintage into your wardrobe. The jacket is fully lined in a black silky rayon and close at the front with the six buttons that you see and a seventh button inside to hold the jacket properly in place. All three pockets are functional. The cut is more box, loosen easy, and should work on a variety of frames. On a smaller frame it will just feel more oversized. Tagged a vintage YSL 40 Excellent condition Sleeves: 24" and they are 13.5" around the upper arm Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5" Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam Total length: 29" from neck to hem Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED Item# DD5829 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.