1976 Runway Yves Saint Laurent Ballet Russes Purple Wool Coat

This runway documented aubergine-hued felt wool coat was created by Yves Saint Laurent for the brand’s beloved Fall 1976 collection. This collection was titled “Opéras - Ballets Russes”, a collection that the New York Times described as “A revolutionary collection that will change the course of fashion in the world.” Yves Saint Laurent named creating this show as his most beautiful memory in 30 years of designing, saying “Perhaps it wasn't the most successful one, but it was wonderfully received at a time when the world condemned opulence. And it was opulent.”

Tailored from a rich aubergine purple wool, it is woven with other hues - including gold, russet and cobalt - resulting in a textured, speckled felt effect. It features wide, voluminous bell-sleeves, each buttoning at the cuff with four brown buttons. The bodice is tailored and fitted to the curves of the body, finished with a graceful Mandarin high-neck and secured down the front with seven wooden buttons. The bottom half of the jacket is full, falling from under the bodice in soft pleats. The coat is trimmed at the seams, cuffs, collar and down the front with intricate twisted brown braid, which is also used as fabric loops to close the buttons. There are in-seam pockets in the side seams. This coat is lined at the top and inside the sleeves and pockets with purple satin. The label reads “Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche”, a reference to Paris’s younger and trendier left bank.

This piece is in excellent archival vintage condition with no flaws - it would make an exceptional addition to the archive of any collector of Yves Saint Laurent. Made in France, it is tailored from 100% Wool and labelled a French size 34, a UK 6 or US 0-2 with no stretch.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)

LENGTH - 47 in. (119 cm)

SHOULDERS - 16 in. (41 cm)