1970s Yuki Gnyuki Torimaru Black Silk Batwing Top and Maxi Skirt Suit

This dramatic draped three-piece silk ensemble by Yuki is a striking example of designer Gnyuki Torimaru's trademark combination of structure and fluidity in a garment. Trained at the London College of Fashion during the 1960s, Torimaru created his label in 1972 to specialise in draped jersey and monastic styles. Part of the label's much rarer and expensive main line, this remains true to his vision. This ensemble is composed of a maxi-skirt, sleeveless top and a jacket.

The skirt is generously cut from silk and cascades to the floor. The waistband is cut in a basque style and is high-waisted. It fastens on the left hip with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The skirt is unlined.

The fluid, elegant top is sleeveless and cut to a cropped length. It has a rounded neckline from which the fabric falls in soft pleats to the drawstring bottom. Paired with the skirt, it creates a fluid, playful look and it too is unlined. The swirling, gently pleated jacket has a high-neck with a keyhole cut out which fastens with two fabric-covered buttons at the front of the neck. It has an exaggerated batwing cut which gives way to button cuffs. The shoulders and neckline are cut from stiffer fabric which means the jacket holds its shape at the top.

All three pieces are in excellent vintage condition with no faults to mention. The fabric has no stretch and there are no size or composition labels. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 37” (94cm), Waist 31” (80cm), Hips: 45” (114cm) and 5' 10.5" (180cm) and she's a size UK 12, US 8. We believe this would best fit a size UK 10 or US 6 on account of the smaller waist.

MEASUREMENTS BATWING TOP

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)

LENGTH - 25.5 in. (65 cm)

MEASUREMENTS TOP

LENGTH - 15 in. (38 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 68 in. (173 cm)

LENGTH - 44 in. (112 cm)