1976 Documented Yves Saint Laurent Ballet Russes Quilted Red Gilet

This vibrant red gilet jacket was created by Yves Saint Laurent for the brand’s beloved Fall 1976 collection and for his Rive Gauche label, a reference to Paris’s younger and trendier left bank. The ready to wear collection echoed the haute couture line which was titled “Opéras - Ballets Russes”. The New York Times described it as “A revolutionary collection that will change the course of fashion in the world.” In 1992, Yves Saint Laurent named 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.”

Crafted from a rich lipstick red wool, the body is quilted with diagonal tonal stitching. Beautifully made, this gilet is trimmed in thick braided black cloth around the collar, armholes, lapels, and bottom hem, as well as across the shoulders and down its sides. The front fastens with polished black plastic buttons which thread through a braided black fabric loop. It is tailored to a straight-cut boxy fit. The tonal red cotton lining is also quilted making this piece a cosy, comfortable wear.

The jacket version of this gilet featured on the front cover of the September 1976 edition of L’Officiel, the publication of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture which represents Parisian couturiers internationally. Made in France, this piece is in very good to excellent vintage condition. We spotted a handful of tiny, pin-head sized holes which have been professionally darned on the back upon very close inspection. These are impossible to see when worn. The fabric composition is 90% Wool, 10% Polyamide. The gilet is labelled a French size 36, which equates to a UK 8 or US 4, but please check our measurements below as it might work for a size or two bigger as well.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)

HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)

LENGTH - 26 in. (66 cm)