Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Navy Chiffon Dress with Scarf, 1970s

The wearer of this Yves Saint Laurent gown was Mrs. J. Gordon Douglas, who was among the East Coast social elite. She is said to have coined the phrase, “a woman can never be too rich or too thin,” in 1967, according to society columnist Suzy Knickerbocker.

Blue silk chiffon dress with multiple layers of blue silk chiffon in the skirt and a single layer in the bodice with horizontal tucks. The dress comes with an attached blue silk chiffon belt (attached at the center back) and a separate blue silk chiffon scarf.

Label: Yves Saint Laurent / Paris / Made in France
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: 54240

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 12"
Chest: 30"
Waist: 24"
Hips: 34"
Length (waist to hem): 37"
Scarf Length: 91"
Scarf Width: 22"

Property from the Collection of a Midwest University

Condition:

The overall condition is very good with no main issues. The hand-stitched hem on the inner layers of the skirt is coming loose in a few areas. The shoulder seams, on both sides, show faint fading from being stored on a hanger. This fading is barely visible.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Navy Chiffon Dress with Scarf, 1970s

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