Couture dress and shoes | Yves Saint Laurent & Roger Vivier | Fashion Unpicked | V&A

Victoria and Albert Museum・2 minutes read

Yves Saint Laurent designed the Polynesie dress for Christian Dior's 1960 collection, showcasing detailed craftsmanship and transitioning to his own fashion house in 1962. The dress, made of silk zibeline with intricate embellishments, features boning, princess seams, and unique embroidery typical of formal women's evening wear in the 1960s.

Insights

  • Yves Saint Laurent's Polynesie dress, part of the 1960 Dior collection, epitomizes haute couture craftsmanship with silk zibeline, intricate embellishments, and meticulous detailing on a layer of netting, showcasing the pinnacle of formal women's evening wear.
  • The collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent for the dress and Roger Vivier for the shoes underscores the interconnectedness and attention to detail prevalent in the fashion industry, highlighting the significance of craftsmanship and design in creating iconic ensembles.

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Recent questions

  • Who designed the Polynesie dress?

    Yves Saint Laurent

  • What materials were used to make the Polynesie dress?

    Silk zibeline, beading, sequins, diamantes, coral, metallic threads

  • When did Yves Saint Laurent open his own fashion house?

    1962

  • What are the key features of the bodice construction of the Polynesie dress?

    Boning, princess seams, high round neckline, center-back zip fastening

  • Who designed the shoes that complemented the Polynesie dress?

    Roger Vivier

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Summary

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YSL's Polynesie Dress: Haute Couture Masterpiece

  • The Polynesie dress was designed by Yves Saint Laurent for the House of Christian Dior's spring/summer 1960 collection, showcasing haute couture craftsmanship tailored to specific measurements.
  • Yves Saint Laurent, a French fashion designer, transitioned from aspiring theatrical designer to renowned fashion icon, opening his own fashion house in 1962 after leaving Christian Dior.
  • The dress, made from silk zibeline with intricate embellishments like pink and orange beading, sequins, diamantes, coral, and metallic threads, reflects a unique craftsmanship and design.
  • The bodice construction includes boning for structure, princess seams, a high round neckline, and a center-back zip fastening, while the skirt features two tiers emphasizing its shape.
  • The dress's embroidery is done on a layer of netting underneath the bodice fabric, showcasing meticulous detailing and craftsmanship typical of formal women's evening wear in 1960.
  • The ensemble is complemented by shoes designed by Roger Vivier, featuring a 'Louis' heel and matching embellishments, highlighting the attention to detail and collaboration between designers in the fashion industry.
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