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Evening dress

Design House Yves Saint Laurent French
Designer Yves Saint Laurent French, born Algeria
fall/winter 1982–83
Not on view
Mrs. Kempner's preferred silhouette for formal evening dress was the narrow "column" gown. In addition, she subscribed to the notion of bareness as an aspect of nighttime glamour-expressed in a wide, off-the-shoulder or "bateau" design, and more typically in a plunging front or back neckline. This elegantly simple gown inverts Mrs. Kempner's usual pairing of a white bodice or shirt with a black skirt. Yves Saint Laurent's sensual juxtaposition of a black velvet bodice with the liquid drape of ivory silk crepe highlights the sharp "V" of the décolleté in a dramatic "Madame X" contrast.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Evening dress
  • Design House: Yves Saint Laurent (French, founded 1961)
  • Designer: Yves Saint Laurent (French (born Algeria) Oran 1936–2008 Paris)
  • Date: fall/winter 1982–83
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: a,b) silk
  • Credit Line: Gift of Thomas L. Kempner, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.420.43a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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Yves Saint Laurent
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Boots, Yves Saint Laurent French, a,b) leather, French
Boots
Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 2001–2
Coat, Yves Saint Laurent French, wool, French
Coat
Yves Saint Laurent
early 1970s
Trousers, Yves Saint Laurent French, cotton, French
Trousers
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ca. 1973

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