An iconic and increasingly rare piece from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's S/S 1977 collection, this lace-up corset bustier has been extensively documented on the runway, in the house's original advertising campaign and in many fashion editorials of the era.

Introduced during one of the most celebrated eras of Saint Laurent's career, the design reflects his enduring fascination with historical costume, romanticism and traditional dress. Following the extraordinary influence of his F/W 1976 'Ballets Russes' collection - a collection hailed by The New York Times as a historic revolution comporable to Christian Dior's 1947 'New Look' - Saint Laurent continued to explore the interplay between folkloric references and modern femininity, reinterpreting the fitted corset and voluminous sleeves of historical dress through the sophisticated lens of 1970's Parisian fashion. The impact of these collections popularized a completely new silhouette and sparked a global craze for bohemian fashion that defined late 1970's style and the boho aesthetic which remains relevant today.

Crafted in a beautiful muted taupe, this example features a deeply scooped sweetheart neckline, dramatic three quarter length puffed sleeves gathered at the shoulders and cuffs, and a beautifully tailored bodice that contours the waist before flaring gently over the hips. The front is finished with a series of metal eyelets and contrasting braided cord lacing, with exceptionally long trailing ties. Braided piping traces the neckline and curved hem, emphasising the sculptural shape of the garment.

Almost five decades after its introduction, the silhouette remains unmistakably Saint Laurent and utterly timeless. An important and beautifully preserved example of the designer's romantic vision during the 1970's, and a rare opportunity to acquire an original piece of documented fashion history.

Reference Photos: (1) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche S/S 1977 Campaign, (2) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche S/S 1977 Fashion Show, (3) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche S/S 1977 Ready To Wear Advance Presentation, (4) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche F/W 1976 Campaign, (5) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche S/S 1977 Campaign, (6) 'Tomb of Talma', Helmut Newton Paris c1977, (7) Fashion Editorial (Origin Unknown)

Marked size: FR 38

Fits like: XS/S

Measurements (taken with garment laid flat & laces fastened):  shoulder to shoulder: 12"/30cm, bust: 15"/38cm, waist: 12.5"/31.5cm, length: 21"/53cm, sleeve length: 17.5"/44cm

Material: cotton

Condition: Excellent/Very Good; minor signs of wear, original cord has been replaced