Yves Saint Laurent Variation Early-1990s Skirt Suit

This pistachio green moiré skirt suit is from Yves Saint Laurent Variation line. We believe this suit dates to around Spring 1990. The ready-to-wear show for this season featured suits in the same cut with bejewelled buttons, and Variation often echoed mainline silhouettes. The boxy jacket is structured with shoulder pads and detailed with four patch pockets. The buttons are covered in lavish green crystals. The jacket and matching high-waist mini-skirt, are crafted from a subtle lustrous pistachio green moiré (see close-up) - a fabric beloved by the decade for its subtle iridescence. Both the jacket and skirt are lined in tonal satin.

Launched in 1983 in Europe, Variation was Saint Laurent’s answer to the rise of "la mode vite" (fast fashion). As The New York Times reported in 1984, the line was part of a new wave of more affordable collections introduced by top designers to expand their reach without sacrificing quality. Distributed exclusively through Rive Gauche boutiques, Variation allowed Saint Laurent to focus on couture while making his refined vision available to a wider audience.

• 1980s Yves Saint Laurent • Pistachio green moiré • High-waist skirt • Boxy jacket • Jewelled buttons • Patch pockets • Made in France

Fabric: 50% Cotton, 50% Viscose
Size on Label: French 42, UK 14, US 10 (measures smaller)
Stretch: No
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Good - a few tiny marks but they are being dry cleaned (description will be updated once complete)

Skirt
Waist: 72 cm (28 inch)
Hip: 91.5 cm (36 inch)
Length: 50 cm (20 inch)

Jacket
Waist: 90 cm (35 inch)
Hip: 94 cm (37 inch)
Length (shoulder to bottom hem): 53 cm (21 inch)