Yves Saint Laurent Fall 1988 Jacket

This Yves Saint Laurent black velvet jacket from Fall 1988 is an exceptionally rare museum-worthy piece. It embodies the designer’s theatrical late-’80s opulence, during a period of fashion shows which are often referenced as the greatest of all time. The jacket is embellished with lavish chandelier drop-like crystals, alternately flower-shaped and circular, transforming the wearer into a living artwork. It has that oh-so-YSL nipped in waist and padded shoulders with flared hips. It fastens at the front with a series of chunky crystal buttons. It has two slip pockets at the front of the hips, and is lined with black satin.

Presented on the runway among a series of dramatic, vampiric silhouettes - high collars, sculpted shoulders, and jackets adorned with unexpected objects - this piece exemplifies Saint Laurent’s fascination with beauty that borders on the surreal. Stand-out pieces from this collection are almost never seen on the market. Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell wore these jackets in the season's campaign. The Philadelphia museum holds one in its archive. Its enduring influence was recently reaffirmed when Zoë Kravitz revived a look from the same collection for the Caught Stealing premiere.

• Yves Saint Laurent Fall 1988 • Tailored velvet jacket • Chandelier crystals • Crystal buttons • Lined in black satin • Made in France

Fabric: 70% Cotton, 30% Rayon
Size on Label: French 38, UK 10, US 6
Stretch: No
Care: Specialist dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Bust: 90 cm (35.5 inch)
Waist: 78 cm (31 inch)
Hip: 82 cm (32 inch)
Length: 56 cm (22 inch)