Yves Saint Laurent Variation Early-1990s Skirt Suit
This pistachio green moiré skirt suit from Yves Saint Laurent Variation exemplifies the diffusion line’s elegant yet accessible take on Saint Laurent’s aesthetic. We believe this suit dates to around Spring 1990 as the ready-to-wear show featured suits in the same cut with bejewelled buttons. The boxy jacket, structured with shoulder pads and detailed with four patch pockets, and matching high-waist mini-skirt are crafted from lustrous pistachio green moiré - a fabric beloved by the decade for its rich texture and subtle iridescence - while the buttons are lavishly covered in vibrant green crystals. Both the jacket and skirt are luxuriously lined in tonal pistachio satin.
Launched in 1983 in Europe and 1984 in America, the Variation line represented Saint Laurent’s answer to the rise of la Mode Vite (fast fashion), offering designs that were more youthful and less expensive than the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear line, while retaining the same levels of craftsmanship. 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 blended polished Parisian tailoring with everyday wearability - a strategy that allowed Saint Laurent to continue to dominate couture while making his refined vision available to a wider audience.
The jacket and skirt are labelled a size US 10, UK 14, however we believe they fit more like today’s UK 10. Sizes have changed over the years so please check the measurements below carefully.
• 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
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)