Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2011 Dress

This coffee brown, textured halter dress from Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2011 collection, designed by Stefano Pilati, embodies the season’s exploration modern identity. Crafted from a wool, cotton and silk-mix fabric that Vogue described as having a “scarified-skin-like texture”, the material directly references Pilati’s “tribalism” theme - an examination of how women use fashion to express belonging and individuality.

The dress is tailored to a classic nipped-in waist, A-line skirted silhouette that recalls 1950s silhouettes. The fabric flows seamlessly into a halter-neck with generously cut, wide straps that billow out behind the wearer. The neckline is anchored by a metal S-hook detail at the halter-neck, a detail that The New York Times admired in its review of the collection. The dress is unlined and fastens at the centre back with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye. The panelled construction is woven together with chunky exposed stitching and the result is a piece that merges softness and strength.

• Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati Spring 2011 • Knee-length dress • Textured fabric • Exposed stitching • Halter-neck • S-hook at neck • Made in France

Fabric: 53% Cotton, 40% Wool, 7% Silk
Size on Label: French 38, UK 10, US 6
Stretch: No
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent condition

Bust: 76 cm (30 inch)
Waist: 68.5 cm (27 inch)
Hip: 91.5 cm (36 inch)
Length (from S-ring down): 96.5 cm (38 inch)