This is from the fall 1978 Rive Gauche collection and is a fantasic example of his earlier ready-to-wear. In our hunt for documentation on this piece we also found several runway photos and it seems that it was a highlight of the collection and was shown layered over several looks. It is an absolutely fantastic coat and one of my favourites that I've ever had come into the shop. It is that perfect throw over anything and go but go knowing that you will probably be stopped all day to ask where you got it.

The coat is made from a olive coloured soft ribbed corduroy. I love nod to men's wear that it gives the coat. Yves was very much into non-gender pieces during this time period and this pieces really gives the feel of having stolen a well loved coat from your fathers, boyfriend or brother's closet. The fabric is very soft to the touch and feels so good when on. This fabric choice let him keep the lines and shape of the coat soft and slouchy. It has a very men's trench coat feel to it but softened and with that fantastic fit that Yves excelled at. The front does up with a row of hand carved buttons. The collar above that is neat and simple and looks great worn flipped up. It is easy fitting through the bodice and there is a top stitched leather tie that's true the waist and let you adjust it in or out. Under that the skirt of the coat flares out in a soft and easy shape. Slanted pockets trimmed the same deep brown leather as the waist tie sit on each hip. Two more pockets just like those sit low on the bodice above as well. All four pockets are functional. The sleeves are fantastic. They are cut with a wide and easy feel and then gathered in at the wrist with a buckled strap made of the same dark brown leather on one side and backed with corduroy on the other. Once on it has this slouchy cool feel that is just unbeatable. I love it and it is also a remarkable piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in an olive coloured muslin. It closes with the buttons at the front. You can adjust the shape through the waist with the leather tie to wear it completely straight up and down or cinched in for shape. The two bottom buttons at the front are broken. Please see the photo after the label shot. They could of  course be easily replaced. They are original buttons. Minor wear to the edges of some of the leather bits. The loose and easy shape of the coat should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It will feel more oversized on a smaller frame and more fitted on a larger.

Sleeves: approx 25" and 20" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust-hips : 24" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can bring the waist as needed with the leather tie
Length: 48" from neck to hem. If you really cinch in the waist and blouse over the top it will come up in length accordingly

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C611

Reference Photos: Fall 1978 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.