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Woman's ensemble in two parts
Designed by: YSL Rive Gauche
French
1970s
Medium/Technique
Cotton plain weave
Dimensions
Shirt center back: 80 cm (31 1/2 in.) Pants center back (Inseam): 85.1 cm (33 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by the Fashion Council, Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Accession Number2007.268.1-2
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Contemporary Art, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
Yves Saint Laurent's safari suit is an iconic representation of the designer's ready-to-wear work of the 1970s. The 1960s had seen the rise of boutique clothing and high-end women's ready-to-wear, a cultural shift that had put the French couture industry in jeopardy. Saint Laurent went through a difficult period of coming to terms with these changes but was able to make the transition and began to license Rive Gauche, his ready-to-wear line in 1968. This now iconic Safari suit was featured in his first collection. It was intended, and has proven to be, a wardrobe staple, to be worn season afer season. It may have also been a nod to the many travel and ethnic inspirations that found expression in YSL's designs.
DescriptionRust colored safari-style long sleeve lace up shirt with pockets at bust and hips, and buttons on pockets and cuffs, and matching pants. Labeled: "Saint Laurent/ Paris/ rive gauche"
ProvenancePurchased from Resurrection, Los Angeles, CA, by the MFA, March 21, 2007