I know it has been a while since I did ’101′. Apologies – it has not been from lack of enthusiasm, just lack of a spare minute to do so. I will try and do better from now on (hangs head in shame).
So to get back into the swing a super piece from a label that has been much in the fashion news recently – Yves Saint Laurent.
Lesson 10 – Yves Saint Laurent SS08 Grey Strapless Dress
Stefano Pilati’s SS08 collection for YSL was firmly “on the side of strength, modernity, and the grown-up woman”. In a fashion season that was full of flowers, ruffles and boho floatiness, Pilati continued to tread his own path of minimal elegance, and I salute him for that a hundred times over (you can see which side of the design fence I am on).
This dress was look number 5 on the catwalk and it was one of my favourites at the time. Overjoyed to have one in my hands now
Firstly I love the mix of very classic, sharp tailoring with a very relaxed jersey fabric. It gives this dress a thoroughly modern, laid back feel. I also have a bit of a thing for grey jersey – I own far too much of it.
Then you have the perfect darting through the waist and hips. This gives a surprising amount of structure and curve and gives this dress a shape that you would usually associate with ones made from more traditional, stiffer fabrics such as satin or wool.
I also love that the bodice is boned – you don’t see a lot of boned jersey do you? Again it’s traditional techniques given a new, modern twist. And the sharp, v slitted neckline adds drama without jarring with the soft, perfect curve of the silhouette.
But what I love most about this dress is its quirkiness and unconformity. This is a cocktail dress for ladies who buy their own drinks and like things their own way. I could see this worn with sneakers and a battered denim jacket as easily as with a pair of killer heels.
