Yves Saint Laurent. Interchangeable ensemble comprising a red cotton blouse, red linen skirt, two pairs of trousers in floral-printed cotton and plain navy cotton. an orange corded-silk belt, and the option of two pairs of Maud Frizon slingback shoes in blue or red leather. Paris, 1984.

Blouse of red cotton with turn-down collar, round neck and centre-front button opening. The bat-wing sleeves are three-quarter length and cuffed with a button at each cuff.

Shirt of red linen in tunic style with round neck and button fastenings on each shoulder. The sleeves are short and cuffed.

Wide-bottomed trousers of vivd floral print with plain waistband and left side zip and button fastening. There are side pockets.

Navy blue trousers with left side zip and two-button closure at waist. One pocket on each side of trousers. Pleating at waist and centre crease down trousers.

Belt of orange corded silk, curved with a single prong and rectangular buckle.

Two pairs of identical leather sling backs with peep-toe and low heel, one in blue, the other in red.

Given by Jill Ritblat

Yves Saint Laurent began his career at the house of Dior. After fighting in the Algerian War, Saint Laurent opened his own house with his business partner Pierre Bergé. Saint Laurent feminised the basic shapes of the male wardrobe as seen in this tailored women's suit. With the addition of a belt, Saint Laurent has softened this tailored outfit through accessories and cut. This ensemble comes from his Rive Gauche ready-to-wear line which was launched in 1966 and sold in his own franchised chain of boutiques.

T.454:1 to 9-2000