An exceptional runway-documented piece from Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2014 Ready-to-Wear collection, this sheer black silk blouse was presented on the runway as part of Look 19, designed by Hedi Slimane during his influential tenure as creative director of the house.
On the runway, the blouse was styled beneath a sharply tailored black leather blazer with high-waisted black leather trousers, creating an almost entirely monochromatic look that captured the uncompromising rock-and-roll glamour of Slimane’s Saint Laurent. Removed from the runway styling, the blouse reveals even more of its distinctive construction: an ethereal sheer silk body, softly draped cowl neckline and an unexpectedly dramatic open back.
Crafted in France from 100% silk, the blouse is extraordinarily lightweight and semi-transparent, allowing it to fall fluidly over the body. The front is deliberately understated, with a long, lean silhouette and gently draped neckline providing a counterpoint to the dramatic construction at the rear.
The back opens into a deep, rounded teardrop-shaped cutout exposing much of the upper and middle back. The high neckline remains anchored at the rear with a series of petite hook-and-eye fastenings and black buttons, creating an intricate finishing detail against the otherwise minimal silhouette.
Long sheer sleeves extend to delicate cuffs with subtle flared and ruffled detailing. Black button closures finish the cuffs, while the fine silk creates beautiful movement and transparency throughout the sleeves and body.
The juxtaposition is quintessential Hedi Slimane-era Saint Laurent: masculine tailoring on the runway contrasted against an exceptionally feminine and revealing silk blouse. The runway provenance makes this piece particularly compelling for collectors of Slimane-era Saint Laurent and important examples of early-2010s fashion.
The original Saint Laurent Paris labels remain present. The interior production label identifies the garment as Made in France, style 350223 YQ5BD, production marking BPRO 2014 00028, and French size 34.
DESIGNER: Saint Laurent Paris
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Hedi Slimane
COLLECTION: Spring/Summer 2014 Ready-to-Wear
RUNWAY: Look 19
YEAR: 2014
STYLE: Sheer silk open-back blouse
COLOR: Black
COMPOSITION: 100% silk
MADE IN: France
TAGGED SIZE: FR 34
APPROXIMATE US SIZE: US 2–4
STYLE CODE: 350223 YQ5BD
PRODUCTION CODE: BPRO 2014 00028
APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS
Shown on an approximately US size 4/6 mannequin. Due to the fluid silk construction and open back, measurements should be considered approximate.
Shoulder: 15–15.5 in.
Bust: 35–36 in.
Waist: 33–34 in.
Sleeve length: 24–25 in.
Overall length, shoulder to hem: 24–25 in.
Approximate open-back drop: 15–16 in.
The tagged French 34 generally corresponds approximately to a US 2–4. Please compare the measurements with a similarly constructed garment for best fit.
CONDITION
Very good pre-owned condition with little to no visible signs of wear overall. Minor loose threads are present around the sleeves/cuff areas consistent with age and gentle use and are visible in the photographs. These are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall presentation of the blouse. Original designer, production and composition labels remain present and legible.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Pieces with identifiable runway provenance occupy a particularly desirable category within the secondary designer market. This blouse can be directly associated with Look 19 of Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2014, providing visual documentation of both the garment and its original runway styling.
It is an outstanding example of the sheer fabrics, abbreviated proportions, severe tailoring and provocative glamour that defined Hedi Slimane’s transformative Saint Laurent period.
