1980s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Velvet Harem Pants

1980s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Velvet Harem Pants
From Yves Saint Laurent's legendary Rive Gauche ready-to-wear line — produced during the height of the house's influence in the early 1980s, when Saint Laurent himself was at the absolute peak of his creative powers and Rive Gauche was the most influential ready-to-wear label in the world. These extraordinary harem pants are cut from a rich, deeply textured crushed velvet in jet black, with a subtle tone-on-tone abstract pattern woven into the fabric itself — visible only as the light moves across the surface, adding a quiet sophistication to what is already a dramatically conceived silhouette. The volume balloons dramatically from a braided satin waistband before gathering at the ankle into matching braided cuffs — a silhouette that references YSL's celebrated forays into global and Orientalist dressing, a recurring obsession throughout his most celebrated collections. The gathered volume and sumptuous fabric give these an undeniable evening drama; styled with a simple silk blouse or bodysuit, they become a statement unto themselves. Side zip closure with hook and eye. Saint Laurent Rive Gauche label, size 36 FR, Made in France, intact.