Christie’s, one of the most prestigious auction houses in the world, is gearing up to showcase a truly remarkable piece of fashion history – an exquisitely embroidered jacket crafted by the iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent. This stunning garment, inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting “Sunflowers”, is set to be the highlight of an upcoming auction in Paris next month.
The vibrant hues of yellow and orange that adorn the jacket were carefully hand-embroidered by the renowned haute couture embroiderers Maison Lesage, who dedicated over 600 hours to ensure every detail was perfect. This particular piece, from Yves Saint Laurent’s 1988 spring-summer collection, holds a special place in fashion history as it was famously worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell during a dazzling fashion show in Paris.
What makes this jacket even more exceptional is the fact that only four of these sequined masterpieces were ever created, making it a rare and sought-after collector’s item. The version up for auction on November 27th was custom-made for a private client and is expected to fetch between 80,000 and 120,000 euros ($89,000-$133,000).
Yves Saint Laurent’s fascination with art is evident in his collections, with another jacket inspired by van Gogh’s “Irises” recently fetching a staggering 175,500 euros at auction. The designer’s deep admiration for the Masters is reflected in his statement, “I have always been fascinated by painting, so it was only natural that it should inspire my creations.”
As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building among collectors, fashion aficionados, and art enthusiasts who recognize the significance of this rare garment as a bridge between the worlds of fashion and art. The legacy of Yves Saint Laurent and the brilliance of van Gogh will undoubtedly shine through in this momentous event.
For more information on the upcoming auction or to view other exquisite pieces from Yves Saint Laurent’s collections, visit the official Christie’s website here. Additionally, to learn more about the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent, explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum website here.
