Medium: Black wool and satin, ivory silk crepe, and black silk faille

Date: c.1982

Country: France

Credit: Gift from The Estate of Tina Chow

The woman’s tuxedo, called "le smoking," was one of Saint Laurent’s boldest innovations. The style has seen many variations since its introduction in the 1960s. However, as fashion historian Anne Hollander notes, “A woman in a tuxedo still looks provocative, and not conventionally formal.” This example also has an alternate skirt, for a more traditionally feminine look.

Object Number: 91.255.4