Suit
Designer
Yves Saint Laurent
(1936 - 2008)
c. 1982
Black wool and satin, ivory silk crepe, and black silk faille
Gift from The Estate of Tina Chow
Object number91.255.4
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.
DescriptionTuxedo style coordinates in black wool: smoking jacket with satin peaked lapels, skirt and alternate pants with tuxedo stripe over seams; ivory silk crepe blouse, gold cuff links with rhinestones, black silk faille cummerbundExhibitions