1980s Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Velvet Bow Rhinestone-Buckle Pumps, Modern US 4.5/5

Description

A richly detailed pair of vintage Yves Saint Laurent pumps combining sleek black patent leather with soft velvet bows and brilliant rectangular rhinestone buckles.

The glossy upper creates a clean, elongated line, while folded black velvet adds depth across the vamp. Each bow is centered beneath a substantial rectangular buckle framed in clear rhinestones, giving the shoes the effect of jewelry without overwhelming their refined proportions.

The silhouette features a tapered almond-to-pointed toe, low-cut vamp, and slim sculpted mid-height heel. Metallic gold-tone interiors carry the full Yves Saint Laurent name, while both outsoles are marked European size 35½.

Textured protective half soles have been added beneath the forefoot for traction and continued wear. The combination of patent leather, velvet, rhinestone ornamentation, and sharply refined evening proportions reflects the dressed-up glamour associated with 1980s footwear.

Wear them with black tuxedo trousers, a narrow cocktail dress, a velvet skirt, or dark cropped denim and a crisp white shirt. The buckles provide the jewelry, so the rest of the outfit can remain clean.

Details

Designer: Yves Saint Laurent
Estimated Era: 1980s, likely mid-to-late decade
Production Status: True vintage
Color: Black
Upper: Glossy black patent leather
Vamp Detail: Folded black velvet bows
Embellishment: Rectangular rhinestone-set buckles
Interior: Metallic gold-tone branded insoles and lining
Toe Shape: Tapered almond-to-pointed toe
Heel Style: Slim sculpted mid-height heel
Closure: Slip-on
Outsole: Leather outsole with textured protective forefoot half soles
Marked Size: EU 35½
Estimated Modern US Size: US 4.5/5
Approximate UK Size: UK 2.5/3
Approximate Japanese Size: JP 22/22.5
Estimated Width: Narrow to standard-narrow
Country of Origin: Not visible in the supplied photographs
Quantity: One pair

Fit Notes

Marked European size 35½ and estimated to best fit a modern women’s US 4.5/5.

The tapered toe, close pump construction, and narrow-looking heel cup may make the usable fit feel smaller than that of a contemporary rounded-toe shoe carrying the same European marking. These will likely work best for a narrow or standard-narrow foot, or for someone accustomed to a close vintage pump fit.

Approximate international equivalents are UK 2.5/3 and JP 22/22.5. These conversions are guidance rather than guaranteed equivalents because fit varies by maker, production period, last, width, and toe shape.

Condition

Very Good Vintage Condition.

The patent uppers retain a strong gloss, the velvet bows remain dimensional, and the rhinestone buckles appear complete in the supplied photographs. Visible wear includes light creasing and surface marks to the patent leather, minor edge and heel scuffing, wear to the heel tips, and expected fading, rubbing, and foot impressions to the metallic gold-tone interiors.

Textured protective half soles have been added beneath the forefoot and show light use. A small oval cobbler or protective-sole sticker remains on one outsole.

No major patent cracking, sole separation, collapsed heel, or visibly missing rhinestone is apparent in the photographs. Please review all images closely, particularly the interiors, toe edges, heels, and soles.

Styling Notes

Treat these as the jewelry in the outfit. Pair them with a black trouser suit, cigarette pants, a column dress, jewel-toned velvet, metallic brocade, or dark straight-leg denim with an oversized white shirt.

They are polished enough for evening dressing but distinctive enough to sharpen simple separates.

Curation Note

Each Quirk piece is hand selected by our team for quality, construction, styling potential, and point of view.

Authenticity Note

Designer items are reviewed before being brought to market. Quirk takes authenticity seriously, and the sale of counterfeit goods is illegal. Any included third-party authentication paperwork will be noted clearly.