Late 1990s/Early 2000s Yves Saint Laurent Taupe Suede Tassel Knee-High Boots, Modern US 5.5/6

Description

A striking pair of vintage Yves Saint Laurent knee-high boots in taupe-grey suede.

The tall shafts are cut with dramatically angled openings that rise higher along the outer leg, creating an elongated, sculptural line. Dark braided cords lace through suede loops along the outer sides and finish with substantial tassels, adding movement and contrast against the softly mottled suede.

Tapered semi-pointed toes and low sculpted heels keep the silhouette elegant and wearable. Metallic gold-tone interiors add a flash of polish to the earthy palette, while the black outsoles feature textured rubber forefoot sections embossed with the YSL monogram.

The suede’s tonal variation gives the boots dimension, while the asymmetrical topline and elaborate side lacing make them visually compelling from every angle.

Wear them with a fluid midi dress, a short skirt and opaque tights, narrow trousers tucked into the shafts, or an oversized knit layered over a slip. The taupe-grey color works especially well with black, cream, chocolate brown, oxblood, olive, and muted metallics.

Details

Designer: Yves Saint Laurent
Estimated Era: Late 1990s to early 2000s
Production Status: True vintage
Color: Taupe grey / Mushroom grey
Upper: Suede
Interior: Metallic gold-tone lining
Shaft Height: Knee-high
Topline: Asymmetrical angled opening
Side Detail: Dark braided cord lacing with tassels
Toe Shape: Tapered semi-pointed toe
Heel Style: Low sculpted heel
Closure: Pull-on with adjustable side lacing
Outsole: Black outsole with textured rubber forefoot sections
Marked Size: EU 36
Estimated Modern US Size: US 5.5/6
Approximate Modern UK Size: UK 2.5/3
Approximate Modern EU/FR/IT Size: 35.5/36
Approximate Japanese Size: JP 22.5/23
Estimated Foot Width: Narrow to standard-narrow
Estimated Calf Fit: Narrow to standard; compare with completed shaft measurements
Country of Origin: Not visible in the supplied photographs
Quantity: One pair

Fit Notes

Marked European size 36 and estimated to best fit a modern women’s US 5.5/6.

The tapered toe and visually narrow footbed may create a closer fit than a rounded contemporary boot in the same marked size. The braided side lacing appears to allow some adjustment through the shaft, but tall-boot fit also depends on calf circumference, shaft height, top opening, and leg shape.

Approximate modern international equivalents are UK 2.5/3, EU/FR/IT 35.5/36, and JP 22.5/23. These conversions are guidance rather than guaranteed equivalents because fit varies according to maker, production period, last, foot width, calf circumference, and preferred toe room.

Condition

Very Good Vintage Condition.

The suede remains supple-looking, and the boots retain their tall, sculptural silhouette. Visible wear includes natural and wear-related nap variation, softly mottled darkening, faint surface marks, creasing and slouching around the ankles and lower shafts, light rubbing at the toes and heel counters, and expected creasing and surface wear to the metallic gold-tone interiors.

The braided cords, suede loops, and tassels appear substantially intact. The textured rubber forefoot sections show light use, both heel tips remain present, and adhesive or sticker residue is visible along the arch portions of the outsoles.

No major tears, extensive bald patches, sole separation, collapsed heel, broken lacing, or missing tassels are visible in the supplied photographs. Please review all images closely, particularly the suede toes, lower shafts, lacing, tassels, heel tips, and outsoles.

Styling Notes

Let the height and lacing carry the look. Pair these with a soft slip dress, a fitted mini and oversized knit, a narrow midi skirt, or slim trousers tucked into the shafts.

For a more directional approach, style them with tonal taupe layers, a sharply cut black coat, or a romantic blouse and abbreviated hemline.

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.