Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Enameled Gilt Souvenir Demitasse Spoon
Flatware (Demitasse Spoon / Souvenir Spoon) · Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), the legendary French luxury fashion house founded in 1961. While YSL is primarily known for haute couture, the brand licensed its name for high-end lifestyle products and accessories during the late 20th century.
Pattern: YSL Boutique / Souvenir Collection; features a custom enameled finial, likely from a set produced in the 1980s or 1990s. This pattern is no longer in production.
Type
Flatware (Demitasse Spoon / Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), the legendary French luxury fashion house founded in 1961. While YSL is primarily known for haute couture, the brand licensed its name for high-end lifestyle products and accessories during the late 20th century.
Material
Likely Silver-plated base metal (Nickel Silver/EPNS) or Gold-plated Brass/Pewter (Gilt), with an inset enameled or printed image under a clear protective cabochon. While the text on the stem says 'YVES SAINT LAURENT', the lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp suggests a luxury boutique souvenir rather than solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 10-11 cm (4 inches). Weight: approximately 12-15 grams. This is standard sizing for a demitasse or 'espresso' spoon meant for small coffee cups.
Description
A chic and collectible demitasse spoon from the house of Yves Saint Laurent. This piece bridges the gap between functional tableware and fashion memorabilia. The radiant gold-tone finish provides a luxurious backdrop for the enameled finial, which captures the vibrant, artistic aesthetic of Saint Laurent's silk scarves. It is a quintessential piece of 'boutique' silver, designed to bring the elegance of the runway to the coffee table.
Key Features
Prominent YSL branding on the stem; colorful enameled finial; distinctive gold-tone finish; petite demitasse proportions.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-plated base metal (Nickel Silver/EPNS) or Gold-plated Brass/Pewter (Gilt), with an inset enameled or printed image under a clear protective cabochon. While the text on the stem says 'YVES SAINT LAURENT', the lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp suggests a luxury boutique souvenir rather than solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish gold-toned (gilt) finish. The finial contains an enameled or printed insert depicting an abstract or floral motif typical of YSL scarf designs. The stem features a decorative 'twist' or textured section near the base of the finial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The name 'YVES SAINT LAURENT' is stamped in serif capital letters along the back of the stem. No clear silver fineness marks (like the Minerva head for 950 French silver) are visible, reinforcing its status as a high-quality decorative souvenir.
Construction Details
Machine-struck or die-cast for consistency. The finial is a separate component or a recessed frame into which the decorative plaque has been set and sealed. The gold finish is applied via electroplating.
Functional Features
Small, shallow egg-shaped bowl for stirring concentrated coffee; decorative finial serves as a counterbalance and brand statement.
Handle & Grip Details
Slender, straight handle with a slight decorative bulb near the finial. The finial is an oval medallion shape designed for visual impact rather than ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The plating is evenly applied and the stamping is well-centered. While not hand-wrought by a master silversmith, it represents the high production standards of 20th-century luxury licensing.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the 'Yves Saint Laurent' stamp is the primary indicator. Authenticity is supported by the specific construction of the finial frame, which matches vintage YSL licensed giftware sets.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in France or Japan under license. Japan was a major hub for luxury licensed silver-plate and gilt tableware for European fashion houses during this period.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Modern/Designer Era), specifically the 1980s-1990s. This was the peak of 'Logomania' where luxury houses like YSL, Dior, and Versace expanded into home goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1995. The font of the stamp and the specific style of the enameled finial align with YSL's accessory branding of the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the late 20th century, where consumers could own a piece of a high-fashion brand through accessible domestic objects like tea or coffee accessories.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The gold plating appears intact without 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' of the base metal. The enamel/print is clear without yellowing. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with light handling.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD for a single spoon; $150 - $250 for a boxed set of six. Rarity of the specific enameled image and 'new-in-box' status are the primary value drivers.
Care & Maintenance
Gently hand wash only; avoid abrasive polishes which can strip the thin gold plating. Use a soft microfiber cloth to buff. Do not put in a dishwasher as the heat can damage the enamel adhesive.
Similar Pieces
Christian Dior enameled spoons, Versace 'Medusa' flatware by Rosenthal, or Pierre Cardin vintage cutlery. These items vary in weight and motifs but share the 'Designer Home' market niche.
Interesting Facts
In the 1980s, YSL was one of the first fashion houses to successfully translate its 'Rive Gauche' branding into a complete lifestyle aesthetic including linens, china, and flatware.