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Yves St Laurent
2010-01-25 19:16
The name of Yves Saint Laurent is synonymous with the very best of fashion design in the 20th century. This French genius turned the world upside down, re-defining contemporary style for women from the late 50s onwards.
Saint Laurent, who died in Paris in 2008 aged 71, freed his muses from the constraints of their clothes and society. The woman became androgynous and classy wherever she went - shopping, working or partying. In 1966, he ripped up the etiquette of the era by dressing women in 'smoking' tuxedos, and liberated them with bold safari jackets, parading in feminized military pea coats and fashionable trench coats which revealed wild animal prints or flower power patterns.
Helmut Newton's iconic photograph of 'Le Smoking' 1975
The designer, whose inspiration is universally noted in the streets of Paris, London and New York, began his career under Christian Dior, spotting the potential of transforming rigid military garments into glamorous coats and vests.
As early as 1958, aged only 21, he unveiled his Trapeze collection, his first collection independent of Dior. Soon his vision became the ultimate seal of approval in the fashion world. During the 60s and 70s, while others were still struggling to find their style with each season, fashionistas from all over the world beat an early path to his renowned fashion house to get a sneak peek of his upcoming collection each spring and autumn.
An art lover and true master of colour, Saint Laurent sought inspiration from the masterpieces of Matisse, Mirò and Picasso, and retranslated their genius in laces, beadwork and patterns. Myriads of colours, shades and highlights illuminate his unique creations.
Not only did he reshape the world of fashion, he also infused it entirely with his passion, his dreams and his soul. The Darwin of fashion, Yves St Laurent adopted an evolutionary concept, creating a new look for “The Woman' not only in terms of haute couture but also of casual and trendy sportswear.
Yves St Laurent of Monaco
Avenue des Beaux Arts
98000 Monaco
Isabel Kaye