Talent
Yves Saint Laurent : A lifetime passion
Yves Saint Laurent, the world-famous designer, was born in Oran in 1936 before moving to Paris in 1955. He perfected his art in the prestigious rooms of the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. His destiny took a decisive turn when he met Christian Dior: it was the beginning of the romance between Yves and haute couture.
"I am not a couturier, I am a craftsman, a creator of happiness."
A born artist
Guardian emeritus of the art of haute couture and a true emblem of French culture, Yves Saint Laurent embodies both love and contempt, a passionate man with a unique destiny. Barely 19 years old and fresh from Oran, the young prodigy attracted the attention of Michel de Brunhoff, director of Vogue. De Brunhoff, impressed by his talent and boundless enthusiasm, introduced him to Christian Dior. Impressed by the young man's talent as a draughtsman, Dior decided to take him under his wing as an assistant. Just two years after his entry into the world of haute couture, destiny handed Yves the responsibility of becoming the house's artistic director and then succeeding the master designer upon his death. It was a rapid and remarkable turning point in his career.
In 1962, he and his partner Pierre Bergé decided to create their own fashion house, named after the designer. A house they would run hand in hand until his death in 2008.
"When I see a model, I know what I'm going to do with her. It's like love at first sight, I fall in love".
Women : this is Yves' inspiration.
Yves Saint Laurent loved women, he adorned them and studied them. That's why he spent 12 years creating the modern woman's wardrobe: from the pea coat to the trench coat, not forgetting the legendary trapeze dress and, above all, the woman's trouser suit. He introduced transparencies, pantsuits and dinner jackets for women, giving them for the first time the confidence and conviction that they had power too.
Art in all its forms
Defining himself as a craftsman of happiness, Yves Saint Laurent drew inspiration from everything, especially art. Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh were all muses for the designer, who combined their works with the silhouette of the modern woman. The Mondrian dress, created for the Autumn-Winter 1965 collection, is one of the most emblematic pieces in the collection.
The history of this great French couturier is full of anecdotes and surprises: his time in Marrakech, the creation of his perfume, his relationship with Pierre Bergé, the inspiration he drew from his various muses... One thing is certain: Yves has left his mark on the fashion industry in France and around the world.
From 9 February to 25 August 2024, discover the Transparences exhibition at 5 avenue Marceau, the private home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé for 30 years and now a museum dedicated to the designer. The exhibition focuses on the designer's choice of materials. It's a truly visual experience. Iconic pieces, sketches and photographs are interspersed throughout the exhibition.
Transparences - Le pouvoir des matières, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, from February 9th to August 25th 2024.
Published on 20/02/2024
