YSL: A journey of fashion

By chance and extraordinary instinct, I am one of the last to hold the secrets of haute couture and perhaps complete the circle of its history. — Yves Saint Laurent

Paris, France — YSL’s legacy lives on two years since his untimely demise in 2008. Considered one of the greatest designers of the century, he was able to characterize the changing attitudes of women in fashion and was able to create revolutionary concepts that have given women more power and self-confidence. Under the patronage of France’s first lady Madame Carla Bruni-Sarkozy in association with the Fondation Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent, the first retrospective of YSL was on view to the public. Set in the halls of the 19th-century Petit Palais no less, the exposition ran for five months and concluded only last week.

Transporting viewers back in time, it gave a better understanding of YSL’s entire vision and creative output.

Divided into 15 rooms with different themes, the exposition covered much of YSL’s work spanning four decades — from his early years with Christian Dior up until the very end. Three hundred haute couture and seven ready-to-wear creations (including his Scandal collection from 1971) were chosen to illustrate his exemplary career. On display were rich knits with fine beadwork and embellishment, lush coats and suits, glamorous cocktail and evening dresses in precious hues, cuts and styles. All this was elaborately arranged and presented via a stunning parade of mannequins.

Strong influences in art, literature and far away places found their way into his collections, creating a kind of glamour that we can only dream of today. He remained true to his signature elegance as every collection on display was stamped with his hallmark verve, wit and excellent craftsmanship.

Rough sketches, swatches, films and artwork as well as vintage editorial and advertising photos, including the iconic black and white image of YSL photographed by the famous Jeanloup Sieff, also accompanied the exposition. A section also paid tribute to YSL’s women and select muses: the likes of Paloma Picasso, Loulou de la Falaise, Betty Catrous and Hollywood actress Catherine Deneuve.

Other highlights that enhanced the whole retrospective experience included “Le Smoking Suits,” a large room filled with a sea of black suits and ensembles and the grand finale, a staircase of mannequins filled with exquisite gowns simulating a ball.

In essence, this exposition allowed all to see YSL’s many strengths: his love of color, his classic good taste, refined sophistication, immense creativity and unparalleled artisan expertise. Clearly, this visionary devoted much of his life in the passionate pursuit of perfection and did it successfully. This retrospective not only revealed YSL’s contribution to society but also a real sense of his work’s timeless worth.