Yves Saint Laurent The Icon!
Yves Saint Laurent's Early Years
The Mathieu-Saint-Laurent Family
Yves Saint Laurent was born on August 1, 1936, in Oran, Algeria, to a prominent French family. His father was Charles Mathieu-Saint-Laurent, who was a successful insurance broker, while his mother, Lucienne Andrée Mathieu-Saint-Laurent, was noted for her elegance and style.
Yves’ was said to be very observant of his mother and her style picks when she was dressing up to attend outings.
His mother reportedly stated that young Yves would cry if he didn’t like her outfit. His parents and their roles played a crucial role in shaping Yves' appreciation for aesthetics and luxury from the very beginning.
The Family Home
The Saint Laurent family lived in a nice home that mirrored their social status. He also lived in a multigenerational home which included his father, mother, his maternal grandmother, great aunt and his two sisters. He would often spend time dressing up paper dolls which he would then show to his siblings.
This environment sparked Yves’ sense of creativity and fostered his appreciation for aesthetics and luxury from an early age. Surrounded by the splendor of his family’s home, Yves developed an eye for details and love for beauty that would later define his career in fashion.
Junior High School
Yves attended junior high school in Oran, Algeria where he stood out not only for academics but also for his exceptional drawing skills. His talent for sketching was evident, and his early works often impressed his teachers and classmates alike.
It was during these formative years that Yves began to envision a future in the world of fashion design. His early drawings were just the start to his well renowned career that would begin when he was 18 years old.
L’École des femmes (The School for Wives): A Theatrical Revelation
A pivotal moment in Yves' early life was attending a performance of Molière's "L’École des femmes." The theatrical costumes and elaborate stage designs sparked his passion for fashion and design. This later set him on a path toward a career in haute couture. The play’s visuals left a lasting impression on Yves, who was captivated by the detailed costumes and the drama of the stage.
The « Illustre théâtre »
Yves’ fascination with theatre extended beyond just being a spectator. He joined the « Illustre théâtre »,which was a local theatrical group. It was here that he further explored his love for costume design.
This experience allowed him to hone his skills and solidify his goals to enter the fashion world. The theater became a massive creative playground for Yves, where he would experiment with fabrics, colours, and designs.
Christian Bérard (1902-1949)
Christian Bérard, a renowned French artist, also became a significant influence on Yves Saint Laurent. Bérard’s work in fashion illustration and theater design inspired Yves Saint Laurent, who admired his creativity and artistic vision. Bérard’s illustrations, characterized by boldness and elegance, resonated with Yves Saint Laurent and encouraged him to pursue his dreams with confidently.
Early Drawings
From a young age, Yves Saint Laurent’s drawings showcased his exceptional talent. His early works were characterized by their sophistication and attention to detail, indicating a future icon in the making.
His sketches often depicted highly elaborate costumes and designs, reflecting his developing creativity and passion for fashion.
Illustrated Books
Yves Saint Laurent also illustrated books, including a childhood book based on the novel *Merlin ou Les Contes Perdus* by Andrée Pragane in 1952. However, the children’s book itself never materialized.These illustrations highlighted his imaginative and artistic abilities. Through these early projects, Yves Saint Laurent developed a unique artistic style that would later become synonymous with his brand.
Who Was Yves Saint Laurent?
Yves Saint Laurent was a visionary who revolutionized fashion. Born in Algeria and rising to fame in Paris, his journey from a young boy with a passion for design to a legendary fashion designer is a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication.
Yves’ designs were known for their elegance, innovation, and timeless appeal, which has made him a pivotal figure in the fashion industry.
Career Beginnings and Success
Moving to Paris
At the age of 17, Yves decided to move to Paris to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He enrolled at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
It is no surprise that his talent quickly caught the attention of the fashion world. This was because his designs were unique and innovative which set him apart from his peers and garnered recognition.
Meeting Christian Dior
Yves Saint Laurent's big break came when he met famous fashion designer Christian Dior, who was also an influential designer at that time.
Dior was blown away by Yves’ talent and hired him as an assistant. This opportunity allowed Yves Saint Laurent to learn from one of the masters of haute couture and gain invaluable experience in the fashion industry. Under Dior’s mentorship, Yves’ skills flourished, and he became an integral part of the Dior team.
Becoming Head Designer at Dior
In 1957, at the young age of 21, Yves was appointed as the head designer at Dior following Christian Dior’s sudden death. This was a large responsibility, but Yves rose to the occasion.
He presented his first collection, the Trapeze line, which was met with excitment. His innovative designs rejuvenated the Dior brand and solidified his reputation as a leading designer in the fashion world.
Founding Yves Saint Laurent
In 1961, Yves left Dior to develop his own fashion house with his partner Pierre Bergé. It was Pierre Bergé who reportedly convinced Yves Saint Laurent to start his own line.
Once developed, the Yves Saint Laurent brand quickly rose to fame. Yves introduced fresh designs that challenged traditional fashion norms and set new trends. His creations, such as the tuxedo jacket for women, the Le Smoking suit, and the safari jacket, redefined modern fashion and empowered women to embrace bold and unconventional styles.
The Influence of Art and Culture
Incorporating Art into Fashion
Yves Saint Laurent was known for his ability to blend art and fashion. He drew inspiration from various art movements and famous artists, such as Mondrian and Picasso. He incorporated their styles into his designs.
The Mondrian dress, for example, featured bold geometric patterns inspired by the Piet Mondrian. This dress became one of Yves' most iconic pieces. This innovative approach elevated fashion to an art form and showcased Yves’ creativity and versatility as a designer.
(Pictured above is the mondrian dress by Yves Saint Laurent)
Cultural Inspirations
Yves also found inspiration in different cultures from around the world which he incorporated into his designs. Cultures such as African, Spanish, and Chinese influences were very visible in his designs.
(Below are dresses by Yves Saint Laurent inspired by African culture)
This global perspective allowed Yves to create unique and eclectic designs that resonated with a wide audience. His ability to merge cultural elements with contemporary fashion trends made his collections stand out and left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Struggles with Mental Health
Yves Saint Laurent faced a period of significant personal challenges which left a damper on his creativity and work for some time. These difficulties also took a toll on his personal life and professional career.
However, Yves’ resilience and passion for fashion helped him overcome these obstacles and continue to create remarkable designs. His ability to channel his struggles into his work added depth, emotion, and relatability to his creations. This made them even more impactful.
Relationship with Pierre Bergé
Yves’ relationship with Pierre Bergé was a central aspect of his life and career. Bergé and Yves’ formed a unique partnership where they worked together to dominate the fashion industry. Their partnership was marked by both professional collaboration and personal support.
Bergé’s business knowledge complemented Yves’ creative genius, and together they built the brand we know today as Yves Saint Laurent. Which has become a global fashion powerhouse. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their mutual respect and shared vision for the future of fashion.
The YSL Logo
Design and Creation
The iconic YSL logo was created in 1961 by Adolphe Mouron Cassandre, a Ukrainian-French painter, commercial poster artist, and typeface designer. Cassandre was renowned for his ability to blend modernist aesthetics with classical elegance, and his work on the YSL logo is considered one of his most significant contributions to graphic design.
Elements of the Logo
The YSL logo consists of the interlocking initials "Y," "S," and "L," which stand for Yves Saint Laurent. The design is characterized by its bold, overlapping letters that create a sense of harmony and sophistication. The monogram is typically presented in a sleek, black font, which underscores the brand's timeless elegance.
Today, this logo is still used in Yves Saint Laurent's designs and remains a staple of the brand.
For example, let’s look at this vintage Yves Saint Laurent clutch from our shop. Check out our featured pieces here.It has the timeless Ysl logo on the flap. Although it is a vintage piece, it still has a modern look.
In my opinion, the fact that it is vintage also makes it more desirable. When worn, it would stand out as the design is much different than their contemporary pieces. While the design is different, it still holds true to the YSL brand because the logo has remained mostly unchanged. This brings a level of exclusivity and uniqueness to the bag when worn.
When contrasted with modern bags, you still get an elegant look. However, the modern pieces are more widely available. That said, you are more likely to run into someone with the same bag as you.
Innovations and Contributions to Fashion
The Tuxedo Jacket for Women
One of Yves Saint Laurent’s most revolutionary designs was the tuxedo jacket for women, known as “Le Smoking.” It was introduced in 1966 and this design challenged traditional gender norms and offered women a powerful and elegant alternative to evening dresses.
The tuxedo jacket became a symbol of empowerment and sophistication, and its influence is still seen in modern fashion today.
Ready-to-Wear Revolution
In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent launched his ready-to-wear line, Rive Gauche, making high fashion more accessible to a broader audience. This move was groundbreaking at the time, as it standardized fashion and allowed more people to experience the luxury and elegance of Yves Saint Laurent’s designs.
The success of Rive Gauche paved the way for other designers to follow suit and revolutionized the fashion industry.
Today, the Rive Gauche line is still being made and quite popular. The Rive Gauche tote for example has been seen on many influencers and fashion enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Yves Saint Laurent created numerous iconic collections that left a lasting impact on the fashion world. From the bold and colourful designs of the 1970s to the minimalist and sophisticated styles of the 1980s.
Yves Saint Laurent’s collections were always ahead of their time and set new trends. In 1960, Yves released a beautiful collection called “the beat collection.” It featured all black pieces. This collection was released before Yves had his own brand- so at the time he was still working for Dior.
The outfit pictured below was from the collection. It was a black leather jacket that was embossed with crocodile print. The collar was also lined with mink fur.
Collections such as His ability to anticipate and influence fashion trends solidified his status as a visionary designer.
Later Years and Legacy
Retirement and Final Collections
Yves Saint Laurent announced his retirement in 2002, marking the end of an era in fashion. His final collection was a nod to his most iconic designs which showcased his incredible contributions to the industry. The show was a celebration of his career and legacy, highlighting the timeless appeal of his creations.
The Yves Saint Laurent Foundation
After his retirement, Yves and Pierre Bergé established the Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent Foundation. Its purpose was to preserve and promote Yves’ legacy.
The foundation houses a vast collection of Yves Saint Laurent’s designs, sketches, and personal items, ensuring that his work continues to inspire future generations of designers.
Passing and Posthumous Honours
Yves Saint Laurent passed away on June 1, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the fashion world. His innovative designs, artistic vision, and dedication to his craft have cemented his place as one of the greatest fashion designers of all time. Posthumously, Yves has been honoured with numerous accolades and exhibitions, celebrating his enduring impact on fashion and culture.
Conclusion
Yves Saint Laurent’s journey from a young boy in Algeria to a legendary fashion designer is a testament to his talent, passion, and resilience. His innovative designs, artistic vision, and contributions to fashion have left an indelible mark on the industry. Yves’ legacy continues to inspire and influence designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Do you have a favourite collection or design from Yves Saint Laurent? Comment below and let's discuss.
DISCLAIMER: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO YVES SAINT LAURENT AND ALL BRAND OWNERS MENTIONED. NO COPYRIGHT INTENDED AND LCÉ DOES NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OVER ANY OF THE PICTURE SHOWN IN THIS BLOG.
References
https://www.biography.com/history-culture/yves-saint-laurent
https://www.biography.com/history-culture/christian-dior
https://www.sudouest.fr/charente-maritime/saint-pierre-d-oleron/pierre-berge-le-tourbillon-parisien-3431261.php?csnt=190f030c7ce