The story of Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent left bank boutique, 1966
Known for his avant-garde creations and his stylistic daring, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized fashion with his timeless elegance and innovative approach. From his start at Dior to the creation of his own fashion house, let's discover the incredible journey of the Yves Saint Laurent house.
Presentation of the first collection, January 29, 1962

The creation of Yves Saint Laurent

The story of Yves Saint Laurent begins in 1961 in Paris, when Yves Saint Laurent, already famous for his work at Christian Dior, decided to found his own fashion house with his partner Pierre Bergé. Their first collection was presented in January 1962 and received an enthusiastic reception. Saint Laurent quickly imposed its style, combining modernity and refinement.

The Yves Saint Laurent era

The dazzling success of the Saint Laurent house is confirmed with creations that become timeless classics. In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized fashion by launching the first tuxedo for women, an iconic piece that marked a turning point in women's sartorial emancipation. Other daring creations followed such as the safari jacket, the jumpsuit and the Mondrian dress, inspired by the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.

First tuxedo for women, 1966

Innovation and expansion

Under the visionary leadership of Yves Saint Laurent, the house continues to innovate with collections that mark each season. In 1966, he also inaugurated the Rive Gauche boutique, dedicated to ready-to-wear, making haute couture more accessible to the general public. This initiative democratizes fashion and strengthens the international reputation of the brand.

In the 70s and 80s, Yves Saint Laurent established itself as a pillar of haute couture with collections that celebrated cultural diversity and art. The house diversified by launching lines of perfumes, cosmetics and accessories, attracting a loyal and sophisticated clientele.

First perfume, 1964

Artistic collaborations

Yves Saint Laurent has distinguished himself through his artistic collaborations, integrating art into fashion in a unique way. The house has collaborated with contemporary artists and creators from various backgrounds to enrich its collections. For example, the Mondrian dress, inspired by the works of the painter Piet Mondrian, and the ballet costumes created for Roland Petit demonstrate this fusion between fashion and art.

Iconic creations

The Mondrian dress:

Presented in 1965, the Mondrian dress is inspired by the abstract works of Piet Mondrian. With its bright color blocks and geometric lines, this dress embodies the innovation and creativity of Saint Laurent.

The safari jacket:

Introduced in 1968, the safari jacket is a stylized interpretation of the safari jacket. With its multiple pockets and belt at the waist, it combines functionality and elegance, quickly becoming a wardrobe classic.

Today, the Yves Saint Laurent house continues to shine under the direction of Anthony Vaccarello. With collections that honor Saint Laurent's heritage while providing a modern touch, the brand remains an essential reference in fashion and luxury. Yves Saint Laurent's legacy lives on through his iconic designs and his undeniable influence on haute couture.

Back to blog