Yves Saint Laurent

by David Teboul

Le grand couturier Yves Saint Laurent has been challenging the fashion establishment for nearly half a century. One of the first to revolutionize street style with his 1960s "Beat Look" collection, and credited with the creation of the pantsuit—his le smoking, a tuxedo tailored for women, provoked the androgynous movement in fashion—Saint Laurent continues to produce sexy, vibrant lines. Now, the French television network Canal+ has documented the making of his Spring 2002 collection for its upcoming film, 5, avenue Marceau—the address of his famed couture house. This deluxe, definitive volume follows YSL through every stage of his preparations for his 2002 spring collections. Also included are never-before-published quotes from YSL as well as photographs from his early years and pages from his mother's scrapbook. The clippings are lovingly annotated in her own handwriting and illustrate a personal dedication to one of fashion's greatest talents.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who can barely sew on a button, seeing the process from sketch to toile to finished garment is like magic. So many great behind the scenes photos of the creation of YSL'S Fall/Winter 2001 collection. And oh geeze, some of the bits and pieces of his writings: "I think there is only one happiness possible on earth. That of self-forgetting and devoting oneself to others. When you try to make others happy, you eventually receive a few flashes yourself." The letter about Moujik and Pierre Bergé giving him Moujik's portrait by Andy Warhol was adorable, though.