Though France’s “National treasure” may be gone, he will surely never be forgotten because of his amazing contributions to the fashion world.  One of the most influential designers of our time, Yves St. Laurent began his illustrious career back in the 1950’s working for Christian Dior.  He introduced his first collection , the “Trapeze” line,  just a few days after the untimely death of his esteemed employer and at the very young age of 21 became the head designer of the famed House of Dior.

His designs ended up being too controversial for the conservative Dior house and while St Laurent was on military leave, the man who ran the company installed another designer in his place.  So he struck out on his own, becoming one of the most innovative fashion designers of our time.  He understood the changing times and how much youth was influencing popular culture.  His ideas were very modern, inspired by street styles, beatniks, art and ethnic cultures. He also predicted women would be wearing pants for everyday wear.

He is most noted for his tuxedo “Le smoking” look, upscale versions of pea coats, Russian  inspired,  peasant and gypsy styles, safari jackets, transparent clothing, elaborately decorated evening wear and being the first coutourier to use black models on the runway and to introduce a ready to wear collection, opening his shop and launching his Rive Gauche line in 1966.

In 1983 he was the first living designer to be honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. A fantastic book was published at the same time, highlighting the exhibition, and I just happen to have a copy.  It is full of interesting facts on Yves St Laurent and the photographs are stunning.  So I thought I would share some of these with you. You can also order a copy here.

Black velvet dress with taffeta ruffles. Fall/winter collection 1977-78.

Lace evening dress with chiffon and maribou jacket. Spring/summer collection 1980.

Gold threaded red silk organdy evening dress. Spring/summer collection 1981.

“Russian” dresses from the Fall/winter collection 1976-77.

Silk faille cocktail dress designed by YSL for Christian Dior. Fall/winter collection 1959-60.

Designs in the style of men’s formal wear-

Left to right- Black wool gabardine jumpsuit-spring/summer collection 1975,  Black evening suit with peacoat style jacket-fall/winter collection 1981-82, Pantsuit that was the first evening ensemble created in the style of men’s wear-fall/winter collection 1966-67

Lame evening dresses. Left- from the fall/winter collection 1980-81, right-fall/winter collection 1978-79

“Spanish” inspired evening gown with pink gazar cape. Fall/winter collection 1979-80

For more fabulous images from the collection, see my photo album.