Saint Laurent

Founded in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent revolutionized the fashion industry with its innovative designs and commitment to youth culture and gender norms. Originating as Yves Saint Laurent YSL, the brand quickly became synonymous with Parisian haute couture, thanks to its daring and avant-garde approach to fashion.

Saint Laurent introduced the concept of high fashion ready-to-wear with the launch of the Rive Gauche prêt-à-porter line in 1966, democratizing high fashion and making it accessible to a broader audience. The Rive Gauche boutique became an emblem of the emerging youth culture and shift in societal norms during the 1960s. One of the most iconic and enduring designs from this era is the Le Smoking tuxedo, a gender-bending ensemble that challenged traditional boundaries by introducing the idea of women adopting traditionally male sartorial elements.

The brand has been known for its cultural and social influences beyond fashion. In 1971, the brand caused a stir with its Spring collection, inspired by 1940s styles that many viewed as being too recent and controversial to be reinterpreted. Despite the initial backlash, the collection has since become an iconic reference in fashion history.

Yves Saint Laurent was the first living designer to be honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with a solo exhibition in 1983, a recognition of his contributions and lasting impact. In the years following, the brand continued to innovate and influence under various creative directors like Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, and Hedi Slimane.

Today, under the creative leadership of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent continues to push boundaries while honoring its rich legacy.