YVES SAINT LAURENT: THE BEGINNING OF A LEGACY

One of the most influential fashion designers and brands of all time.

Yves Henri Donat Manthieu-Saint-Laurent, more commonly known as Yves Saint Laurent or YSL, was born August 1st, 1936 in French Algeria. YSL's legacy is now an unquestionable one within the fashion world as he is one of the most accomplished designers of his era while also serving as pioneer in the field.

What does it mean to be a pioneer?

Beginning Design

Laurent began working in fashion from a very young age first designing dresses for his mom and sisters and later enrolling in the Haute Couture Union Chamber in Paris at age 17. Here, after Laurent's work gained notoriety, the editor of French Vogue Michel de Brunhoff, introduced Laurent to Christian Dior. Dior taught Laurent invaluable lessons in design.

Popular Work

Though it is unknown what exactly Dior taught Laurent, it is clear that it was powerful information. At just 21, Laurent became head designer of the house of Dior and save the brand from financial disaster with his 1958 spring collection which featured the now famous Trapeze line. This design popularized by Laurent was what initially brought him to the forefront of design in the 20th century. Continuing down this path, Laurent continued to innovate both in his time working for the Dior brand and with his own later brand Yves Saint-Laurent, named after himself.

Through the course of his career, the revival of couture, the acceptance of ready-to-wear clothing as acceptable within the fashion world, and the shift towards androgyny in clothing can all be traced back to Laurent's work. The last of three is most clearly represented in his "Le Smoking" tuxedo which was targeted towards women, breaking down the barrier of gendered fashion.