Remembering a giant in fashion (1936-2008)
Arguably one of the most prodigal designers in the fashion industry, even after he is gone, distinctive mark left by Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) lives on. At the early age of 21, Yves Saint Laurent had already developed a name for himself in the French fashion industry. Noted for his unusual and individualist sense in design, Saint Laurent was promoted to the position of lead designer for Christian Dior in his early 20s. His 'Trapeze' and breatnik style characterized his design in the early 1960s and a significant portion of his career.
Growing up in Algeria until the age of 17 before moving to France, Saint Laurent incorporated certain cultural characteristics and motifs he absorbed during his upbringing into his design. In addition to drawing from global influences, his designs celebrated ethnic and peasant characteristics. In 1962, Saint Laurent set up his own fashion house under his own name. It was with this label that Laurent starting to produce his most unforgettable designs. In accordance with the zeitgeist of the 1960s and early 1970s, Saint Laurent's design and style pushed the limits of fashion. His designs of racy, semi-transparent apparel pushed the boundaries of what was appropriate, at a time when society at large was challenging both traditional rules and preconceptions. In fact, Saint Laurent was the first to use non-European models in his fashion shows.
He also drew inspiration from painters such as Picasso, Matisse. In 1965, he launched a collection of "wearable art" which featured the bold and minimalistic patterns of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. His designs empowered women by achieving a new sense of equality and independence. Saint Laurent took staples in men's fashion such as the tuxedo and the 'safari look' and redesigned these traditionally masculine types of apparel for women. According to China Style, Saint Laurent's more significant style contribution the 'le smoking'-a tuxedo for her. In 1966, this was a revolutionary idea, both in terms of design and social rituals. For the first time women ventured into what was traditionally male territory. In this made-for-her designs, Saint Laurent managed to celebrate femininity and female sexuality-altering them in a way that was revealing and enticing, and ultimately feminine. One of his largest accomplishments was normalizing traditionally male attire such as pants and suits, for women.
In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent launched his pret-a-porter line called Rive Gauche. With this line his designs moved from haute couture to ready-to-wear, reaching a more diverse demographic. Forever l'enfant terrible and trendsetting, Saint Laurent will be remembered as a fashion legend whose design empowered women, broke boundaries and challenged preconceptions of what is appropriate.
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