An intimate look at the famed designer and his work, revealing his artistic process and influence. Modernizing haute couture. Pioneering high-end ready-to-wear. Bringing masculine ease to women’s clothing. Legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s reputation precedes him—but what of the man behind the work? Fashion historian and YSL expert Florence Müller traces Saint Laurent’s career, from aspiring designer to Christian Dior’s protégé to director of his own fashion house from 1961 until 2002. The book emphasizes the designer’s creative process—his inspirations, the conception and fabric selection, the various stages of fitting and production—and takes the reader behind the scenes of the atelier. Also featured are original sketches, runway shots, and never-before-published photographs of Saint Laurent at work, as well as new photography of iconic YSL designs from the exhibition, including the first Tuxedo pantsuit (1966), the Safari tunic (1968), the Mondrian dress (1965), and the Wesselmann dress (1966). The book also includes a 1991 interview from Le Figaro with the late designer. This focused exploration shows how Saint Laurent’s radical clothes for the modern woman—presented here in gorgeous detail—continue to inspire fashion lovers and fans of art and design for their innovation and perfection of style.
"Through original sketches, runway shots, and photographs, fashion historian Florence Muller offers an intimate look behind the atelier." —The Book, Neiman Marcus
"Organized into eight thematic sections, the exhibition features 110 ensembles that illustrate his achievements and the sources of his inspiration including the “Paper Doll Couture House” that he created as a teenager." —Crave Online
"Fashion historian Florence Muller lends her YSL expertise to this volume investigating his process and influences. Fashionista’s make room on your fashion history bookshelf." —Pretty Page Turner
"An intimate look at the famed designer and his work, revealing his artistic process and influences. Understand the motivations behind the designs that modernized haute couture." —The Society Diaries
"Though it's not the first to pay homage to the legendary designer, the new book offers a unique look inside Saint Laurent's world with a foreword written by Pierre Bergé..." —HarpersBazaar.com
"This is a must read for anyone who has any interest in the man or the world of fashion during the 20th century and beyond." —New York Journal of Books
Florence Müller is a highly regarded fashion historian who has written extensively on Yves Saint Laurent and other renowned designers.
Pierre Bergé is the cofounder of Yves Saint Laurent Couture House and president of Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the fashion designer.
Kimerly Rorschach is the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum.
An intimate look at the famed designer and his work, revealing his artistic process and influence. Modernizing haute couture. Pioneering high-end ready-to-wear. Bringing masculine ease to women’s clothing. Legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s reputation precedes him—but what of the man behind the work? Fashion historian and YSL expert Florence Müller traces Saint Laurent’s career, from aspiring designer to Christian Dior’s protégé to director of his own fashion house from 1961 until 2002. The book emphasizes the designer’s creative process—his inspirations, the conception and fabric selection, the various stages of fitting and production—and takes the reader behind the scenes of the atelier. Also featured are original sketches, runway shots, and never-before-published photographs of Saint Laurent at work, as well as new photography of iconic YSL designs from the exhibition, including the first Tuxedo pantsuit (1966), the Safari tunic (1968), the Mondrian dress (1965), and the Wesselmann dress (1966). The book also includes a 1991 interview from Le Figaro with the late designer. This focused exploration shows how Saint Laurent’s radical clothes for the modern woman—presented here in gorgeous detail—continue to inspire fashion lovers and fans of art and design for their innovation and perfection of style.
Praise
"Through original sketches, runway shots, and photographs, fashion historian Florence Muller offers an intimate look behind the atelier." —The Book, Neiman Marcus
"Organized into eight thematic sections, the exhibition features 110 ensembles that illustrate his achievements and the sources of his inspiration including the “Paper Doll Couture House” that he created as a teenager." —Crave Online
"Fashion historian Florence Muller lends her YSL expertise to this volume investigating his process and influences. Fashionista’s make room on your fashion history bookshelf." —Pretty Page Turner
"An intimate look at the famed designer and his work, revealing his artistic process and influences. Understand the motivations behind the designs that modernized haute couture." —The Society Diaries
"Though it's not the first to pay homage to the legendary designer, the new book offers a unique look inside Saint Laurent's world with a foreword written by Pierre Bergé..." —HarpersBazaar.com
"This is a must read for anyone who has any interest in the man or the world of fashion during the 20th century and beyond." —New York Journal of Books
Author
Florence Müller is a highly regarded fashion historian who has written extensively on Yves Saint Laurent and other renowned designers.
Pierre Bergé is the cofounder of Yves Saint Laurent Couture House and president of Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the fashion designer.
Kimerly Rorschach is the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum.
