A portrait: Yves Saint Laurent

Name: YSL

Nationality: French

Established in: 1961

Often inspired by the arts (Mondrian, the Russian Ballet), his creations attest an unique know-how

Designer: Stefano Pilati

Inspiration: Yves Saint Laurent's legacy, the Renaissance, volumes, colors…

We know him for…
If Yves Saint Laurent's retirement in 2002 was seen as a milestone, his death on the 1st of June 2008 marked the end of an era for fashion in France. After Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, the French has lost the last of the great French designers of the 20th century.

Born in Oran, Algeria, Yves Saint Laurent moves to Paris in 1954. He is 18 and takes some drawing classes before being hired by Christian Dior. Exceptionally gifted, the young Yves Saint Laurent rapidly becomes Dior's right hand man.

In 1957, when Dior dies, Yves Saint Laurent is entrusted to take the lead of the House of Dior. He is only 21! Well anticipated, his first “Trapeze” collection is an unanimous hit. An enthusiastic New York Herald Tribune's journalist writes: “I have never seen a better Dior collection.”

However, six collections later, the House of Dior decides to part ways with the designer considered too avant-garde. As a result, in 1961, Yves Saint Laurent launches his own house with the help of Pierre Bergé, his life-long business partner. His first collection in 1962 is once more largely acclaimed.

Often inspired by the arts (Mondrian, the Russian Ballet), his creations attest an unique know-how, a mix of audacity and everlasting elegance. His famous tuxedo suits, safari wear and pantsuits for women would become staples in fashion.

The designers who have followed in his footsteps to design YSL's ready-to-wear collection (Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford and more recently Stefano Pilati) have been under high pressure to keep up with expectations. But at the same time, they have gotten the keys to one of the world's richest fashion archives in which to draw their inspirations…