Yves Saint Laurent died yesterday evening at the age of 71. As much as I hate to be the bearer of sad news, and to wait until someone has passed to reflect on their life’s work. Whether or not you own any YSL clothing, his influence is felt, by liberating women from the structured tight waist silhouette of the 1950′s to empowering us in men’s inspired attire made especially for women in the 1960s.
“fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves.” YSL (source)
While legendary fashion designers seem so far away, on my desk is a paper doll book of his work. It’s funny because I always consider my paper doll collection quite nerdy, but as a child it was one of my outlets for dressing up an play. I couldn’t buy my own clothes and my handmade Barbie clothes (often made of tights) were sad. However, these little books opened my mind to a world of fashion.
Here’s a couple of pages in the book illustrating some of Yves Saint Laurent’s most famous work:
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The last of the great French couturiers. Thank you Mr Yves Saint Laurent for Le Smoking!
that bridal gown in the third picture… now that was something. i’m going to see his exhibition at the montreal museum of fine arts tomorrow. looking forward to seeing some of these in real life!
i saw a picture of the bridal gown recently… it looks amazing, i’m so envious you get to see in in real life!
You’ve just made me think about my paper doll box for the first time in ages. I hope my mum hasn’t chucked it. I just love the look of that pink coat.
I SAW THIS BOOK 1 WEEK AGO IN A FLORENCE SHOP.
TODAY I ALSO POST ABOUT YSL HE WAS ASSOCIATED TO A LOT OF CHILDREN MEMORIES/
He really was an innovator, he understood not just the feminine form but the feminine experience.
oh my! I love love love your paper doll book so very beautiful! I want one too…
ej… ha! i’m glad i’m not the only one with paper dolls in the past!
lady grey… i’m sure you can find these on amazon? or in florence as chloe pointed out!
oh im so glad you chose those images to pay homage to YSL
i can’t believe all the people is passing away… GREAT people: Ferré, Laurent, Blow… it’s just unbelievable.
I also loved paper dolls, I wish I kept some around!!
such an amazing little book. it’s wonderful that you’ve kept it