A Fashion Icon’s Journey

Yves Saint Laurent, born in 1936 in Oran, Algeria, was a shy and artistic child who passion for fashion emerged early, and by his teens, he was designing dresses for his mother and sisters. 

In 1954, after moving to Paris, Saint Laurent’s talent caught the eye of the legendary Christian Dior, who became his mentor. At just 21, after Dior’s untimely death, Yves was appointed head of the Dior fashion house, making him the youngest creative director in couture history.

Saint Laurent revolutionized fashion by embracing modernity and breaking boundaries. One of his biggest inspirations was art—his Mondrian dress from 1965, inspired by the painter Piet Mondrian, is one of his most iconic pieces. He also drew influence from street style and global cultures, leading the way for prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) collections that made high fashion accessible.

After founding his own label in 1961, Yves sold the brand in 1999 to the Gucci Group, causing tension when Tom Ford was appointed creative director. Ford’s more sensual, daring approach clashed with Saint Laurent’s elegant style, leading to a notorious public fallout between the two fashion powerhouses.

Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy is vast, but his 1971 “Scandal” collection, featuring 1940s-inspired pieces, remains one of his most controversial and defining works. After retiring in 2002, he lived privately until his death in 2008, leaving behind a transformative legacy that continues to influence fashion today.