Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent was a French fashion designer, known professionally as Yves Saint Laurent.
Birth and Death Dates
August 1, 1936 – June 1, 2008
Nationality and Profession(s)
French fashion designer, stylist, and artist.
Early Life and Background
Yves Saint Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria, to a French family. His father, Charles Mathieu-Saint-Laurent, was a lawyer who died when Yves was seven years old. This event marked the beginning of his mother's struggles to raise their two children, including Yves' sister Louise. In 1942, during World War II, Saint Laurent and his family fled to France due to the deteriorating situation in Algeria.
Major Accomplishments
At 18, Saint Laurent joined the House of Christian Dior as an assistant designer. His innovative style, combined with his understanding of modern society's changing attitudes toward fashion, earned him a prominent position within the company. After Dior's sudden death in 1957, Saint Laurent took over the helm at the age of 21 and revolutionized women's fashion.
Notable Works or Actions
Saint Laurent is credited with several groundbreaking designs, including:
Beatnik collections that merged masculine and feminine styles
Le Smoking, a tailored tuxedo for women
* The Beat Look, which introduced bold colors and patterns to the runway
He also played a significant role in popularizing ready-to-wear clothing, making fashion more accessible to the masses.
Impact and Legacy
Yves Saint Laurent's influence on modern fashion cannot be overstated. His pioneering work paved the way for future generations of designers, including many prominent women who broke barriers in the industry. He also had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing artists like Andy Warhol and David Bowie. Today, his designs are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Saint Laurent's quotes often touch on topics such as fashion, art, and individuality. His words offer insight into the creative process and the importance of innovation in the world of design:
> "Fashion is not art. It is an industry."
This quote encapsulates his view on the commercial side of fashion while highlighting its potential for artistic expression.
In conclusion, Yves Saint Laurent was a trailblazing designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world. His legacy continues to inspire artists and designers alike, making him one of the most quoted figures in modern culture.
Quotes by Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent's insights on:
Seeing Cubism paintings at the Beaubourg makes me very happy and, also, old films.
If men wanted to look good in a skirt, they would need the body of an African. And the colour. A skirt with white, skinny legs. Horrible!
My classmates could see I was not similar. So they made me their scapegoat. They hit me or locked me in the toilets. During the break, I would take refuge in the chapel, or I would arrange to stay alone in the classroom.
I do not decide that skirts shall be short or long. The shape of the dress itself often dictates the length.
Basic clothes are for all women, to last for decades and decades. They are the future and will never change. I am persuaded of that.
Poiret made clothes for individual customers, but I wouldn't like to make a dress just for its own sake.
I tell myself that I created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman, that I participated in the transformation of my times.
I live in solitude. I have need of solitude to do the next day's work. I can't be to parties where the noise tires me. I can't speak on the telephone. I must have complete calm.
When I look at the five thousand garments and then all this music hall work, I ask myself how I could have done it all. I was a phenomenon!