The Saint Laurent codes in 2023 are the same as those initiated by the founder, the couturier Yves Saint Laurent, in 1961! Codes that revolutionized fashion and society, in creations that have become iconic…

Saint Laurent Codes: Androgyny, Leather, Transparency, and the Fusion of Fashion Art

The Saint Laurent repertoire is teeming with iconic pieces and signatures. The first that comes to mind when one thinks of YSL is, of course, that logo — three intertwined letters designed by the artist Cassandre in 1961. This logo incorporates the founder’s initials, Yves Saint Laurent, in an elegant and sleek design. This logo has become an instant badge of recognition and a symbol of quality and prestige…

The next piece that immediately comes to mind is, undoubtedly, the YSL tuxedo. When Yves Saint Laurent created the tuxedo for women in 1966, he shattered the conventions of the time by injecting a dose of boldness into the women’s wardrobe. The YSL tuxedo perfectly embodies the blend of masculinity and femininity — the androgyny beloved by the couturier.

Key elements of the tuxedo, such as the structured blazer, pleated pants, and transparent blouse, have become timeless staples in the modern wardrobe.

Another key Saint Laurent code is transparency. But Saint Laurent’s transparency is full of mystery and sensuality… Yves Saint Laurent understood that sometimes, seduction lies in subtlety, and transparency became a powerful means of expressing this vision!

As for materials, it’s leather that elevates Saint Laurent’s vision. His leather creations, whether jackets, pants, or dresses, embody the sensuality and power of women. Yves Saint Laurent’s black leather jacket is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, becoming a wardrobe essential — and how can we not mention Catherine Deneuve’s leather and wool trench coat in Belle de Jour?

Yves Saint Laurent’s travels inspired the safari chic code, an adventure in the world of fashion embodied in the safari jacket. This piece captures the spirit of the explorer, the nomadic artist. Animal prints, safari jackets, and cargo pants are still the brushes on the YSL canvas today…

The color of Yves Saint Laurent? Black, of course. He himself said, “Black is my refuge, black is a stroke on the white page.”

Finally, no text about YSL codes would be complete without mentioning the importance of precise tailoring in each creation. Yves Saint Laurent was a perfectionist in cutting, and his attention to detail is reflected in how his garments fit the body perfectly. Clean lines, invisible seams, and impeccable finishes are trademarks that define YSL style. Saint Laurent tailoring represents a form of art, a mastery of sewing techniques that elevates each piece to a masterpiece.

This is the YSL signature — simplicity, elegance in simplicity. “Elegance is first and foremost about the simplicity and purity of its construction. The line of the body is paramount. Never overloaded, there should not be too much fancy,” he said.

Finally… If fashion and art are two worlds that often intertwine to create a unique and captivating aesthetic, nowhere else has this fusion been more brilliantly realized than in the iconic Yves Saint Laurent fashion house!

One of the most famous and revolutionary collections by Yves Saint Laurent is undoubtedly his Mondrian line, inspired by the works of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. Saint Laurent also drew from the enchanting world of the Ballets Russes to create a collection that evoked the magic of dance and classical music. Lush embroidery, vibrant colors, and fluid silhouettes echoed the extravagant costumes worn by ballet dancers.

We also think of the collection inspired by Picasso. Cubist patterns, earthy colors, and asymmetrical silhouettes were elements that echoed the work of the Spanish master… Yes, YSL style is based on a vision that Pierre Bergé liked to recall: “Yves Saint Laurent hated fashion. He loved style…”

The couturier who cut his teeth at Christian Dior was always quick to remind us that fashion is first and foremost a matter of line, elegance, clothing, and tailoring…

“I tried to show that fashion is an art. I followed in this the advice of my master Christian Dior and the timeless lesson of Mademoiselle Chanel. I created for my time and tried to anticipate what tomorrow will be.”

Anthony Vaccarello, artistic director of the Yves Saint Laurent house since 2016, has infused new energy into YSL while preserving the iconic codes of the house… a more sensual and possibly more graphic energy, but one that still resonates with the spirit of the Parisian YSL woman: free, confident, and as stylish as can be!