As we approach the third anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent's death, never has his work seemed so relevant both in terms of his approach to design and retail.
The 60s and 70s are the two most referenced eras for Autumn-Winter 11/12 and happily for us, an exhibition has just opened in Paris to inspire us once more and help us immerse ourselves fully in the mood of the coming season and the work of one of the most influential fashion designers of the past 100 years.
Saint Laurent, among many things, was known as the designer who made ready-to-wear reputable and his original boutique on Paris's left bank, or Rive Gauche, was a revelation when it first opened in 1966.
Instead of a salon creating couture confections for grande dames, this boutique sold off-the-peg accessible fashion for the beautiful young women of the time such as Bianca Jagger and his life-long confidante Betty Catroux.
The look and feel of this original store has been recreated in the Rive Gauche exhibition currently taking place at the Fondation Pierre Berge - Yves Saint Laurent (5 avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris until July 17), so visitors can revel not only in his designs but in his approach to store design and VM.
White box, this isn't. Walls are painted in Saint Laurent's famous clashing colours inspired by his frequent trips to his native North Africa, while glossy pink and purple mannequins sport some of his most memorable looks including the iconic Le Smoking. Some looks could have come straight from SS11 and AW11/12's runways such as the 70s peasant blouse and flowing skirt ensemble and the perfect 60s pea-coat.
Still, we shouldn't be surprised to see these looks prevail and for Saint Laurent's work to remain so relevant. As he said himself: "Fashions fade - style is eternal."
For more information, visit: www.fondation-pb-ysl.net
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