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The Female Muses Who Inspired Yves Saint Laurent
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Yves Saint Laurent went from dressing paper dolls as a child to creating one of the most powerful luxury fashion houses in the world. In addition to building a successful legacy brand, he was one of the youngest designers to craft quality designs during his time. He was a protégé of Christian Dior and a long-time rival of Karl Lagerfeld, both of which contributed to Laurent’s memorable life that we know today.
With the help of his long-time partner Pierre Bergé and his many muses, Saint Laurent became a renowned brand.
In honor of the great designer’s birthday, CR looks back on his many muses that inspired a revolutionary creativity.
Victoire Doutreleau: Le Première
Victoire Doutreleau was a French model for Christian Dior during the early ‘50s and fed into Yves Saint Laurent’s early stages by not only becoming an assistant for the house, but also one of the designer’s closest friends. The two had a deep connection that Doutreleau denies ever was rooted in romance in an interview with WWD. Being that the two were close-knit, it’s safe to say that Doutreleau was Laurent’s first and true muse for what he wanted a woman in his designs to embody.
Paloma Picasso: It-Girl
Paloma Picasso was more than just the daughter of notable artist Pablo Picasso. She was a businesswoman, jewelry designer for Tiffany & Co., and fashion designer. She was also one of the key names in Saint Laurent’s close group of friends and muses. During the 1970s when fashion was entering a new realm, Picasso stood front and center as the inspiration for Laurent’s daunting and poorly-received “Scandal” collection in 1971. Picasso provided insight for Laurent on how to make items purchased at flea markets look appealing and chic.
Betty Catroux: Laurent in Woman Form
Catroux worked as a model for Chanel but soon realized the brand didn’t embody her aesthetic. She favored Laurent’s physique, style, and facial structure, which all contributed to the two becoming inseparable. The pair were considered twins that traveled and partied together. Catroux was a catalyst for Laurent’s deep dive into creating the masculine-feminine wardrobe staples such as the tuxedo, trouser suits, and jumpsuits.
Catherine Deneuve: “Godmother” of Rive Gauche
Deneuve and Laurent met in 1966 while filming Belle de Jour, and the actress later became the designer’s “lucky charm”. Deneuve also became the “godmother” of Laurent’s ready-to-wear collections under Rive Gauche due to her charisma and elegance. Although Deneuve and Laurent were considered close friends, they were also noted as an early example of a successful partnership between an actress and designer.
Loulou de la Falaise: Bohemian Queen
Falaise first met Saint Laurent in 1968 and inspired him to take more risks with his fashion. Her bohemian style and free-spirited vision are said to have heavily inspired the designer’s days in Marrakech. Falaise was English but moved all around the world as a child living with foster families and being expelled from schools in Switzerland and New York. She was what we would call a true bohemian. Falaise was not a fan of minimalism and stated “I don’t like black, you wear black when you’re miserable.”
Mounia:
There weren’t many models of color on runways, if any at all, during the ‘60s and ‘70s. In fact, Laurent became one of the very few designers to challenge the status quo and feature a Black model in an haute couture show. Mounia, a Martinique native, became his muse in 1978. Recalling barrier-breaking models in the industry today usually begins with Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, but it was Mounia that really set the stage for Black models being included in fashion.
Marine Schiano: Power Woman
Schiano started working at Yves Saint Laurent’s men’s boutique in 1971 and later became executive vice president of the brand. She was known as the mastermind behind the launch of Saint Laurent’s Opium fragrance in New York. Those who knew her said that she exuded being fierce and bold, which helped her become a well-known businesswoman within the fashion industry holding positions in public relations for Calvin Klein and becoming a creative style director at Vanity Fair. Schiano was the blueprint for a true Saint Laurent woman.
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createdAt:Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:36:28 +0000
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