Skip to main content

Saint Laurent, Yves (1936-2008)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1936-2008

Biography

French fashion designer Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent (1936 – 2008), professionally known as Yves Saint-Laurent, began his career at the age of 19 as a protege to Christian Dior, and was swiftly promoted to head designer of the House of Dior a few years later after Dior's untimely death. Saint Laurent left Dior to found his eponymous fashion label in 1961. He is regarded as being among the foremost fashion designers in the twentieth century. His approach to women's fashion involved pursuing an elegant look without sacrificing comfort. He is also credited with having introduced the tuxedo suit for women and was known for his use of non-European cultural references, and non-white models.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Francine Gray sketch collection

 Collection
Identifier: SC.220
Scope and Contents

Three works of art including a fashion sketch of woman in dress from the 1950s by Christian Dior, pencil sketch on paper of Francine Gray by Joe Eula and a drawing by Yves Saint Laurent in marker.

Dates: placeholder

Yves Saint Laurent sketch and photograph collection

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: SC.78
Scope and Contents

This collection contains 10 fashion "croquis", photocopied figures with handpainted garments, with fabric swatches, and 3 photographs of models shown wearing the enclosed designs. All sketches are on Yves Saint Laurent stationary, and there are three typewritten clothing descriptions in French.

Dates: Summer 1971