Saint Laurent

SUMMARY

Saint Laurent, formerly known as Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), is a prestigious French luxury fashion house recognised for its modern and iconic designs. Founded in 1961 by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner Pierre Bergé, the luxury fashion brand revolutionised women’s fashion with its introduction of androgynous styles, such as the legendary ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo. Today, Saint Laurent continues to be a dominant force in haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, and fashion accessories, balancing heritage with contemporary innovation. Under the ownership of Kering, the luxury brand is a symbol of Parisian elegance today, catering to a global clientele with its bold and sophisticated aesthetic.

HISTORY

Saint Laurent was established in 1961 in Paris by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The brand quickly gained attention for its avant-garde approach to fashion, challenging traditional gender norms and introducing groundbreaking designs that redefined women’s wardrobes. One of its most iconic early creations was the Mondrian dress (1965), inspired by the works of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.

In 1966, Saint Laurent made history by launching Rive Gauche, the first ready-to-wear luxury fashion line, making high-end fashion more accessible while maintaining exclusivity. This move reshaped the industry, inspiring other luxury brands to establish prêt-à-porter lines. During this era, the brand became synonymous with rebellious yet sophisticated fashion, often inspired by art, music, and youth culture.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Saint Laurent’s collections continued to push boundaries, with pieces such as the safari jacket, see-through blouses, and dramatic evening gowns gaining widespread popularity. The brand’s signature tuxedo for women, Le Smoking, became a symbol of female empowerment, worn by celebrities and fashion icons worldwide.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw shifts in creative leadership, with designers such as Alber Elbaz and Tom Ford bringing fresh perspectives. Ford, in particular, revitalised Saint Laurent with a bold, sensual aesthetic, infusing his collections with glamour and modernity. In 2004, Stefano Pilati took over, introducing a more refined and minimalist approach while maintaining the brand’s DNA.

In 2012, Hedi Slimane rebranded the label to “Saint Laurent,” dropping “Yves” from the name while preserving the iconic “YSL” monogram. Slimane’s tenure brought a rock-and-roll edge to the brand, influencing collections with youth culture, music, and grunge aesthetics. He also relocated the brand’s creative headquarters to Los Angeles, signalling a shift in its global positioning.

Anthony Vaccarello took the creative reins in 2016, maintaining the brand’s edgy, seductive identity while reintroducing elements of Yves Saint Laurent’s original designs. Under Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has continued to deliver powerful runway shows, collaborating with artists and expanding its menswear, footwear, and accessories lines.

Saint Laurent has also incorporated sustainability initiatives into its operations, committing to eco-friendly practices, responsible sourcing, and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of Kering, it aligns with the conglomerate’s sustainability goals, including the use of organic fabrics, ethical leather production, and reduced waste in manufacturing.

VISION

Yves Saint Laurent envisioned a fashion house that would break free from traditional haute couture constraints and embrace modern design. His goal was to empower women by offering sophisticated, tailored pieces inspired by menswear, allowing them to express confidence, strength, and elegance. The revolutionary concept of Le Smoking, for example, challenged gender norms by introducing women to tuxedos.

Yves Saint Laurent also aimed to democratise fashion through his ready-to-wear Rive Gauche collection. He believed that luxury should be more accessible while maintaining artistic integrity and exclusivity. By doing so, he paved the way for contemporary luxury fashion, inspiring a new wave of fashion designers to merge high fashion with everyday wear.

His vision extended beyond clothing—Saint Laurent was heavily influenced by art, theatre, and music, often drawing inspiration from cultural movements. His collaborations with artists and his bold, expressive collections demonstrated a commitment to creativity and pushing boundaries in the fashion industry.

MISSION STATEMENT

Saint Laurent’s mission is to maintain its legacy of innovation while adapting to the ever-evolving fashion landscape. It seeks to create designs that are timeless yet modern, appealing to a diverse and dynamic audience. The brand upholds the principles of Parisian elegance and craftsmanship while embracing contemporary cultural influences.

Another fundamental aspect of its mission is to empower individuals through fashion. Saint Laurent designs are meant to exude confidence, sophistication, and rebelliousness, allowing wearers to make bold statements. Its creative direction remains rooted in the idea that fashion is an expression of personality, individuality, and artistic freedom.

Sustainability is also central to the luxury brand’s mission. Under Kering’s guidance, Saint Laurent has committed to eco-conscious practices, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining the highest quality standards. By integrating sustainability with luxury, the brand is working towards a more responsible and ethical fashion industry.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

1. François-Henri Pinault – CEO of Kering
2. Francesca Bellettini – President and CEO of Saint Laurent
3. Anthony Vaccarello – Creative Director

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Saint Laurent’s product portfolio spans a portfolio of luxury items, including ready-to-wear, haute couture, leather goods, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances. Its menswear and womenswear collections combine classic tailoring with contemporary, edgy aesthetics, reflecting the luxury brand’s signature style. Some of its  iconic products include the Le Smoking tuxedo, Sac de Jour handbag, Tribute sandals, and Opyum heels. Beyond fashion, Saint Laurent has expanded into high-end retail experiences, offering immersive flagship boutiques in major cities like Paris, Milan, New York, and Tokyo. The brand also collaborates with musicians, artists, and filmmakers, solidifying its presence in the cultural and artistic spheres.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Over the years, Saint Laurent has received numerous accolades for its contributions to fashion, including awards honouring its innovative designs, creative direction, and lasting impact on luxury fashion. Yves Saint Laurent himself was recognised with prestigious awards, such as the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award and the CFDA International Award. The luxury brand’s designs have been featured in prominent museum exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. These exhibitions highlight its influence on global fashion and its role in shaping modern luxury aesthetics. Saint Laurent continues to be celebrated by celebrities, fashion editors, and critics alike, maintaining its status as one of the world’s most influential and revered luxury fashion houses.