10 Facts You Didn't Know about Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent is one of our all-time favorite fashion designers. Named Yves Henri Donat Matthieu Saint Laurent, the designer was born August 1st, 1936 in Algeria. Growing up bullied and sick, he found solace in the fashion world, honing his craft and becoming a master couturier who had an endearingly sensitive side. In honor of his birthday, here are 10 facts you may not have known about him:
1. He was known for his quotes. One of his most famous quotes is "Fashions fade, style is eternal." Another famous one is "Chanel freed women and I empowered them."
2. As a child in Algeria, he designed clothing for handmade puppets and held performances for his family.
3. He was bullied relentlessly at school for being effeminate, and it took a huge toll on his mental well-being.
4. His talent was obvious from a young age, and he was appointed creative director of Dior when he was 21 years old.
5. Saint Laurent was known for inventing women's pantsuits in the 1970s. He also introduced tuxedos and blazers for women called Le Smoking. Bianca Jagger wore a white YSL Le Smoking jacket to her 1971 wedding to Mick Jagger.
6. He struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, but seemed to conquer his demons in his final years. He was a shy, introverted person who was known for his chain-smoking habit.
7. Saint Laurent had a long-term partner named Pierre Bergé. The two met in 1958, and started the House of Saint Laurent in 1961. The couple split in 1976 but remained on friendly terms.
8. French actress Catherine Deneuve was his design muse.
9. Tom Ford became creative director for YSL Ready-to-Wear in 1999, however Laurent kept creative control of the couture house until 2002.
10. Yves Saint Laurent's final show was in 2002, and he died after a battle with brain cancer on June 1st, 2008. He was 71 years old. After his death, news outlets featured endless tributes from fellow designers and old friends.
Let us know... what is your favorite YSL look?
***Featured image courtesy of YSL
Let customers speak for us
The staff are very friendly and they have lots of great collection!
Yet another AMAZING find from Couture! I love this store and the staff! This is definitely worth the trip.
I just purchased three items from CoutureUSA that I never even thought I wanted, and fell in love! My first luxury purchase years ago was from CoutureUSA. Not only are their products in excellent condition, their customer service is excellent. I never worry if items are authentic cause they guarantee authenticity.
Love my new LV bucket bag!
My experience with Contour USA was exceptional from start to finish. My David Yurman 10mm Blue Topaz renaissance bracelet arrived in pristine condition and was exactly as described. The entire process felt seamless, professional, and truly reflective of a high-end buying experience. I would absolutely purchase from them again.
The team there was very friendly and fantastic able to answer any questions that I had products and bags are fantastic quality
It is impossible to visit couture USA without buying something special! Love this store and love the ladies that work here!
Described as "excellent" condition, in my opinion it's "like new"! Fast and secure shipping!
I'm in love with the store they have so many nice items. I was in town on vacation & had to stop in after I saw the store on tik tok.
I had been searching for a vintage Chanel Diana bag for nearly a year. Every one I found was in poor condition, and I was close to giving up. Then this one appeared—local to Tampa Bay. It was, by far, the best condition I’d seen and, unexpectedly, the most reasonably priced. Lady Di is finally mine, and she’s stunning in her 24-karat glory.
Beautiful NeoNoe MM bag! This bag is like brand new no scratches or stains.
The team of Ladies at Couture USA know so much about each individual designer they carry and each bag, belt or accessory that they have for sale. It is truly a delight to shop here and you can be 100% sure that each piece is authentic. My favorite designer store that I have ever been to
Item came fast, was in ex cement condition. I would order from here again!
Beautiful Tiffany diamond bracelet from my husband. Excellent quality, delivered quickly and as always, stellar service from the team at Couture! Many thanks!
If you're into fashion and appreciate the design detail and pop for your wardrobe you can achieve through the fashion greats, shop at this store. I own a Burberry purse I paid full price for one at around $2700 and exact bag was available here for $1000. The staff are friendly and positive - not what you would typically experience in the full retail establishment.
Couture VIP
Sign up now for exclusive pre-sale alert before anyone else!
+30 OFF your first purchase of $300 or more
