Saint Laurent’s status as a cultural icon in French history has been firmly established with a remarkable collaboration between the fashion house and prestigious Paris museums. To mark the 60th anniversary of the designer’s first catwalk show, six museums, including renowned institutions like the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, have come together to present pieces from Saint Laurent’s collections. The exhibition not only celebrates Saint Laurent’s impact on the fashion industry but also showcases his versatility as a designer, with his creations seamlessly blending with different eras and artistic styles.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is the “Versailles jacket,” prominently displayed in the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre. Resplendent with gold leaves and intricate rock crystals, this jacket effortlessly coexists with the crowns and jewels that symbolize French royalty. This collaboration aims to commemorate Saint Laurent’s contribution to the world of fashion and cement his position as a true pioneer in the industry.
The Centre Pompidou offers a different perspective on Saint Laurent’s work, highlighting dresses inspired by abstract artists such as Piet Mondrian, Sonia Delaunay, and American pop artists. Saint Laurent’s Mondrian collection, released in 1965, predates the Dutch artist’s first career retrospective by four years, showcasing Saint Laurent’s visionary nature. Additionally, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum showcases some of the designer’s original drawings, emphasizing the artistic aspect of fashion.
This collaboration between Saint Laurent and the art institutions is not the first of its kind. In 1983, just two decades after his first show, Saint Laurent became the first living designer to have his work exhibited in a major art institution at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Moreover, the Petit Palais in Paris held a comprehensive career retrospective for Saint Laurent in 2010. However, the current exhibition seeks to explore a unique approach, offering visitors a fresh perspective of Saint Laurent’s work.
Madison Cox, president of the Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, explains the motivation behind this collaborative effort. The foundation aimed to go beyond traditional anniversary celebrations and provide an exhibition that showcases influences specifically acknowledged by Saint Laurent during his career, as well as those chosen for their harmonious interplay. A notable example of this is the display of dresses created for the “Proust Ball,” juxtaposed with Belle Epoque masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet, Degas, and Renoir at the Orsay Museum.
Cox emphasizes the significance of integrating Saint Laurent’s designs into the permanent collections of the participating museums. Rather than merely showcasing his clothes in an empty space, the exhibition creates a dialogue between fashion and art, effectively demonstrating the seamless integration of Saint Laurent’s creations with masterpieces from different artistic movements.
This collaboration serves as a testament to Yves Saint Laurent’s enduring influence and artistic vision, further solidifying his place among the greats of French cultural history. The exhibition not only celebrates his unmatched versatility but also highlights his forward-thinking nature and ability to blur the boundaries between fashion and art. Visitors to the museums have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of Saint Laurent’s designs with masterpieces from various artistic periods. Ultimately, this exhibition is a true celebration of Yves Saint Laurent’s remarkable legacy.
Useful links:
1. Louvre – Versailles Beneath the Apollo Gallery
2. Centre Pompidou Official Website
