Culture Diary: Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Musee Yves Saint Laurent opened its doors a few months ago in October 2017. Located on 5 avenue Marceau, it is situated right by Pont de l'Alma and Avenue des Champs-Élysées. 

After waiting a few months for the queues to die down, I finally managed to visit the first (of what I expect to be many)exhibitions dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent. 

Standing strong as one of my all time favourite couturier's and fashion designers, I was particularly excited to see the place where Saint Laurent himself had worked for so many years, and of course some of the trademark pieces that have granted this brand the legacy that it beholds today.

Portraits of Yves Saint Laurent, 1972 by Andy Warhol.

Accompanied by les filles, we visited on a Sunday afternoon having pre-booked tickets, we managed to stride straight in. Upon arrival, you pass through a chandelier and palm tree decorated hallway and are greeted by surprisingly friendly door staff. 

The exhibition begins with a short introductory video, presented in one of the buildings beautiful salons, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into the work and personal life of YSL. 

Show rooms display individual pieces from some of the brands most renowned collections. Some of these intricate designs include; wedding gowns and evening dresses, elegant over coats, shoes and jewellery. 

The most interesting part of the exhibition is Saint Laurent's personal design studio and office. In his office space, we see original design sketches, fabric swatches, and some of the many books that inspired Saint Laurent during the design process and most likely, his life in general. 

Sectioned into small exhibits, the museum as a whole incorporates photography and short videos that highlight not just the design process, but Saint Laurent's global inspirations too. As one of Saint Laurent's greatest sources of inspiration, there is a particular focus on the importance of Morocco, to his health, well being and long relationship with partner and business associate, Pierre Berge. 

For those who admire YSL and couture in general, this exhibition is definitely worth visiting, and even if you haven't previously been interested by fashion, it may still be of interest, to learn about the industry and the different processes of fashion creation.

For me as a twenty three year old, living my first year as a graduate, I can usually only admire the work of YSL from a far (in magazines and on the internet). So this musée has now extended the accessibility of a an unaffordable brand to younger (& poorer) members of the public, as we are now able admire the beauty of couture and the work of YSL in real life, and not just by looking at runway photos and magazine campaigns- Merci, Monsieur Berge! 

Fashion passes, but style is eternal. 

  

  

Alex x