Founded in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent
After being appointed creative director at just 21 years old for Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent established his own house with Bergé. The brand quickly gained recognition for its bold yet sophisticated approach, merging masculine tailoring with feminine silhouettes - a radical concept for the era.
The Brand Evolution
Following Yves Saint Laurent's retirement in 2002, the brand saw several creative directors - including Tom Ford who revitalized it in the late 1990s. The 2008 rebranding to "Saint Laurent Paris"
Current creative director Anthony Vaccarello continues this legacy, infusing the collections with sensual femininity, precise couture-like cuts, and the brand's signature rock-and-roll edge. According to this detailed product spreadsheet
Iconic Products and Influence
The brand's most recognized products have become cultural icons:
- The Sac de Jour
- The Kate bag
- Niki bag
- Tribute and Opyum sandals
Saint Laurent parfums also became legendary - particularly the forbidden-animalic raunch of OpiumParis
Why Saint Laurent Endures
Unlike many fashion houses that constantly chase trends, Saint Laurent cultivates an attitude. Stylish people don't simply wear the clothes - they adopt the irreverence, intellect and sexual confidence inherent in Saint Laurent's worldview since its beatnik-influenced origins.
Recent Runway collections emphasize this continuity:
- S/S 2024's sheer romantic dresses honoring Saint Laurent's love of theatre
- F/W 2023's moody black leather recalling the 80s "Gaultier-by-way-of-YSL" allure
- The signature louche suiting remains a seasonal staple
View their digital product archive