Saint Laurent Legacy in Fashion
Shaping Fashion Across Generations: The Unparalleled Legacy of Saint Laurent.
Few names in the fashion world evoke as much reverence and admiration as Saint Laurent. From its inception in 1961, the brand, founded by Yves Saint Laurent and his business and life partner Pierre Bergé, has continuously shaped the landscape of haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. Saint Laurent’s legacy is deeply rooted in innovation, empowerment, and the redefinition of modern style.
Let’s dive into Yves Saint Laurent’s world and greatest achievements in the fashion world through his most famous quotes that reflect his philosophy on fashion, style, and elegance:
Fashions fade, style is eternal.
One of his most iconic quotes, emphasizing the timeless nature of true style over fleeting trends. Saint Laurent himself embodied this principle by designing pieces—such as Le Smoking tuxedo suit, safari jackets, and sheer blouses—that remain relevant and chic decades after their introduction. In a world driven by fast fashion and rapid trend cycles, his words serve as a reminder to invest in timeless, well-crafted pieces and encourage people to build wardrobes that reflect their identity rather than simply chasing what’s popular at the moment.
Dressing is a way of life.
A simple yet powerful statement on how fashion is an integral part of self-expression. Saint Laurent’s legacy transcends clothing; it represents a movement towards freedom, empowerment, and self-expression.
Chanel freed women, and I empowered them.
A bold declaration of how his designs gave women power and confidence. In 1966 Yves Saint Laurent launched the iconic "Le Smoking" tuxedo suit for women, a move that challenged conventional gender norms and set a new precedent for women’s power dressing. This bold step was a cultural shift, empowering women to embrace androgynous elegance.
Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.
Highlighting that fashion is meant to enhance the individual, not overpower them. Yves Saint Laurent had a profound admiration for women, not only as clients but as sources of inspiration. Throughout his career, he surrounded himself with powerful, elegant, and unconventional women who became his muses and helped shape his vision of beauty and style. Among them was Catherine Deneuve, who frequently wore his designs on and off-screen. Loulou de la Falaise, his close friend and creative collaborator, embodied the bohemian chic spirit that influenced many of his collections. Betty Catroux, with her androgynous allure, Paloma Picasso, whose bold and artistic personality left a mark on his work. These women were not just fashion icons but integral to the Saint Laurent universe, representing the freedom, strength, and elegance that defined his creations."
I participated in the transformation of my era. I did it with clothes, which is surely less important than music, architecture, painting… but whatever it’s worth, I did it.
Recognizing his contribution to fashion as a form of cultural change. He was among the first couturiers to recognize the potential of ready-to-wear fashion, launching the Rive Gauche line in 1966. This democratization of high fashion made luxurious and stylish pieces more accessible to a broader audience and changed forever the industry’s landscape. What now is taken for granted in 1966 was true revolution.
Even after Yves Saint Laurent stepped away from the fashion house in 2002, his influence continued to shape the industry. Under the creative direction of designers such as Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has maintained its rebellious yet chic identity, appealing to contemporary fashion enthusiasts while staying true to its heritage. The brand’s aesthetic blends Parisian chic with edgy, rock-and-roll influences, making it perfect for those who want to exude confidence and individuality.
Owning a Saint Laurent piece is about more than just luxury—it’s about timeless style and effortless sophistication. Moreover, it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Buying second-hand Saint Laurent items allows you to experience the elegance and craftsmanship of this iconic brand at a fraction of the original price. Explore our curated collection of pre-loved Saint Laurent pieces and make your wardrobe more luxurious, timeless, and eco-friendly today!
