“Elegance is not standing out but being remembered.” YSL
Before leaving Paris for Morocco, I planned a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent museum with my friend Kathy (visiting from Atlanta) and my Parisian friend, Eugénie. Kathy and I planned to visit the Majorelle Gardens and Saint Laurent’s private home, Villa Oasis, while in Marrakesh, so the museum was a perfect preview. Our museum guide, Sophie, actually worked with Saint Laurent and had many personal stories and memories to share — a special look into the life and time of this enduring designer.
The exhibit, the last before the museum closes for major renovations, featured original drawings and sketches, with an emphasis on his interest in flowers — their shapes and colors. Almost all the clothing on display featured floral motifs and were from his early years at Dior. Of course florals are a common influence and inspiration for designers. Charles Frederick Worth, the father of haute couture, used large florals in his designs and Paul Poiret created a stylized roses and Coco Chanel used camellias as her signature flower. Christian Dior, Saint Laurent’s mentor, loved flowers and found in their spirals and curves the very definition of femininity. This affinity for flowers motivated YSL and his partner, Pierre Bergé, to acquire the Marjorelle Gardens and restore them to their original grandeur, as we would see in Marrakesh.
Perhaps the most interesting space in the museum, was the actual workspace in which the designs were created and came to life. It is a long rectangular room brightly lit by ceiling to floor windows. Several long desks are joined together to provide workspace for assistants — among them was Sophie’s area. The long wall opposite the windows holds shelves with reference books and catalogs of fabric samples, trimmings such as buttons, lace, beads etc, design sketches and ideas. Saint Laurent’s desk is at the far end of this room and is cluttered with all sorts of paraphernalia, mementos, awards and gifts. This was interesting because he often remarked how much he needed a calm and quiet environment— Village Oasis would provide that retreat for him.
Sophie explained that the models would enter and walk the length of the room to a mirror at the end near Saint Laurent’s desk. He never looked at the models directly but instead would see them in the mirror as they approached. This, he said, gave him a true perspective on the fit and movement of the garment. It is always interesting to learn how creative minds differ in their work habits! Dior, for example, worked in a very sparse and organized office – the opposite of Saint Laurent’s and was quite involved with the model fittings!
Fun Fact: Yves Saint Laurent had several French bulldogs— when one died he got another — and all were named “Moujik.” All of them were well behaved and beloved by the staff. However, he also had an Irish Wolfhound named “Mister” that was a terror and caused untold trouble with its unruly and aggressive behavior. Mister was NOT beloved by the staff!
After the museum we stopped at the flagship store on Champs Élysées where we were treated to champagne and chocolates in a recently added private garden. Though I tried several garments, I opted for an open weave black summer tote and a pair of sunglasses.
Sometimes a simple accessory completes your Purely Personal style!
