A Brand We Love: Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent was originally a couture house before it made its move into ready to wear. Following hits like ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo jacket and the Mondrian dress collection in the early 60s, Saint Laurent launched Rive Gauche – a line of high-end clothes produced on a larger scale to bring designer fashion to women everywhere. Originally steered by founder and couturier Yves Saint Laurent, over the years the house’s creative directors have included Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati, Hedi Slimane, and most recently Anthony Vaccarello – all of whom have continued Yves’s legacy and secured Saint Laurent’s reputation as one of the most coveted names in fashion.

Known for blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity, as well as his unapologetic approach to sexuality, Yves was one of the first designers to depict women in trouser suits and tailoring. Since then, the brand’s aesthetic has embodied the same DNA – empowering, dynamic and boundary-pushing designs. The bags have tended to stay classic, nodding to archive pieces and collections past, while the jewellery is largely vintage inspired. Everything is based on clean cuts, a pared-back colour palette, ‘Le Smoking’ inspired suits, androgynous coats and silky, sensuous blouses and tops.

If the Saint Laurent price tag is out of reach, the good news is the high street has plenty of pieces to help you emulate the same sharp shoulders, dramatic silhouettes and 90s influences. MATCHES’ own contemporary brand Raey has some of the best drapey silk tops, M&S is a go-to for form-fitting trousers, and Reiss and COS both have some of the best blazers around this season. For extra style points, don’t forget a pair of oversized vintage-inspired earrings. Susan Caplan is the place to find them.

Visit YSL.com