If you're interested in fashion, Yves Saint-Laurent is not to be missed - here are five reasons to visit the haute couture temple in Paris dedicated to the French fashion icon.
The doors of the mythical address 5, l'Avenue Marceau in Paris has opened, and everyone is welcomed into Yves-Laurent's Maison de Couture, where he created his masterpieces from 1974 to 2002.
The museum is dedicated to Yves Saint-Laurent and will pay tribute to the many creations that were drawn by the French designer, who debuted at Dior in 1957.
Here are five good reasons to visit Musée Yves Saint-Laurent:
- Experience outstanding haute-couture creations at close range
At the opening of the museum, you will be able to experience an exhibition of 50 specially selected creations along with accessories, drawings, photographs and videos that will be exhibited until September 2018.
The museum is the first in the world entirely devoted to the French designer - an exclusive fashion experience you cannot miss.
- (Re-)discover the Mythical Address
If you are not one of the lucky owners of haute couture creations from Yves Saint-Laurent, you may not know the address 5, l'Avenue Marceau.
It is here, in a private mansion dating back to the middle of the 19th century, a stone's throw from the Seine and Pont d'Alma, the designer worked for almost 30 years from 1974 to 2002. This is where almost 200 tailors and seamstresses gave life to his creations - a legendary haute couture house in the capital of fashion.
- Get to know the creative process
With the opening of Yves Saint-Laurent's salons and creative workrooms, you can get an insight into the creation process of his great masterpieces.
In addition to letting you experience the beautiful dresses and accessories, the museum also wants to give you an insight into the 20th century haute couture and the lifestyle that came with it.
- Fulfill the master's wish
When Yves Saint-Laurents was asked if the posterity was important to him, he responded:
"Yes, I would like my dresses and drawings to be studied in 100 years."
But there is no reason to wait a century to pay tribute to the great designer who died at 72 in 2008. There is no doubt that his iconic design – from safari clothes, to women's tuxedo and the famous Mondrian- dress – still will inspire generations of designers and women.
- Meet his most famous fans
Yves Saint-Laurent is the subject of a huge cult - especially among artists. As an example, one of his most faithful friends and admirers is the actress Catherine Deneuve, who has always been dressed in his design – both in her movies and privately.
Throughout the museum you can also see the work Yves Saint-Laurent has made for movies, just as you can see portraits of him made by some of the greatest painters and photographers; Bernard Beuffet, Andy Warhool, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Jeanloup Sieff ...
The death of Pierre Bergé, September 8, 2017, less than a month before the opening of the museum, makes the inauguration even more symbolic. Pierre Berges became Yves Saint-Laurent's companion in 1958 and since followed the iconic designer, just as he was president of "La Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint-Laurent".
The museum bears witness to the legacy of two men who devoted their lives to creativity and creation.