Weblecture 1 - Yves Saint Laurent
Who is Yves and why is he an important figure in fashion ?
1936-2008 (Algerian)
- most influential figure in the 20th century
- studied fashion in Paris
- he is introduced to Christian Dior and becomes his assistant, then becomes head
designer at Dior
CONTEXT
After the WW2, it is the Golden Age of haute couture. Paris was seen as the place of good
taste, was leading haute couture.
- Dior’s collection The New Look (1947) seen as the moment when Paris’ haute couture
was once again leading haute couture on an international scale. were feminine and
delicate (contrast to the austère look of the warriors). He designed dresses that put
emphasis on the hips and waist, extravagant.
- His vision of women was the image of a liberated women (they took care of everything
while men where at war)
→ this image of good taste, manner and style was proposed by Parisian haute couture
was leading
From the 1960’s onwards power changed hands and went from haute couture to youth
culture. London was the epicentre of this Youth quake. Carnaby Street was a place to see
and be seen at for its boutiques.
Youthquake fashion : social and political context
- introduction of pill and own careers for women
→ they had their income to spend on whatever they wanted
- skirt was a sign of the changes that were taking place in women’s llife.
The true leader of this Youthquake was Yves Saint Laurent, he already lowered the fashion
age in the 50’s when he was head designer at Dior. He was the first to break the gap
between fashion and haute couture.
Who is Yves and why is he an important figure in fashion ?
1936-2008 (Algerian)
- most influential figure in the 20th century
- studied fashion in Paris
- he is introduced to Christian Dior and becomes his assistant, then becomes head
designer at Dior
CONTEXT
After the WW2, it is the Golden Age of haute couture. Paris was seen as the place of good
taste, was leading haute couture.
- Dior’s collection The New Look (1947) seen as the moment when Paris’ haute couture
was once again leading haute couture on an international scale. were feminine and
delicate (contrast to the austère look of the warriors). He designed dresses that put
emphasis on the hips and waist, extravagant.
- His vision of women was the image of a liberated women (they took care of everything
while men where at war)
→ this image of good taste, manner and style was proposed by Parisian haute couture
was leading
From the 1960’s onwards power changed hands and went from haute couture to youth
culture. London was the epicentre of this Youth quake. Carnaby Street was a place to see
and be seen at for its boutiques.
Youthquake fashion : social and political context
- introduction of pill and own careers for women
→ they had their income to spend on whatever they wanted
- skirt was a sign of the changes that were taking place in women’s llife.
The true leader of this Youthquake was Yves Saint Laurent, he already lowered the fashion
age in the 50’s when he was head designer at Dior. He was the first to break the gap
between fashion and haute couture.
