Yves Saint Laurent: The Man Who Dressed Women Better Than They Could Themselves

Born Yves Henri Donat Saint Laurent on August 1^st 1936 in Oran, Algeria the dawn of a new fashion day had arrived. I bet his parents never would have guessed their new buddle of joy would change the way women everywhere dressed. In his tender years his mother knew he had talent in fashion and helped him embrace it. In his late teenage years he studied design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, France. While at this school he entered a contest and won which earned him recognition from than and now great designer Christian Dior.

            Soon after their meeting Laurent became Dior’s design assistant and at the tender age of 21 became Dior’s successor after his fatal heart attack in 1957. Laurent, whose first task at the Dior house was to design the store, had come a long way in less than 5 years by becoming the chief designer. During his reign as chief designer he produced what some say to be the rebirth collection of the Dior line. His Trapeze Collection Vogue says was “the most important and fully formulated line in Paris (Watson, 2008).”

            After his short time at the Dior house Laurent was called to duty for the French army. He was discharged and fell into a physical and mental depression. His friend and live partner was the one who brought him back to life and essentially brought us YSL as we know it today. Had it not been for Pierre Bergé, we would not know the “Yves Saint Laurent” line. This dynamic duo changed the world of fashion. Laurent always knew the how to perfectly tailor a suit for a women’s body. The thing I love about Laurent is that he never once said he caters to the wealthy women he said he makes his clothes for the workingwoman.

"Chanel gave liberation of the body to women," said Pierre Bergé, "and Saint Laurent gave power to women with the men's clothes (NYTimes, 2008)." Yves Saint Laurent will always be the best in my eyes and motivates me to do my best at all times! 

 NY Times

Independent

Fashions Night Out!

For the third year the CFDA, Vogue, and NYC & Company joined together to bring the dreams of a shopaholic to reality. Last night September 8, 2011 Fashions Night Out enticed stars and everyday fashionistas to come out and do what they do best by shopping and sharing their love of style.

This event was brought about in 2009 as “a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion. (nitrolicious,2011)” Not only was this an event where one could shop for them selves but they had the chance to give back by donating clothes at one of the five collection points that would benefit the NYC AIDS fund. During this event stores stayed open till 11pm and big name stars even participated in helping customers. Pharrell Williams rung up sales at Billionaire Boys Club, and Anna Wintour made a personal appearance at Macy’s.

Although this event started as a New York based event in less than two years the rest of the world has joined in. From far as Seattle, WA to Milan, Italy stores everywhere are now participating in FNO. The FNO staff every year make a product to sale where some of the proceeds will go to a specific charity. In 2009 it was the September 11 Memorial & Museum, 2010 was the New York City AIDS fund, and this year also to the NYC AIDS fund.

Last night FNO collection showed how much it has evolved from just t-shirts. The collection of course included the famous FNO printed t-shirt but this year they offered a new chic twist a multi colored shirt in the option of short sleeve of long sleeve, baseball fitted hats for the gentlemen, and the most adorable tote bags. All these items were available online for the people who couldn't make it out to go shopping.

Fashion Bomb Daily 

Hopefully next I will get to participate in New York where it all began! Hope to see you there!