About Us

1967

The house of Saint Laurent first collaborates with film,

designing the wardrobe of Catherine Deveuve for Luis

Buñuel’s landmark film Belle de Jour, including pieces from

both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections.

1968

Again a first - Saint Laurent launches a ready-to-wear

collection for men, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche pour Hommes,

opening a boutique the following year.

1971

The House of Saint Laurent presents its Spring/Summer 1971

haute couture collection, titled ‘Libération’ and inspired by the 1940s.

Initially causing a scandal, its strong-shouldered silhouette

sets the template for the 1980s, and becomes a hallmark of the house.

1974

The house of Saint Laurent moves to 5 avenue Marceau, Paris,

where the Musée Yves Saint Laurent now stands.

1976

haute couture show inspired by the costumes of the

Ballets Russes (1909-1929). It is the first Saint Laurent show

presented on a raised catwalk, changing the way fashion is perceived

- opulent and decorative, it approaches fashion as an art form.

1977

Drawing inspiration from Asian culture, the house of Saint Laurent

presents a collection dedicated to China. This coincides with the launch

of a new perfume titled Opium - the first time a couture collection had

ever been conceived around a scent. Connecting egalitarian and democratic

perfume with the magic of haute couture, Saint Laurent perceived

a new plurality of fashion communication.

1983

Yves Saint Laurent and the house of Saint Laurent are subject

to a retrospective exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

It is the first time a living designer has ever been honored in such a manner.

1997

In an exceptional move - indicating his intention for the

house of Saint Laurent to continue after he himself retired,

and to cement his creative legacy - Yves Saint Laurent appoints

the designers Alber Elbaz and Hedi Slimane to head the

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche womens and mens lines respectively,

while he continues to design the haute couture.

1999

Gucci Group purchases the house of Saint Laurent in December.

In January 2000, Tom Ford is announced as creative director

of the Saint Laurent ready-to-wear lines for men and women.

2002

In January 2002, Yves Saint Laurent retires from the house

of Saint Laurent following a spectacular retrospective

haute couture show at the Centre Pompidou. The haute couture arm

of the house officially closes in October - Saint Laurent’s legacy

will continue purely through its ready-to-wear lines.

2004

Succeeding Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati is appointed creative director

of the house of Saint Laurent.

2012

Hedi Slimane is appointed creative director of the house.

The label is rebranded to simply read ‘Saint Laurent’,

referencing the ready-to-wear logo design and name

originally conceived in 1966.

2015

The house of Saint Laurent moves its creative operation

to 24 Rue De L'Université on Paris’ Left Bank, an address

that emphasizes the ties of the house to this inspirational

arrondissement of the city.

2016

Anthony Vaccarello is appointed creative director

of the house of Saint Laurent.