R.I.P

"I always believed that style was more important than fashion. They are rare, those who imposed their style while fashion makers are so numerous." - Yves Saint Laurent

My Mac went on a slight vacation so I had planned on a blogging vacation sort of say but this news was needed. Today June 1, 2008, African/French Designer Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent(71) died in his home in Paris.
I'm not a super fan. I don't think I own any of his clothing. I always look for his newest collections but I actually dislike his men's wear(eyewear line is awesome tho) BUT I have learned quite a bit about fashion from this man.


Three years ago I caught the first part of his 2 disc DVD documentaries directed by David Teboul(Histoire(s) d'Elle [2005]**good doc); "Yves St. Laurent: 5 Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris" (2002) & "Yves St. Laurent: His Life and Times" (2002). Not long ago, Sundance Channel aired the second part and I was completely speechless. If you don't already have a clothing line this DVD will convince you to produce one. I finished the dvd with a completely different understand of what it means to maintain a label and please do not get me started on quality control. WATCH THE DVD...It makes you realize are current place in the fashion timeline and where we have came from and most importantly where we are headed.
The one attribute that I admired the most and possible one of the many reason critics have recognized him as one of the most influential designers of the 20th Century is his trend forecasting or at times blatant disregard to(controversial '71 World War II collection and critically named "Opium" fragrance).
My notes on YSL besides being smitten by his mentorship under Chritsian Dior, have always focused on his understanding of his brand in the high fashion market. Most importantly cultivating the YSL brand image. I would compare his influence to that of a Hiroshi Fujiwara in streetwear, SERIOUSLY, the guy is a genius.
Yves Saint laurent will definitely be missed..

"I sometimes think he's(Yves Saint Laurent) got the form of Chanel with the opulence of Dior and the wit of Schiaparelli." - Christian LaCroix