Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style

An intimate look at the famed designer and his work, revealing his artistic process and influence. Modernizing haute couture. Pioneering high-end ready-to-wear. Bringing masculine ease to women’s clothing. Legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s reputation precedes him—but what of the man behind the work?

Fashion historian and YSL expert Florence Müller traces Saint Laurent’s career, from aspiring designer to Christian Dior’s protégé to director of his own fashion house from 1961 until 2002. The book emphasizes the designer’s creative process—his inspirations, the conception and fabric selection, the various stages of fitting and production—and takes the reader behind the scenes of the atelier.

Also featured are original sketches, runway shots, and never-before-published photographs of Saint Laurent at work, as well as new photography of iconic YSL designs from the exhibition, including the first Tuxedo pantsuit (1966), the Safari tunic (1968), the Mondrian dress (1965), and the Wesselmann dress (1966). The book also includes a 1991 interview from Le Figaro with the late designer. This focused exploration shows how Saint Laurent’s radical clothes for the modern woman—presented here in gorgeous detail—continue to inspire fashion lovers and fans of art and design for their innovation and perfection of style.

Florence Müller is a highly regarded fashion historian who has written extensively on Yves Saint Laurent and other renowned designers.

Pierre Bergé is the cofounder of Yves Saint Laurent Couture House and president of Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the fashion designer.

Kimerly Rorschach is the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum.