Modig Yves Saint Laurent Collection: Week 1

It's no secret that the Modig team is obsessed with Yves Saint Laurent. When we recently decided to shoot an editorial at the Oregon coast, we had no trouble deciding what to bring for the model to wear. We selected everything from our Yves Saint Laurent collection.  

“Every man needs aesthetic phantoms in order to exist.” Yves Saint Laurent

Vintage Black Floral Cotton Voile Floral Yves Saint Laurent Maxi Dress

Our passion for Yves Saint Laurent has led to a collection of over 300 pieces, which we will be releasing 60 at a time over the next 5 weeks. 

Yves Saint Laurent Safari Top, Brown Wool Trousers, & Leather Belt

Why Yves Saint Laurent? Maybe it's because we admire his independent spirit. Saint Laurent was never a part of the established fashion world, choosing instead, to draw inspiration from the world around him and the women for whom he designed. Our first release will include documented fashion, separates, dresses, jackets, skirts, pants, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, hats and bags. What we love about his pieces is that with some modern styling, they fit easily into contemporary wardrobes. 

1989 Yves Saint Laurent Animal Print Documented Dress

Yves Saint Laurent is credited with revolutionizing the fashion world. Here are some contributions we think make him one of the most important designers in history. 

1. Yves Saint Laurent introduced concept of ready to wear to couturier houses with his Rive Gauche collection. Rive Gauche translates to "Left Bank" in English. The left bank region of Paris was the antithesis of the Haute Couture streets of the city. 
2. He brought menswear to women's fashion. The "le smoking" tuxedo jacket gave women the confidence to wear jackets previously worn only by men. He also transformed other traditional menswear pieces for women including the trench coat and the pea coat.
3. In the late 1960s, Saint Laurent introduced sheer organza blouses and transparent tops emphasizing the equality of men and women.
4. Yves Saint Laurent brought the jumpsuit to women's fashion in the 1960's. Jumpsuits were previously only worn by mechanics and aviators. Saint Laurent created elevated versions that could be worn in the evening.
5. The Safari Jacket was another piece that was revolutionary. Inspired by African military uniforms, Saint Laurent brought the safari jacket to women's fashion.
6. Several of Yves Saint Laurent's collections were inspired by Art and artists. The Mondrian collection is the most famous of these.
7. Long before "street style" was a thing, Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by it and he understood the powerful influence of youth on fashion.
8. Instead of all of the bells and whistles that now define runway shows, Yves Saint Laurent created collections that demanded attention on their own. His shows were staged simply and on fanfare free runways. The clothing itself was the drama.
9. Yves Saint Laurent was a true champion for diversity. He was one of the first designers to promote non-white models in print and on the runway.

Robert Goossens Yves Saint laurent Geode Necklace

Saint Laurent's jewelry was also revolutionary for the time. In contrast to the classic pieces being produced by his contemporaries, he designed pieces using natural materials and modern elements and techniques. Though he oversaw every aspect of every collection, Yves Saint Laurent collaborated with artists and jewelry designers on many of his pieces. Loulou de la Falaise was a muse and design collaborator, but he also worked with Paloma Picasso, Robert Goossens, Roger Scemama and Claude Lalanne.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Dome Earrings with Rhinestones

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Gold Plated Bracelet w Maltese Cross

Yves Saint Laurent Faux Coral Bead Necklace

Yves Saint Laurent was one of the last of the 20th century couturiers but his impressive fashion legacy has benefited every designer since. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the powerful legacy of Yves Saint Laurent is by seeing what the people who knew him had to say.

“Chanel, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga and Dior all did extraordinary things. But they worked within a particular style. Yves Saint Laurent is much more versatile, like a combination of all of them. He’s got the form of Chanel with the opulence of Dior and the wit of Schiaparelli.” Christian Lacroix, designer

"He pushed his talent to the limit. He worked so hard, even though it looked so simple: his work was flawless, he never failed to enhance the beauty of women.” Vivienne Westwood, designer

“Yves Saint Laurent has the genius of a poet and when he dresses a body its soul appears.”Madeleine Renaud, actress

“He had a twinkle in his eye. I think he was the first designer to put women of colour on the catwalks, and I’m so grateful to him for that, for giving us a chance to be there. Every other designer has been inspired by him in some way.” Naomi Campbell

“Saint Laurent designs for women with a double life. His clothes for daywear help women to enter a world full of strangers. They enable her to go wherever she wants without arousing unwelcome attention, thanks to their somehow masculine quality. However, for the evening, when she may choose her company, he makes her seductive.” Catherine Deneuve, actress and one of Yves Saint Laurent's muses.

Yves Saint Laurent vintage 1980's Colorful Dot Silk Dress

We hope you will follow us on this journey as we release our collection. We have collected over 300 pieces that we will be releasing in five parts - for five Fridays at noon pst, starting October 7th 2022. We think that as we share our passion and expertise about Yves Saint Laurent and his pieces, you will fall in love with him too.

xo

Lisa