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Saint Laurent Brand Eyewear

 

Saint Laurent BrandSaint Laurent Eyewear has been around since the founding of the the brand itself, with the launch of sunglasses back in 1961.  The eyeglasses collection much later.  The Saint Laurent brand was founded by Yves Saint-Laurent, the famous designer who was born in 1936 and died in 2008.  He was one of the most famous French fashion designers of all time.   During his time, he was consistently celebrated and his influence guided fashionable clothing styles for five decades even to today.  Yves Saint Laurent was credited with both spurring the couture's rise from the 1960s and with finally rendering ready-to-wear clothing reputable. He was able to adapt his style to accommodate the changes in fashion during that period, because he approached fashion in a different perspective by wanting women to look comfortable yet elegant at the same time. 

Saint Laurent Brand Aesthetic

The Saint Laurent brand aesthetic is defined by its edgy, sophisticated, and inherently Parisian style. Rooted in a blend of luxury and rebellion, the brand captures a spirit of effortless elegance with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Since its founding in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent has consistently redefined fashion, challenging conventions while maintaining a timeless allure.

Central to the aesthetic are sharp tailoring, sleek silhouettes, and a monochromatic palette dominated by black, punctuated with occasional bold patterns and metallics. Signature pieces include tuxedo jackets like the revolutionary “Le Smoking” suit for women, leather jackets, slim-fit jeans, and fluid dresses with an air of sensuality. The designs often juxtapose masculine and feminine elements, celebrating individuality and confidence.

Under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello since 2016, Saint Laurent continues to emphasize minimalism and modernity while embracing a youthful, rebellious energy. Campaigns frequently feature urban settings, moody lighting, and provocative imagery, highlighting the brand's bold and avant-garde identity.

Saint Laurent’s aesthetic extends to accessories, footwear, and fragrances, reinforcing its commitment to uncompromising luxury and contemporary edge. It appeals to those who seek refinement paired with an audacious, unapologetic attitude.

Saint Laurent Brand HistoryBrand History

The house of Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 at 30 Bis Rue Spontini, Paris, France.  The first collection was presented on Monday, January 29, 1962 and received immediate acclaim, especially for the invention of "the little black dress."    The first boutique was opened in 1966 for ready-to-wear clothes, and was named Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, and it created such a sensation that it transformed the fashion industry.  In 1974 the House moved to 5 Avenue Marceau, where the Musee Yves Saint Laurent now stands.  In July of 1976, YSL stages an opulent show inspired by Russian ballerinas, which changed the perception of fashion to opulent and decorative, showing it as an art form.

Gucci Acquisition

In 1999, the Gucci Group purchased the House of Saint Laurent.  Soon after, Tom Ford is named creative director of the Soint Laurent ready-to-wear lines.  He is later succeeded by Stefano Pilati in 2004, and then Hedi Slimane in 2012.  She changes the name of the label from "House of Saint Laurent" to simply "Saint Laurent".  In 2016 Anthony Vaccarello is appointed the creative director.