Though the Musée Yves Saint Laurent may be small compared to other fashion museums, its charm lies in its intimacy. Nestled in the heart of Paris in a private mansion that once served as the iconic designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002, it felt like I was stepping into Yves Saint Laurent’s world. Despite only taking about 45 minutes to explore, those minutes were packed with discoveries about the designer and his creative genius.
The moment we entered, the walls on the first floor, draped in luxurious green velvet, set the tone. There was something cozy yet grand about it, like walking into a designer’s personal library of couture treasures. We were greeted warmly at the reception, and to our delight, with the student discount, we snagged tickets for just 7 euros each—so beautifully designed that we all decided to keep ours as souvenirs.
Our adventure began in the first room, where a massive wall-sized board chronicled the milestones of Saint Laurent’s career. It felt like we were flipping through the pages of fashion history, each milestone bringing his journey to life. Beside it, framed photographs and sketches told stories of pivotal moments—like the time his design first graced the cover of Vogue or when his unforgettable backless black dress took the fashion world by storm. Standing in this grand room, with its large windows overlooking Avenue Marceau, I could almost picture the haute couture salon in its heyday. This very space was where Saint Laurent’s clients came for fittings, where his masterpieces were carefully tailored and brought to life.
As I step out of the lobby and into the second room, where his signature style began to take shape. The room is bathed in soft light, which perfectly complements the delicate black lace designs on display. Flowing silhouettes and half-transparent fabrics define the space, showcasing the designer’s fascination with playing between the seen and unseen.
Besides these timeless classics, past exhibits have celebrated his bold Mondrian dresses, where art met fashion in a revolutionary way, and even delved into his collaborations with Lyon’s finest textile firms, showcasing the intricate materials that brought his designs to life. And for those lucky enough to catch it, a recent retrospective honoring the 60th anniversary of Saint Laurent’s first couture show was an absolute treasure trove. Visitors were treated to an insider’s view of his creative process, with over 300 sketches, dozens of prototypes, and patterns straight from the archives.
The lighting in the museum is deliberately kept dim to protect the delicate fabrics of these garments. It adds the luxury as you move through the exhibit, sometimes needing to lean in closer to appreciate the finer details of the pieces behind the glass.
After taking in the wonders of the first floor, we went to the basement, where a series of screens, complete with headphones, offer a more immersive experience. Here, you can explore notable collections from the house with a soundtrack of history playing in your ears. What I found particularly fascinating was seeing some of the ground-floor pieces brought to life on these screens, offering a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind them.
Then, as you ascend to the second floor, you step into the atelier – the creation of the designer’s studio. The shelves brim with the essence of a creative mind—sketches, color charts, and photos scattered like little windows into the past. Only a soft line of light on the carpet marks the boundary, keeping visitors at a respectful distance, while the museum’s elegant alarm system—a charming bell rather than a harsh siren—ensures nothing interrupts the tranquil atmosphere.
On the third floor, things get even more magical. Here, garments are suspended from the ceiling like works of art, turning the room into an installation of haute couture. A mirror on the floor reflects every angle, allowing you to take in the intricate details from all perspectives.
Finally, we were greeted by the museum’s souvenir shop, small but perfectly curated. It’s filled with treasures—postcards, tote bags, and books, all inspired by different collections. The highlight is a selection of poster-sized prints from Saint Laurent’s “Love” greeting card series, which he famously designed and sent to his closest friends and collaborators each year. I couldn’t resist picking up a postcard of my favorite piece—the iconic black backless dress. It felt like the perfect memento from such a journey through fashion history.
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