October 15th, 2008
Costume Institute: The YSL Days At Dior
Cocktail Dress, fall/winter 1959–1960
House of Dior (French, founded 1947), Design House; Yves Saint Laurent (French, born Algeria, 1936), Designer
This is a garment that exemplifies the genius of Yves Saint Laurent. This dress is so now, so modern. The color is delicious, the shape feels fresh, the belt is au currant. It is so Gossip Girl. The dress is almost 50 years old.
In 1958, Saint Laurent found himself at the age of 21 the head designer of the House of Dior when Christian Dior died unexpectedly. Saint Laurent’s first collection for the label is credited with saving the couture house from going under.