Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography

This definitive portrait of the creative genius who transformed fashion is the first major English-language biography of Yves Saint Laurent since his death in 2008 featuring exclusive interviews of those who knew him best by one of the most respected names in French fashion. Yves Saint Laurents impact on fashion is legendary yet he remains an enigmatic and compelling figure. Tracing the development of Saint Laurents visionary work through his charmed yet tumultuous life respected fashion writer Laurence Benams newly translated and updated biography of the famed designer explores how this unassuming prodigy became a legendary celebrated public icon who changed the face of fashion style and celebrity. Enriched by the authors exclusive interviews--from Saint Laurents partner Pierre Berg to family members his atelier staff and muses such as Catherine Deneueve LouLou de la Falaise and Paloma Picasso--this fascinating biography chronicles early glimpses of Saint Laurents talent in Oran and his star trajectory from leading the House of Dior at the age of twenty-one to his fall from grace and subsequent forging with Pierre Berg fashions most enduring and successful professional partnership. In portraying the man behind the timeless icons of the Mondrian-print shift dress and the Le Smoking trouser suit--who partied with Warhol in New York and relaxed with the jet set in his Marrakesh hideaway--Benam powerfully illuminates both the glittering world of haute couture and the business empire that revolutionized the fashion industry.