First Ever YSL Exhibit Comes To The UK

Get ready for a hefty dose of fashion coming this July as the first ever exhibit to honor the great Yves Saint Laurent arrives in the UK.

Making its home at The Bowes Museum in County Durham the retrospective, titled “Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal,” is courtesy of the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, at the forefront of which sits the world-renowned designer’s partner, Pierre Bergé. Although Saint Laurent himself sadly passed away in 2008, the foundation seeks to continue spreading the message about his work and his unmistakable mark on the fashion world. “The Bowes Museum is a natural destination given its exceptional work with fashion and textiles; the museum and its location also clearly reflects Saint Laurent’s, and my own, passion for inspiring, timeless places. It is the perfect setting for us – a museum built as a French chateau, in the age of the Second Empire,” explained Bergé, perhaps aptly, given that many might be surprised that the exhibit is taking place away from Britain’s epicentre of luxury fashion, London.

Running from 11 July until 25 October, the show will take a look back at the man behind the YSL brand—his beginnings, inspirations and journey to head one of the most iconic fashion houses in history. Saint Laurent’s life will be traced through 50 landmark pieces as visitors are invited to take a look at how he shaped his career, including his time as creative director for another world-famous brand—Christian Dior. “We are honoured to host the first exhibition in the UK of Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential fashion designers of all time,” commented Joanna Hashagen, fashion curator for the Bowes Museum. “We are also thrilled to work alongside the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent on an innovative display that will introduce a dialogue between the designer’s body of work and the museum’s collection. This certainly is a great moment in the history of the Bowes Museum, as well as for fashion display in the UK.”