Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy extends far beyond the collections he created. Equally influential was the visual world he built around them, forged through decades-long collaborations with photographers who helped translate his vision into some of fashion’s most iconic images.
Yves Saint Laurent, 1966; An evening dress worn by Mounia Orosemane, 1978; Pantsuit worn by Vibeke Knudsen, Fall 1975 haute couture collection.
(Image credit: Courtesy of International Center of Photography.)
Throughout his career, the designer cultivated close relationships with leading photographers of the 20th century—including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, William Klein, and Annie Leibovitz—recognizing photography’s unique ability to shape fashion’s cultural impact.
As the new exhibition, “Yves Saint Laurent and Photography,” at the International Center of Photography explores, photography became a central part of the house’s identity, transforming garments into cultural symbols and helping cement Saint Laurent’s place in fashion history.
Models wearing garments from the Yves Saint Laurent Fall 1976 haute couture collection; Claude Lalanne and Yves Saint Laurent in 1969; An evening dress incorporating elements sculpted by Clause Lalanne.
(Image credit: Courtesy of International Center of Photography and Alexis Badiyi.)
The relationship was particularly fitting for a designer whose work consistently challenged conventions. From introducing Le Smoking tuxedo for women to redefining ready-to-wear luxury and drawing inspiration from art, travel, and global culture, Saint Laurent created clothes that reflected changing ideas about femininity, power, and self-expression. Photography amplified those ideas, carrying them far beyond the runway and into the collective imagination.
A collage of photos from the “Yves Saint Laurent and Photography” exhibit.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexis Badiyi.)
I recently had the opportunity to visit the exhibition, which is on view through September 28. Featuring more than 300 photographs and archival materials, the collection reveals how these images helped build one of fashion’s most influential houses.
I was struck by how contemporary many of these photographs feel today. Decades later, the visual codes Saint Laurent helped establish—sharp tailoring, bold color, and theatrical glamour—continue to shape modern style, including my own.
Pantsuit worn by Vibeke Knudsen, Fall 1975 haute couture collection.
(Image credit: Courtesy of International Center of Photography.)
“For a woman, the tuxedo is an indispensable garment in which she will always feel in style, for it is a stylish garment and not a fashionable garment. Fashions fade, style is eternal.” —YSL
A well-tailored dark suit is one of my personal safety looks, one I slip into whenever I want to feel elegant, confident, and comfortable. Looking at Helmut Newton’s iconic photograph of Le Smoking, it’s easy to understand why the image continues to resonate. Yves Saint Laurent’s groundbreaking tuxedo for women, introduced in 1966, forever changed the conversation around power dressing, and its influence still shapes the way I get dressed today. Whenever I wear a black blazer and tailored trousers, I can trace the inspiration back to this image.
Saint Laurent
Vintage 2001 Pantsuit
Saint Laurent
Tie-Neck Silk Blouse
Saint Laurent
Square Scarf in Medallion Silk Twill
Saint Laurent
Elysee Pump
Tailored suit worn by Anna Karin, Haute Couture Fall 1991 collection.
(Image credit: Courtesy of International Center of Photography.)
This Polaroid of Anna Karin from the YSL 1991 haute couture collection feels strikingly modern, from the color blocking of the red knit jacket against the asymmetrical wool hat to the bold accessories, especially the oversized pearl hat pin. As you all know by now, I love brooches, and I especially love styling them in less expected ways, whether as hat pins, waist fasteners, or bold focal points on an otherwise classic look.
Lié Studio
The Elo Gold-Plated Brooch
Posse
Jacqueline Single-Breast Jacket
Jacquemus
Raisin Earrings
Saint Laurent
Mixed Bead Necklace
Dress worn by Bess Stonehouse, Spring 1990 haute couture collection.
(Image credit: Courtesy of International Center of Photography.)
This whimsical pink evening look on Bess Stonehouse made me—someone known to wear mostly black—want to take a twirl in pink organza. I love leaning into drama and romance through accessories, and the surreal jewelry layered throughout the look makes it feel alive. An organza shawl is also one of those styling pieces I love for its versatility: it can act as a jacket, scarf, or wrap, adding softness and movement to even the simplest outfit.
Saint Laurent
Cabochon Drop Earrings in Ceramic
Khaite
Raina Dress in Azalea
Norma Kamali
Draped Scarf
JUJU VERA
Lula Sterling Silver and Citrine Cuff
