Yves St. Laurent: His Life and Times

"Yves St. Laurent: His Life and Times" opens with a self introduction of Yves recounting his wonderful childhood. We find out that Yves is a well known fashion designer in Paris, whose designs have continued to gain international popularity for many years. Yves is originally from Algeria. Born on August 19, 1936, we learn that he was a very sensitive, happy child. His mother and her friends raised him. Presence from his father was limited growing up because the man was often traveling for his career. The serenity revealed in his photographs we see on the screen show us the true joy of this young man as a child and youth. The sea is a recurrent theme in his childhood memories; those were the days he was happiest of all. He quotes Proust: “True paradise is the one you’ve lost” in reference to the ocean. At age 14 or 15, Yves begins to truly identify with his homosexual tendencies. He recognizes that he is more content at home, in his own world, than among his fellow classmates. School years proved to be difficult. Ridicule was a daily occurrence. He used to play with play with paper dolls and imagine himself designing a line of clothing all his own. In 1955, this creative young man was invited to join Christian Dior as a featured designer. At age 21, Yves is named leader of the company upon the death of Dior. We see black and white photos of Dior’s funeral. Paris becomes Yves’ new home where he meets Pierre Bierge, who becomes his long-time partner in the autumn of 1958. Four interviews take place to provide insight into this man’s life: Yves’ mother, Piere Bierge, a female Russian designer, and a female colleague. Each agree upon the sheer genius of Yves’ work. His color palate, aptitude for textures and fabric selection make his designs renowned in a matter of a few short years. The year 1962 marks the starting point of the Yves St. Laurent fashion line, due to unforeseen circumstances with Dior’s company. “A conventional revolutionary” is how some describe his work.

Yves overcomes all obstacles against him, being such a young professional, and together with the help of Bierge successfully creates the new company. He goes on to create the first safari jacket and the first ¾ length coat for women, and used the first African American model in a Paris fashion show. “St. Laurent liberated fashion,” one interviewee reports. He lives by his motto: “The main thing is to last.” Continuing to create shows and critique designs, the documentary captures the process which goes into making clothing. Sketches, planning, designing, sewing, critiquing and promoting pieces for weeks is only a small piece of the creative process. This film is an excellent portal into his life, his inspirations, and his current status in the fashion world as an appreciated, unique designer.