Yves Saint Laurent's Art References Through the Decades
Yves Saint Laurent frequently incorporated fine art into his fashion designs over his 40-year career, referencing movements from Cubism to Post-Impressionism. His most iconic series was the Piet Mondrian-inspired dresses from fall 1965. Other homages included Georges Braque, Vincent van Gogh, Bernard Buffet, Pierre Bonnard, and Pablo Picasso. He also drew from Picasso's costumes for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russes production of Parade. Successors like Alber Elbaz continued this tradition with campaigns referencing famous paintings. The 2026 Met Gala, themed 'Fashion Is Art,' will feature Anthony Vaccarello as co-chair, potentially adding to the house's artistic legacy.
Key facts
- Yves Saint Laurent helmed his label for 40 years.
- His fall 1965 collection featured Piet Mondrian-inspired dresses.
- In 1988, he referenced Georges Braque and Vincent van Gogh.
- Spring 1990 couture borrowed Bernard Buffet's black geometric lines.
- 1999 collection embraced Pierre Bonnard's Post-Impressionism.
- He used Pablo Picasso's costumes for Ballet Russes' Parade as inspiration.
- Alber Elbaz's 1999 campaign featured Mario Sorrenti photography.
- 2026 Met Gala theme is 'Fashion Is Art' with Anthony Vaccarello as co-chair.
Entities
Artists
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Andy Warhol
- Bernard Buffet
- Piet Mondrian
- Georges Braque
- Vincent van Gogh
- Pierre Bonnard
- Pablo Picasso
- Sergei Diaghilev
- Alber Elbaz
- Mario Sorrenti
- Noot Seear
- Kate Moss
- Anthony Vaccarello
- Henri Matisse
- Fernand Léger
- Tom Wesselmann
Institutions
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Ballet Russes
- Costume Institute
- Met Gala
Locations
- New York City
- United States