Spring 2014 Ready-To-Wear: Saint Laurent Women Collection

Yves Saint Laurent is a luxury French fashion house founded by Yves himself and his partner Pierre Berge in 1961.

Alongside Chanel this darling designer brand is one of the most iconic of the 20th century, known for its classic, sophisticated and chic looks that have transformed as the years have progressed. Even for those who are unfamiliar with the history of the brand the smoking tuxedo jacket, created by this house is now a wardrobe staple and one of the most famous fashion items in history. It returned to the catwalk for SS14, just wait and see.

Yves focus was on the vision of femininity through masculinity which may have proven unconventional and controversial, but its legacy has inspired the catwalk of many designers today.

‘He feasted on the aesthetics of political protest movements, working-class uniforms, the gangster underworld and the gay demimonde, he provoked both outrage and adoration’

was stated in Vogue, embarking on the politics of fashion, one of my greatest interests surrounding the fashion industry. Alongside an array of exquisite ensembles Yves Saint Laurent developed a successful fragrance and cosmetic line which remains in high demand today- I know Saint Laurent red lips are my favorite. You only have to examine the gorgeous handbags, shoes and sunglasses to see how prestigious this brand has become. After the death of Yves in 2008 the brand has continued to excel and rebranded to Saint Laurent Paris. Heidi Slimane, the creative director claimed this was to restore,

‘the house to its truth, purity and essence- taking it into a new era’.

The SS14 Ready-to-Wear catwalk was really a favorite of mine. I usually find myself admiring one trend more than the other but with this collection I fell in love with them all. From powerful and dominating to feminine and flirtatious, Saint Laurent has established itself as a world renown fashion brand that continues to expand in its diversity and experimentation.

Power Women

This is by far my favourite trend from the Saint Laurent SS14 Ready to Wear catwalk and perhaps my favourite trend from the entire SS14 season. This is the epitome of the Saint Laurent vision, the masculine, tailored pant suit has returned. It’s outcome is gorgeous and has inspired many high street pieces. Never has a womenswear ensemble looked so powerful and dominating in the form of a suit. Heidi has stayed true to classic colours, which is my opinion contribute greatly to the success of this trend. Our favourite starlets are obsessed with this trend as we saw both Angelina at the Bafta’s and Kourtney Kardashian at the Oscars embraces this trend by wearing the Saint Laurent tux.

Fierce Patterns

Feisty and ferocious, mismatched patterns have never looked so good. Saint Laurent have embarked on a daring experimentation with animal print and it could not have looked any better. Alongside experimenting with shape, the colour combinations are quirky and bold but ridiculously desirable and I would wear every single one of these looks. Saint Laurent have established themselves as one of the most famous fashion brands, they create trends. This brand no longer has to prove themselves to the industry instead they are a foundation.

Street Chic

We are so use to seeing classic Saint Laurent when it comes to black tie or high society events, but it is this brands street style that is coming to prominence. The Kardashian sisters are lovers of Saint Laurent daywear where mini skirts and tailored trousers excel alongside notable leather jackets. I love the use of sheer which combines street chic with another SS14 trend. These pieces are provoking and tantalizing, however not overexposed which encourages wearers to embrace something a little more exciting.

Parisian Glamour

Saint Laurent at it’s finest. No one does black quite like Saint Laurent as we all know however we are beginning to think no one does Parisian glamour quite like Saint Laurent. These pieces are breath taking and I am particularly in love with this cut out shimmering pink ensemble along with that fabulous jacket paired with a vibrant, yet understated green piece. This brand caters for all, whilst some stray away from colour others embrace it. Saint Laurent pay close attention to the cuts of each LBD meaning black will never be boring. This is the work of artistry which has continued since Yves’ death.