This second part of Michele’s post on the St. Laurent exhibit in Paris concentrates on his use of color. We see the bold, new colors he “discovered”; we see his use of fabric swatch cards…hundreds and hundreds of them…..
Michele says: ” Like poetry, color feeds my spirit; it sings soothing little ballads but also shouts overwhelming and inspiring speeches. It is a constant companion, a lover – filling my canvases, guiding my lens, and pours from my pen. As a driven apostle, I want to share its beauty and power.”
on to the show:
Yves Saint Laurent’s ball gowns were my favorite part of the show; they combine his elegance and purity of line with palettes of candy-colored hues. A celebration of unexpected colors that transcend beauty and exude self-confidence.
I like the classiness of B&W, but Color makes me vibrate – it inspires me and just puts me in a really good mood. Ironically, YSL encountered some resistance and criticism as he dared to use color in a way that broke the rules of traditional design.
Traditionally, Haute couture evolved within relations of formalities based on harmony, nuance and compatibility.
But, when St Laurent first visited Morocco, he had an epiphany; he discovered the power of color and his palette – as well as that of fashion – was turned upside down.
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This new sense of color led him to create bold associations of pinks & oranges, yellows & pinks, lime greens & royal blues … (as if YSL and Mark Rothko were sharing palettes, although I doubt they ever met)
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Along with the thousands of color swatches glued or stapled to lined paper he used as references, the dozens or perhaps hundreds of folders filled with fabric samples are a testimony to his color quest.
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As a painter, I also enjoyed his lyrical and theatrical designs inspired by the art world– Yves St Laurent’s way of paying homage to some old and some contemporary masters such as Mondrian,
and Van Gogh….
This fabulous show is on until August 29th – A delight for all you fashion and color lovers!
oh Michele: I wish, I wish! I arrive in Paris five days later so will miss it!
