The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent: the poetic exhibition
This publication is also available in: 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español 
English (US)
Today, I invite you to 5, Avenue Marceau, to discover the exhibition Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent. This new dive into the world of the fashion designer emphasizes his floral inspirations. Between sketches and key pieces from his collections, we travel back in time to see his thoughts bloom around delicate creations, inspired by gardens from around the world and the prose of Marcel Proust. A work full of poetry, reflecting landscapes that are dear to him, such as those of his Villa Majorelle, but also paying tribute to his mentor, Christian Dior.
The Blooming of an Artist, Between Early Sketches and Fashion Shows
From his early sketches inspired by bougainvilleas to his iconic wedding dress, worn in 1999 by Laetitia Casta, Yves Saint Laurent made the flower a signature element. A treasure of nature that has continually inspired him over the years, shaping his fabrics and silhouettes. The exhibition Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent thus offers us a journey through time, rediscovering how these flowers guided his creations throughout his career.
With its genesis in the Ball of Heads, for which he created many sketches of floral headpieces and outfits, the exhibition reveals the designer’s deep reflections on flowers. A vision that later found its way into his own creations and even into the decor of his fashion shows. Through patterns, cuts, and textures, floral details appear in the form of prints, beads, embroidery, and metals, adorning silhouettes that emerge from his imagination or echoing those developed by his master, Christian Dior.
Additionally, the exhibition also highlights various documents, emphasizing the emergence of a piece. From initial drawings to technical sheets and handling notes, along with photographs and magazine covers, once the piece is finished, we rediscover the creative process of the designer and his teams.
A Meeting Between Artists
The exhibition Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent underscores the significance of other artists on the fashion designer’s work. Photographers, decorative artists, and authors have inspired the designer in the creation of his floral pieces. Among them, Marcel Proust saw the poetry of his texts give rise to delicate embroideries and draping, in memory of Mme Swann’s outfits. Quotes borrowed from In Search of Lost Time thus serve as a common thread throughout the exhibition, adding an extra aura to the displayed dresses.
This spirit of dialogue between artists also includes the work of Sam Falls. This American artist stands out with a unique vision of nature, which he expresses on canvases made from flower pigments sourced from around the world.
Consequently, fashion, nature, and literature merge in the exhibition Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent. Open until May 4, 2025, the installation allows you to rediscover a part of the designer’s career while entering a fascinating place rich in history.
Discover our selection of pieces from the designer available for purchase on Modalova:
