In a large elegant room with gilded mirrors, golden statues and magnificent chandeliers, a YSL fashion show is screened. Sitting on a golden chair watching the movie, it’s as if you’re transported back in time.
The museum is laid out beautifully. Mannequins on podiums make it easy to view the details of the iconic garments. The gallery titled The History of a Collection depicts what goes into the making of an outfit as well as how a collection is put together. The sketches with fabric swatches attached, covered with notes. There is so much detail on every sheet.
There is a darkened room/theater on the mezzanine. A short film titled 'An Eagle With Two Heads' is about Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé his longtime partner in life and business. In French with English subtitles, it's like watching a home movie.
A wall devoted to Saint Laurent's brilliant drawings is opposite the Cabinet of Curiosities which contains jewelry. Some pieces are simple but many are over the top, all are superb.
The highlight is the studio. Large windows provide light and the mirrored wall makes the room appear larger. Saint Laurent used the mirror to view a model's reflection while working on a creation. The room looks as if he just stepped out and will be returning soon. Everything is where it was left, including his work jacket draped over his chair. His desk was simple, a covered board atop two trestles, his glasses sit among the keepsakes.
Left: Musee Yves Saint Laurent © Luc Castel; middle: the designer's former home turned museum © Sacha; above: Musee Yves Saint Laurent © Luc Castel