“I love gold, it’s a magical colour; in the image of a woman, it’s the colour of the sun.” Words from Yves Saint Laurent, who, in his lengthy career, was always inspired by the shimmer of the precious metal. For the Sixtieth Anniversary of the first collection from the couturier, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent dedicates a splendid homage. Gold is the title of the exhibition which celebrates the anniversary, exploring the role of gold in the work of the stylist. Brocades, lace, sequins and lamé shine in a “chromo-thematic” journey which highlights how, from the buttons of the first pea-jacket to the iconic gold dresses, no collection escaped the touch of King Midas. On display, approximately 40 haute-couture dresses, accessories and precious objects - warm and playful, gold illuminates the celebrated jewellery-dress photographed in 1966 by David Bailey and the clothing dedicated to Louis Aragon and Jean Cocteau, the “poets of the sun”, right up to the look of stars like Zizi Jeanmarie, Sylvie Vartan and Catherine Deneuve. Ancient symbol of royalty, with Saint Laurent, gold became contemporary, evoking the sun of Oran and Marrakesh - the stylist’s favorite places in North Africa - and lighting up the night in the clubs of Paris.
