Yves Saint Laurent Biography: Designer of the YSL Label Which Includes Men's Neckties

Yves Saint Laurent was born in 1936 in Algeria. At the age of 17 he left home to follow his own creative star that took him into a fashion school and later to become the editor of Vogue magazine, which introduced him to the famous dress designer Christian Dior. Since that day, he is considered one of the creative "Greats", with names such as Worth, Schiaparelli, Fortuny, Balenciaga and Chanel in dress, design and fashion.

Haute Couture Design

It was in 1957 that Saint Laurent got the job of designer in Haute Couture. That was after the death of Dior and also after Saint Laurent had won the first prize in designing a cocktail dress in an International contest. In 1960, he introduced his “Beat Look" which incorporated street style with haute couture. This would have been a bit too much for Dior; however, before they could act upon this fashionable rocking of the boat instead of going with given traditional conventions, his dress-designing career was interrupted when he was conscripted to do his national service in the French army for 3 years in 1960. He was discharged out after suffering from a stress-induced nervous breakdown.

The YSL Label

In 1962 when he was released from contract with Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent launched his own label YSL. His companion financed the enterprise. This led to the establishment of different boutiques for men and for women in the 60s and 70s.

Saint Laurent can be considered to be the forerunner of the whole androgynous Revolution, when he brought out an amazing new look in the shape of the smoking suit (le smoking), smocks, bolero jackets, reefer jackets, sheer blouses and jumpsuits. These came under the prêt-a -porter category, which meant they were ready to be worn off the shelf. Fashion culture took on a whole new line, image and interpretation of casual wear, formal wear and ready to wear clothes.

He revolutionized an idea of feminizing basic shapes normally found in a male wardrobe, by designing female tuxedos, feminine flying suits, pea jackets and safari jackets, which were once a part of the well-dressed males' clothing repertoire.

The YSL Line of Men's Neckties

Among the many products of the YSL are the very fashionable Yves Saint Laurent ties. Having a good selection of neckties is paramount to having the right shoes or accessories to complete your look. Gone is the day of wearing the same necktie day in and day out. With the YSL collection of men's designer ties you are sure to be at the top of fashion on any day.

Accolades

François Mitterrand made Yves Saint Laurent a Chevalier du Legion D'Honneur in 1995. In 2001 he was made a Commandeur, which is the ultimate accolade for his enviable contribution to the fashion design industry of France.

He is justifiably considered to be a national icon especially when 300 models displayed his creations in retrospective during the World Cup held in1998 near Paris. 80,000 spectators and football fans, as well as 170 channels saw this amazing priceless tribute to one man's imagination and creativity. In 1999 Gucci took the business over and Yves Saint Laurent retired in 2002.