Launched in 2015, Le Vestiaire des Parfums is a tribute to Yves Saint Laurent’s style.
The collection translates into unique scents the Couturier’s singular flair for turning the most basic garments into sophisticated, androgynous, timeless silhouettes. That special twist defining the Saint Laurent attitude.
TASTE FOR TENSION
Inheriting the couturier’s spirit, Le Vestiaire des Parfums is a collection of bold signature fragrances, each inspired by one of the house’s iconic pieces, materials or addresses. Each expressing Yves Saint Laurent’s taste for tension, his effortless singularity, his instinctive and elegant sense of provocation.
TRANSCENDING CODES
The pieces of this Vestiaire complement each other. Blending classic notes with high-quality ingredients, they transcend the codes of gender to reveal an attitude. Le Vestiaire des Parfums is the story of Saint Laurent told in another language, just as universal as haute couture’s. And like haute couture, the collection is made to measure: the measure of each wearer’s imaginary world.
TUXEDO
ÉPICES – PATCHOULI
THE INSPIRATION
In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent invented his version of the Tuxedo by turning it into women’s eveningwear. Matching the authority of masculine tailoring with provocative femininity, he introduced a novel, androgynous attitude in couture.
THE OLFACTION
TUXEDO is as troubling as the iconic suit whose name it borrows. The lushness of Patchouli attracts and embraces, while the sensual intensity of Spices mesmerizes and arouses. Charismatic, TUXEDO captivates.
BLOUSE
ROSE – ANGÉLIQUE
THE INSPIRATION
In 1962, Yves Saint Laurent turned the humble cotton smock into a delicate silk blouse. Finding inspiration in a functional garment to invent a sophisticated weapon of seduction: the gesture sums up the couturier’s boldness and freedom.
THE OLFACTION
This taste for creative transgression is reflected by the scent of BLOUSE: a single, fragile Rose draws unexpected energy from vibrant green Angelica and cool Pink Pepper. In its duality, BLOUSE reveals its perfect modernity.
GRAIN DE POUDRE
ACCORD VIOLETTE – SAUGE
THE INSPIRATION
In the mid-60s, Yves Saint Laurent borrowed this strict, grainy fabric from the masculine wardrobe to design timelessly sophisticated couture dresses and suits.
THE OLFACTION
The scent of GRAIN DE POUDRE translates this bold alchemy by draping the familiar, powdery fragrance of Violet in the coolness of Sage. A subtle, elegantly modern interplay between the masculine and the feminine.
SAHARIENNE
NÉROLI – MUSCS BLANCS
THE INSPIRATION
By adapting the Safari jacket for women in 1968, Yves Saint Laurent combined freedom with elegance. In his hands, the symbol of exotic adventures became seductive and alluring.
THE OLFACTION
SAHARIENNE captures this perfect balance between animal magnetism and extreme sophistication, blending the addictive sensuality of a creamy white Musk with a fresh, vibrant Neroli. Troubling, SAHARIENNE reveals a fascinating, untameable nature.
TRENCH
AGRUMES – IRIS
THE INSPIRATION
With Yves Saint Laurent, the quintessentially virile trench-coat became a symbol of femininity. The couturier endowed it with a mysterious, intense charm that gave off a whiff of danger and of the forbidden.
THE OLFACTION
As chic as the piece that inspired it, TRENCH wraps a velvety, dark Iris in the purebred delicacy of Neroli. A play on light and shadow, the legend of TRENCH is still utterly contemporary.
CABAN
POIVRE ROSE – TONKA
THE INSPIRATION
The sailor coat was introduced in the Saint Laurent wardrobe in 1962, its pared-down lines resonating with the couturier’s innate sense of style.
THE OLFACTION
CABAN translates its commanding style into scent by matching the sharp radiance of Pink Pepper with the lush warmth of Tonka Bean. Sleek and empowering, CABAN claims simplicity as the ultimate form of elegance.
CAFTAN
ENCENS – BENJOIN
THE INSPIRATION
His time in Marrakesh and Tangier inspired Yves Saint Laurent, who turned the fluid lines of the traditional caftan into a strikingly modern, iconic piece.
THE OLFACTION
The couturier’s Oriental reveries have in turn inspired CAFTAN, whose mysterious allure blends dark, velvety Incense with lush, radiant Benzoin. Mysterious and vibrant, CAFTAN is a tribute to far-flung journeys.
JUMPSUIT
MAGNOLIA – BERGAMOTE
THE INSPIRATION
JUMPSUIT. In 1968, the functional overall of car racers, aviators, parachutists – hence its name, the «jump» suit – and astronauts ascended into the stratosphere of high luxury. Daring, dashing yet unexpectedly elegant, Yves Saint-Laurent’s first short evening jumpsuit in black silk jersey was acclaimed by the fashion press as a bold new fashion statement. The couturier had discovered the true beauty of a utilitarian garment, turning it into an archetype of fashion.
THE OLFACTION
Colourful and empowering. The scent of spring, when its giant, tulip-shaped flowers bloom on trees. Joyful, captivating, as bright as the morning light. The citrusy brightness of Bergamot picks up when magnified by the full radiance of Magnolia Flower, in an echo of the House’s vibrantly coloured jumpsuits.
CAPELINE
LYS – VANILLE
THE INSPIRATION
Throughout his career, Yves Saint Laurent would play on the capeline’s paradox: a nonchalant way of going incognito that is also the most spectacular of accessories. Worn since the Middle-Ages as a protection against the sun, the wide-brimmed hat sailed to catwalks. A centerpiece crowning a sleek silhouette.
THE OLFACTION
Sensual and nonchalant. The majestic Lily bloom could inspire the form of an extravagant capeline. Its name in French_LYS_ forms the anagram of Yves Saint Laurent’s initials_YSL. No wonder the heraldic Lily was the couturier’s emblem. It embodies a sensual grace with its pure, elegant white, and its sophisticated facets. Twisted with the warm, creamy, and suave Vanilla absolute, it reveals a sensual and nonchalant character.
Stay tuned as I will show you soon my new scent from the YSL – Le Vestiaire des Parfums. Do you have an idea for which I went?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © YSL Beauty
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.
Sana Benzaitar’s reinterpretation of Taller Marmo’s signature Mrs. Ross caftan.
Young Yves Saint Laurent wearing a caftan in Marrakech
