You may know Yves Saint Laurent for his signature Le Smoking suit and for his It bags, but you may not know that his road to fame was far from smooth. Yves Saint Laurent: Birth Of A Legend is an ongoing exhibition that gives us a glimpse into the tumultuous start to the young designer’s career, after he was unceremoniously fired from his first job at the House of Dior.
You may know Yves Saint Laurent for his signature Le Smoking suit and for his It bags, but you may not know that his road to fame was far from smooth. Yves Saint Laurent: Birth Of A Legend is an ongoing exhibition that gives us a glimpse into the tumultuous start to the young designer’s career, after he was unceremoniously fired from his first job at the House of Dior.
The expulsion was so traumatic that there were hospital stints involving sedatives, psychoactive drugs and electroshock therapy. In 1962, he finally got back on his feet and, together with partner Pierre Berge, he launched his eponymous brand as it is known today. As part of this year’s annual Voilah! French Festival, the exhibition features exclusive shots by photographer Pierre Boulat, who was one of the lucky few to witness the intense moments leading up to the launch. “I had the rare privilege of working in the shadow and the mind of a genius whose legend has continued to grow,” says Boulat.
Yves Saint Laurent: Birth Of A Legend is on at the Alliance Francaise Gallery, and ends May 21.
GUCCI MEETS CHINOISERIE
Last year, Gucci launched its first #GucciGram project, inviting illustrators and image-makers to create artworks inspired by the Gucci Blooms and Gucci Caleido motifs. Now the second instalment, #GucciGram Tian, is here, with the oh-so-pretty Tian floral pattern taking centre stage. This time, only Asian artists have been involved, in a bid to return the Chinese tapestry-inspired pattern to its roots. We like Singaporean artist David Chan’s surrealist interpretation (below), which cleverly blends nostalgia and humour with high fashion.
To view all the works, log on to www.gucci.com/guccigram-tian.
GEM SESSIONS
Van Cleef & Arpels has teamed up with the Artscience Museum at Marina Bay Sands to present an exhibition called The Art & Science Of Gems. The French National Museum of Natural History, with its contribution of 250 minerals, has also co-curated this stunning exhibition that brings together art, craft, history and geoscience. Visitors will learn how gemstones are created deep inside the Earth, and how these are transformed into works of art. Or you can just go to ogle the jewellery – there will be over 400 gorgeous pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels.
The Art & Science Of Gems is on at the Artscience Museum, and ends Aug 14.