Modernizing haute couture. Pioneering high-endready-to-wear. Bringing masculine ease to women'sclothing. Legendary fashion designer Yves SaintLaurent's reputation precedes him but what of theman behind the work? Fashion historian and YSLexpert Florence Müller traces Saint Laurent'scareer, from aspiring designer to Christian Dior'sprotégé to director of his own fashion house from1961 until 2002.The book emphasizes the designer's creativeprocess his inspirations, the conception and fabricselection, the various stages of fitting and production and takes the reader behind the scenes of theatelier. Also featured are original sketches, runwayshots, and never-before-published photographs ofSaint Laurent at work, as well as new photography oficonic YSL designs from the exhibition, including thefirst Tuxedo pantsuit (1966), the Safari tunic (1968),the Mondrian dress (1965), and the Wesselmanndress (1966). The book also includes a 1991 interviewfrom Le Figaro with the late designer. Thisfocused exploration shows how Saint Laurent'sradical clothes for the modern woman presentedhere in gorgeous detail continue to inspire fashionlovers and fans of art and design for their innovationand perfection of style.