Saturday, December 22, 2007

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche To Open At The Gardens

Finally, fashionistas are able to breathe in joy as Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche is making its way to Malaysia for the first time.

Famously known for its groundbreaking 1966's "Le Smoking" women's tuxedo that revolutionized the way women dress for evening formal functions that were usually restricted to lavish gown
s and evening dresses, the arrival of YSL Rive Gauche to Malaysia puts a full-stop to a such long anticipation among trendy fashionistas. At the same time, it also means traveling to YSL stores in Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, or Paris will be the thing of the past.

The history of YSL Rive Gauche began back to the 1953 when Algerian-born Yves Saint Laurent, at 17 worked with top couturier of all time, Monsieur Christian Dior in Paris. Following to Dior's sudden death in 1957, Saint Laurent filled in the late Dior shoes as the Creative Director for Christian Dior's fashion maison. In 1962, he and former partner Pierre Berge set up his own label, called YSL. The label was financed by Berge and during the 60's and 70's, the house was known for popularizing Beatnik look, safari jackets for men and women, plus tight pants and tall thigh-high boots.

In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent gained wide attention from stylish ladies with the introduction of "Le Smoking" women tuxedo and began to take Ready-to-wear into a new height with the introduction of his first Ready-To-Wear boutique called YSL Rive Gauche.

Among his famous muses were Loulou de la Falaise, Betty Cartroux, Talitha Pol-Getty, and iconic French actress Catherine Den
euve. In 1998, Saint Laurent decided to rertire from the business and a year later, the brand was bought by Gucci Group. Installing Texan designer Tom Ford as its creative director, great immediate changes were made to the house. Gone was the classy conservative chic and in are the plenty of sexiness, sexuality, and sensuality.

It was Tom who made YSL as a hip and happening fashion brand sought after by young and restless fashionistas who are looking for ultra-sexy clothes and hot accessories to suit their luxury fast-lane lifestyle.

Among his most remembered creation was a sheer black French lace tie-front top from his Fall/Winter 2002-03 collection worn by many celebrities such as Celine Dion and French-Indonesian chanteuse Anggun at the World Music Awards in Monaco and paired with a matching tulle ball gown. Even LeAnn Rimes fell for it and sported the top in her "Life Goes On" music video. Ford's bag, the African-inspired Mombasa bag with decorative horn handle also created a buzz among fashion-forward bag ladies.

In 2005, Ford stepped down from the Creative Direction throne for both YSL and Gucci. The YSL creative direction post was later taken by Stefano Pilatti. Pilatti's designing resume includes a stint with Spanish brand Cerutti and Prada's difussion brand Miu Miu. Under his direction, the style was toned down to chic minimalistic and it gained quite a following.

For example, his Spring/Summer 2007 collection took Violet as his subject and it garnered nods from fashion authorities, taking a taffeta halter dress in violet wit
h ruffly chiffon violet petals detailing all over as the highlight of the collection. A year before her death, late eccentric fashion editor Isabella Blow was seen attending Paris Fashion Week in an overcoat adorned with blooming roses details.

While you may expect to the fullest fashion lines, YSL Kuala Lumpur will only be carrying accessories for men and women, as well as its younger line, the Edition 24 but do expect to a complete line somewhere within 2008.

For Spring/Summer 2008, Pilatti is mixing goddesses and stars with post-minimalist elegance as his subject. Claiming cut reinvention as his obsession, skirts, dresses, and blouses are made with one sleeve, which are unique and totally different from most fashion houses.


The hip-length blazer with cap sleeves looked more like a Japanese Samurai-inspired top whereas making audience eyes popping was the chained-linked reflective plastic breastplates with star motifs. For accessories, invest in Tribute medium tote in quilted patent croc skin, or Catwalk large flap in sky anthracite embossed suede croc skin. Match it with either pumps in dark wooden heels or Ascot boots in black patent leather with rubber sole.

If you're looking for something that's practical and less runway look, YSL's second line Edition 24 may provide the right answer. Basked under the beautiful tropical sun with its viscose jersey bikini top with hardware ring detail in the middle or a one-piece viscose jersey swimwear in black.

For lounging or daily wear, opt for silk satin jumpsuit in black, or an off white cardigan made from extra fine wool with white denim leggings. As the sun sets over the west, a slip into the black viscose jersey long dress with plunging v-neck and you're ready to dazzle your date over a candlelight dinner. In other words, simplicity can be the best thing in fashion sometimes.


Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Spring/Summer 2008 collection is available now at all YSL Rive Gauche stores worldwide while YSL Rive Gauche Kuala Lumpur boutique is brought here exclusively by Melium Group and will be operating in mid-January 2008 at The Gardens, Mid Valley City.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira/Style.com and YSL

5 fashionistas wrote ...:

aizat.cinta.goddess said...

semakin kaya lah mak ayam farah khan tu kan...

Anonymous said...

so the rive gauche store is brought by Melium? hmmmm.... guess i still have to go to Spore Paragon for the Muses & Downtowns. *skeptical*

Shaiful Mukhelas said...

Yeah, but of course there's more labels coming to town in 2008. Just wait and see :D

Anonymous said...

rumours have it, YSL is not opening in The Garden anymore. They will be opening in Pavillion, where JPG is suppose to open

Anonymous said...

yes, YSL malaysia in Pavilion Level 2. Just opposite Bvgalri.
the muse 2 n downtown is so nice! go n hav a look!!