Carlos Muñoz-Yagüe's upcoming book, Yves Saint Laurent: Inside Out, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of one of fashion's most iconic figures. As the son of Anne-Marie Muñoz—Saint Laurent’s trusted assistant and lifelong friend of Karl Lagerfeld, who became Carlos’s godfather—Muñoz-Yagüe had unique access to this private, often mysterious universe. His perspective is especially poignant as it has been sixteen years since the legendary designer passed away.
Saint Laurent’s journey began in 1940s French Algeria, where he was a young outcast who found solace in his mother’s fashion magazines and in sketching his visions of the future. This passion fueled his dreams of Paris and, eventually, his rise to fame as a leading couturier. His remarkable legacy is now captured in a stunning hardback book, published by Thames and Hudson, and set for release in October.
Yves Saint Laurent: Inside Out delves into the period from 1989 to Saint Laurent’s final collection in 2002, presenting an intimate exploration of his haute couture house. Through atmospheric portraits, behind-the-scenes moments, and previously unseen private archives, the book offers a comprehensive look at the creative process behind the designer's final years of work. Unseen materials—such as letters, documents, drawings, and other ephemera—provide a rare snapshot of the couturier, known for his brilliance and shyness.
The book also features an insightful introduction by internationally renowned photography authority Philippe Garner. Garner beautifully captures the significance of Carlos’s unique perspective:
“Carlos, with his well-honed skill, his understanding and his privileged access, was in a unique position to generate these vibrant, illuminating documents of Saint Laurent’s brilliance. We are invited—in the studio, the ateliers, the dressing rooms, and backstage—to share the tension, dedication, sensuality, and high excitement that are integral to the creation of these bravura manifestations of idealized beauty. We follow the creative cycle as each collection presents fresh possibilities, perpetuating a seductive tradition that demands constant evolution while echoing a lost past.”
This volume not only highlights the creative genius of Yves Saint Laurent but also brings to life the often-overlooked work of the “petites mains,” the skilled artisans in the ateliers. World-famous models such as Kate Moss are also featured, captured during pre-collection fittings and in the electric atmosphere backstage before the shows.
Yves Saint Laurent: Inside Out is a moving tribute to the legendary fashion house, offering a visual and emotional journey that is essential for fans of Saint Laurent, as well as fashion and photography enthusiasts.
The book is scheduled for release on October 10th.
For more information visit Thames & Hudson
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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