After a couple of high profile auctions, and with the wife of the French president overseeing things, this first ever retrospective of the work of Yves Saint Laurent should be a huge success for the Petit Palais…

The Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent and the Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, present the retrospective of the work of Yves Saint Laurent. 307 examples of haute couture and prêt-à-porter are being shown, from the designer’s début at Dior in 1958 with his famous « Trapèze » collection, up until the beautiful evening dresses he created in 2002.

Numerous photos and films will show the historical context, explaining how Yves Saint Laurent constructed his style.

Over 40 years, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionised female fashion by borrowing looks from menswear: smoking jackets, suits and desert wear. He helped pass the attributes of power from one sex to the other..

Inspired by the street (his scandalous 1971 collection), travel (Russia, China, India, Spain, Japan, Africa and Morocco) and his links with the art world (Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh), Yves Saint Laurent ceaselessly tried to « make fashion festive ».

The Yves Saint Laurent exhibition is at the Petit Palais (here) from 11th March – 29th August 2010. Open every day except Mondays and public holidays from 10am – 6pm. Late night opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Admission 11€ / 8€.

Official site (in French): www.petitpalais.paris.fr