History of fashion: YSL Mondrian dress

29 Agosto 2012

YSL Mondrian day dress, Autumn 1965.

In 1965, Yves Saint Laurent designed a collection of clothes in wool and jersey inspired by dutch artist Piet Mondrian. The planimetry of the dresses was conceived like a canvas and set in blocks – just like the artist used to set his paintings – with the only use of the three primary colours + white divided by horizontal and vertical black lines.

The dresses are not only a clear homage to one of the most famous contemporary artists of his time, but also show a brilliant use of the graphic technique, since the colour-blocking allows to accommodate the body, shape it and also clear all the seaming (isn?t it genius?).

Back in the days, Harper?s Bazaar referred to them as ?the dress of tomorrow? and quickly found their way into the mass-market. The collection became so popular that it inspired a range of imitations from then on ? shoes, bags and even swimwear (like Austrelian designer Sarah Schofeld?s 2010 beachwear collection).

The Mondrian dress was shown again in 2002, during the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective haute-couture fashion show at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and is now stored at the MET Museum– gifted by Mrs. William Rand.

[Yves Saint Laurent dresses] they should be looked at more as works of art. They are not really for wearing, they are more for museums.” said Patricia Frost, director of Christie’s textile department.

Mindful of the success of the Mondrian dress, the French maison has now decided to release a makeup collection inspired by Mondrian works as well, with palettes made up of pop colours and geometric design.