Few articles of clothing are entirely transparent. In theory, transparency is incompatible with the very function of clothing, which is to cover the body. Intrigued by this contradiction, and by the powerful role diaphanous fabrics could play in his work, Yves Saint Laurent began using materials such as chiffon, lace and tulle in the 1960s.

A new exhibition at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris retraces the history of Yves Saint Laurent’s revelations of the female body, such as the first topless blouse, from the couturier’s spring-summer 1968 collection and the “nude dress” from the following collection, as well as rarely seen pieces, several which hail from the SAINT LAURENT rive gauche line.

Essential elements of the creative process are also included, from sketches and photographs to patterns on tracing paper and ac-cessories (hats, jewelry, shoes, etc.),

The exhibition runs until August 28, 2024