Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography [Hardcover]

Alice Rawsthorn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 1996

An in-depth analysis of the helter-skelter financial and business empire set up by Yves Saint-Laurent's lover Pierre Berge and an insight into the life of a tragic 20th-century genius.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

British journalist Rawsthorn capably depicts the neurasthenic personality of France's famous fashion designer, born in Algeria in 1936. She really excels, however, in her savvy account of the industry's transformation as emphasis shifted from haute couture handmade for the rich to ready-to-wear designed for the (fairly affluent) masses. Saint Laurent and his astute lover/business manager, Pierre Berg launched many trends, including the licensing of his name to adorn everything from sheets to sunglasses. A business book as much as a biography: nice work on both counts. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Rawsthorn brings to her subject a combination of experience as a financial journalist (Financial Times) and as a member of the British Design Council. Her hero, Yves Saint Laurent, joined the venerable house of Christian Dior in 1955 as a junior assistant. His subsequent career has mirrored profound changes in both fashion and society. Rawsthorn chronicles the inexorable shift away from the exquisitely handcrafted clothes of haute couture, shown only to the rich and famous in Paris shows, somewhat like royal audiences. YSL was among the first to realize the opportunities of mass production, pret a porter. He opened his chain of Rive Gauche stores to sell his fashion vision to the woman in the street. Accompanying the detailed portrait of an industry in turmoil is the tale of a frail genius, his ferocious and savvy lover, Pierre Berge, architect of much of the YSL licensing empire and the company's several changes of ownership. There's a supporting case of international jet-setters many of whom?like Andy Warhol, Catherine Deneuve and Rudolf Nureyev?stayed loyal to YSL throughout his anguished retreats to Morocco and the world of drugs and alcohol. This is a powerful story, told with a winning combination of passion and objectivity. Rawsthorn writes with strong narrative flair and instinct for the vivid detail. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; First Edition edition (November 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0002555433
• ISBN-13: 978-0002555432
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,850,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rawsthornes book could be brilliant, without the moneytalk, November 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yves Saint Laurent (Hardcover)

Alice Rawsthorne has done a breathtaking job researching the complexed life of Yves Saint Laurent. When finishing it I felt wiser about YSL, about the man and his carrier, also about the fashion industry from Diors heydays up until today. I've learned a lot about the industry, the people and the pressure a designer is under during the preporation of an haute couture or a prêt-à-porter presentation. It made me feel happy I chose fashion journalism and not fashion design. If I should say anything negative it would be that Alice Rawsthorns journalistic interest in finance is a bit boring. Especially for the fashion interested readers, that are the ones who will read her book. Imbicile as it may sound, all the money I care about are the ones I spend at Rive Gauche Homme.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Emphasis on the financial dealings of a fashion house, September 26, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Yves Saint Laurent (Hardcover)

This is an interesting book but as the other reviewers have pointed out it emphasizes the financial aspects of the fashion business. It does not delve too much into why the designer was so innovative. Also, you don't get to know the designer very well through the book. If you are interested in the history of the fashion business from the 1960s through the 1990s, this book is for you.