SAINT Laurent presented their much-anticipated SS21 collection on a sand ridge in the Saharan desert this week. Inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Algerian roots, the show is influenced, in Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello’s words, by the “essence of things”.
The pieces are largely black and white, or earthy tones that recall the extraordinary landscape of the digital presentation. Characteristically sleek tailoring is matched with flouncy featured hems, delicately lacey lingerie and a mix of fine gold, and more avant floral jewellery designed by Claude Lalanne.
Touches of feathers and faux fur, and purple-toned splashy floral prints echo a seventies glamour. This is drawn into contemporary Saint Laurent chic with sleek silhouettes, big black sunglasses and black leather, and made playful with patterned tights and exposed lingerie.
The collection is clean, and calmly confident in its own beauty, qualities that are emphasises agaist the backdrop of the struggle of this past year. Saint Laurent’s commitment to elegant, luxurious pieces, and their departure from the conventional physical Fashion Week show with an exclusively digital presentation delivered in the depth of winter, breathes a breath of fresh air.
by Connie de Pelet