Why Is the ‘Y’ in Saint Laurent?

The ‘Y’ in Saint Laurent refers to Yves, the original founder of the fashion house. Yves Saint Laurent founded his eponymous fashion line in 1961, and it was initially known as “Yves Saint Laurent” or “YSL”. After Laurent’s death, brand name was simplified to “Saint Laurent” in 2012 under the direction of new creative director Hedi Slimane. However, the iconic ‘YSL’ logo, designed by A.M. Cassandre, remained unchanged as it was well-recognized and significant within the fashion industry. Despite the label name change, the ‘Y’ still appears in many of the brand’s products in homage to its founder.

Is There a Difference Between YSL and Saint Laurent?

The history of YSL and Saint Laurent can be traced back to the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent, the fashion designer, established his company known as YSL. The company developed a reputation for high-quality, luxury clothing and accessories that were popular with affluent customers across the world. However, in 2012, the companys name was changed from YSL to Saint Laurent.

The decision to change the companys name was initially met with mixed reactions by the fashion industry. Some people praised the move, arguing that it would reinvigorate the brand and bring it into the modern age. However, others argued that the name change was unnecessary and would damage the brands heritage. Despite the controversy, the brand has continued to thrive under the new name.

One of the reasons for the name change was to modernize the brand and make it more appealing to younger customers. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential for brands to keep up with the latest trends and styles. By changing the companys name to Saint Laurent, the brand was able to signal that it was embracing change and moving forward.

Now that we know how to properly pronounce the name Yves Saint Laurent, let’s consider the question of whether to refer to the brand as YSL or Saint Laurent. This issue has caused some debate among fashion enthusiasts, and there are valid arguments on both sides. It’s worth exploring the reasons behind the rebranding and considering the implications of using one name over the other.

Should You Say YSL or Saint Laurent?

For many fashion enthusiasts, the name Yves Saint Laurent exudes high-end luxury and sophistication. However, there’s been some confusion over how to properly pronounce the designers name, with some opting to say “YSL” instead. But which is the correct way to say it? In reality, Yves Saint Laurent is pronounced EVE SAN-LAW-ROHN, with the emphasis on the last syllable. It’s important to note that the letter “t” in both “Saint” and “Laurent” is silent.

It’s understandable why many people may have been pronouncing the name incorrectly all these years. With it’s French origins, the name isn’t necessarily easy to decipher for those unfamiliar with the language and it’s pronunciation rules. Nevertheless, it’s essential for fashion lovers to get the pronunciation of Yves Saint Laurent correct, especially when discussing the brand with others or attending fashion events.

In 2012, the eponymous label was renamed Saint Laurent Paris as part of the brands rebranding efforts under creative director Hedi Slimane. This move caused a stir among some fashion fans, with some feeling that the brand was distancing itself from it’s iconic founder. However, Slimane argued that the name change was a nod to the brands original 1966 Rive Gauche ready-to-wear collection, which featured the name “Saint Laurent Paris” on it’s labels.

Despite the brands name change, Yves Saint Laurents legacy remains prevalent in the fashion industry. The designer was a trailblazer in the industry, helping to revolutionize fashion by introducing menswear-inspired designs for women, popularizing the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo suit, and creating timeless pieces like the Mondrian dress. Today, the brands collections continue to embody his pioneering spirit, with bold, sophisticated designs that push the boundaries of fashion.

While the brands name may have changed to Saint Laurent Paris, the designers influence on the industry remains just as significant as ever. As we continue to see the brands collections evolve each season, it’s important to remember the trailblazing designer who started it all and paved the way for the brands continued success.

The History of Yves Saint Laurent as a Fashion Designer and How He Influenced the Industry.

• Yves Saint Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria in 1936.
• He moved to Paris at the age of 17 to begin his career in fashion.
• In 1957, he was hired by Christian Dior as an assistant.
• When Dior passed away in 1957, Saint Laurent was named the head designer of the fashion house.
• He launched his own Yves Saint Laurent brand in 1961.
• Some of his most iconic designs include the tuxedo suit for women, the safari jacket, and the Mondrian dress.
• Throughout his career, Saint Laurent was known for his innovative designs and his ability to push boundaries in the fashion industry.
• In addition to his impact on fashion, Saint Laurent also played a role in the feminist movement by designing clothing that allowed women to feel empowered and confident.
• He passed away in 2008, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence the fashion industry today.

Source: How to pronounce Yves Saint Laurent & the man … – Italist

Conclusion

In conclusion, the incorporation of the iconic "Y" signature in Saint Laurent's bottle design represents the brand's commitment to innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. The striking silver Y that slashes through the square-shouldered bottle is a powerful visual representation of the brand's legacy, highlighting it’s continuous evolution and relevance in the fashion world.