Designer-muse relationships are aplenty in fashion, but none, perhaps, were more everlasting and legendary than that of Yves Saint Laurent and Betty Catroux, the leggy blonde who inspired and immortalised the designer’s impeccable tailoring—always sharp and cool, but charged with an erotic undercurrent. The duo first met in 1967, at The New Jimmy’s nightclub in Paris, and Saint Laurent was immediately taken by her androgynous look. Just like the designer’s oeuvre, decades on, the allure of Catroux remains undiminished. Tom Ford dedicated his first Saint Laurent Rive Gauche collection to her. Hedi Slimane’s menswear has always carried a whiff of Catroux. And Anthony Vaccarello, current Artistic Director of Saint Laurent, famously sent out Catroux doppelgängers for autumn/winter 2019—sharp power shoulders, dark glasses, icy-blonde hair swooping across the face. “She lives and breathes Saint Laurent. An allure, a mystery, an almost nefarious aspect, an elusive yet desirable nature—all that underlies the House’s aura, and you understand the magnitude of it when you meet Betty,” said Vaccarello. Catroux recently donated her unparalleled archive to the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, which forms the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris’ new exhibition “Betty Catroux: Feminine Singular” (on till 11 October). Here, the reluctant fashion icon opens up about her style, her relationship with Saint Laurent, his legacy and his successor.
What encouraged you to donate more than 300 pieces from your personal Yves Saint Laurent collection?
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
