Thursday morning, I was enlightened. Since Yves Saint Laurent's death this past Summer, the fashion world has been paying tribute and speaking praise. Perhaps one of the best ways to do both is to showcase an extensive collection of the artist's work. And so, the de Young museum of San Francisco gave me a sneak peek of Yves Saint Laurent's highly anticipated exhibition, spanning 40 years and 130 ensembles. The exhibit is open to the public Saturday.
The most special guest was there: Pierre Bergé, Yves's partner and business associate since 1961. Pierre spoke to a small group of local press and was humble and heartfelt. His words about Yves tugged on my heartstrings and got me really excited to view the exhibition. "Today is the first collection after his death." He referred to Yves as "one of the greatest of our time." He pointed out that "in our world women are more and more important" and Yves recognized that. "The collection is just a part of Yves's work," reminding us of the 5,000 plus YSL pieces that are preserved and kept in Paris. Can you imagine? He also called San Francisco "a beautiful city" and was proud to have the foggy city house such a collection. Side note: Pierre was wearing an Obama pin.
To read more about my enlightenment and to see loads of wonderful Yves Saint Laurent creations, read more
The record drop in the DOW after the collapse of the bailout plan in Washington was particularly harmful to apparel and retail stocks as fears over the economic turmoil turned to concern over how dramatic drops in consumer confidence will impact holiday spending. On the bright side “It definitely will impact the spending habits of an aspirational consumer, and by that I mean someone who will buy at an opening price point of a luxury brand to be in it” says Jeffry Aronsson. Though its clearly already impacting the cheap chic shoppers as H&M had a disappointing 3rd quarter. 
But so far the truly expensive is still doing quite well as Balenciaga is having a banner year with nearly every runway garment they have sold out in pre-sales. Let's hope that Balenciaga CEO Isabelle Guichot doesn't get caught up on Gucci Group's notorious politics shall we? And if worse comes to worse there is still plenty of money in the Middle East, just ask Lanvin who is in talks with a Qatar based investor. This must be our addiction to romance that is making all this happen right?
Christie's has unveiled the highlights of the forthcoming Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge art sale which has some 700 pieces on offer estimated to fetch up to $440 million.
Someone started a shoe only channel called Shoetube.tv. Really we aren't lying.
And the one piece of good news we could find this morning? Our beloved Adam Lippes is opening a pop up store in our favorite underated American city of Buffalo.
>> INSIDER WIRE —Yves Saint Laurent's beloved private art collection is going under the hammer in February — the 700 pieces, which include everything from Roman sculptures to Picasso paintings, is estimated to be worth up to $440 million. His former business partner and companion, Pierre Berge, who only kept an African sculpture and an Andy Warhol portrait of the designer, said he had no regrets about the decision to sell: "Yves Saint Laurent is dead. This collection doesn't mean anything anymore." [WWD, Telegraph]
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The passing of Yves Saint Laurent prompted me to devour any readings or articles on the late designer. If you're a YSL fan, I highly recommend Yves Saint Laurent ($13) by Pierre Berge.
This memoir takes us on a journey of Saint Laurent's greatest accomplishments throughout his career. Inside, you'll find over 50 stunning photographs summarizing YSL's inspirational and iconic designs, which made a huge impact in the fashion world. Make sure to check out the touching seven page dedication to the late designer from his partner Berge.
>> RIP —Yves Saint Laurent's ashes will be scattered by friends in the garden of his Marrakesh villa tomorrow, followed by a ceremony in the adjacent Majorelle botanical garden that YSL and his partner Pierre Berge acquired in 1980. Both events will be private, and complete the designer's memorial services which started with his funeral last Thursday. [Yahoo]
>> In the aftermath of Yves Saint Laurent's death Sunday evening, funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday afternoon, 3:30 pm, at the Eglise Saint-Roch in Paris. Afterward, YSL will be incinerated, and his ashes will lay in his Majorelle Garden in his beloved Marrakech.
Although details surrounding cause of death were not originally released, it has now been confirmed that M. Saint Laurent was suffering from brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in April 2007. Lifelong business partner Pierre Berge and muse Betty Catroux were present at the time of death, and Catherine Deneuve arrived soon after.
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>> Legendary couturier Yves Saint Laurent passed away Sunday evening at his home following a long battle with brain cancer, joined in his final moments by his longtime business partner Pierre Berge and muse Betty Catroux.
Although it is well-known that he has been in ill health for a while now — he had been bedridden recently and was admitted to a Paris hospital last week in a coma — the death still comes as a shock, especially because it marks the end of a generation that made Paris the fashion capital of the world.
Thank you, M. Saint Laurent, for all of your contributions, including Le Smoking, the trapeze dress, and safari jackets, and rest in peace.
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