FabSugar

Fab Field Trip: The Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at the De Young Museum, San Francisco

FabSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:52 PDT

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,

As a fashion journalist, I am aware of the importance of Yves Saint Laurent. But personally, I haven't had much experience with the house's clothes. Yves showed his last collection in 2002. Only now can I actually purchase pieces from the house, but today's pieces aren't touched by the originator. I have admired vintage YSL, but no, I have never worn an original Yves Saint Laurent. My enlightenment emerged upon viewing precious pieces from "Le Smoking," his homage to Africa collection, the famous Mondrian dress, and representations from his Ballets Russes collection. These were all familiar, as seen in textbooks and pictures, but in real life they are incredible.

The massive collection, curated in an organized yet unique fashion, made my head spin. Another realization was how many of today's designers draw inspiration from these ideas that were presented decades ago. I saw Giambattista Valli in a voluminous LBD, Armani in sleek beaded evening wear, Marc Jacobs in quirky party dresses, Michael Kors in jetsetting separates. YSL Haute Couture was presented through a glass display, and videos and runways shows played throughout. It was a YSL feast for the eyes.

While everything impressed, I had a few favorites I went back to admire a couple more times. First off, the body revealed collection of evening dresses. Yves pushed the envelope with revealing flesh, but he did so with taste. These are key examples. The Africana pieces were super fun; the intricate beading and the exotic cuts were stunning. This famous knit wedding gown made me chuckle. Lastly, his art inspired pieces were pretty magnificent.

This exhibit is both a proper homage and a destination for any fashion lover. On this spooky holiday, this Yves quote felt rather fitting: “My profession is the loving dialogue of this naked woman with all the magic spells of the wrapping of my fabrics.” Consider me spellbound.

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Fab Field Trip: Saks' San Francisco's Spankin' New Shoe Department

FabSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:00:22 PDT

So I'm shoe obsessed. Who isn't? Imagine my elation when I found out the Saks in San Francisco was redoing its shoe department to mirror the famous New York one. The one I visit every time I'm in New York. The one I interviewed Lindsay Price in. The one with its own zip code. The one. Now there's a mini one right outside my office, on my way home, Fab. Team Fab took a peruse through the stunning new department and it's an underground shoe haven, complete with floating glass bubbles and 1,100 shoes. New brands include Ann Demeulemeester, Givenchy (yes!), Dries van Noten, and Gianvito Rossi. Shoes are displayed on various posh surfaces and a variety of chandeliers make the space feel warm and inviting. The curved banquettes make trying on shoes a deeply fabulous experience.

What made us swoon? Favorites included sequined Miu Mius, bowed Valentinos, edgy Givenchys, cheeky Chanels, and artsy Drieses. Oh, and the most massive Louboutin display, ever. They have more Louboutins than the Louboutin store in Paris. I kid you not. If you happen to be in SF anytime soon, put this on your itinerary.

For more shoes glorious shoes,

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Fab Field Trip: Yves Saint Laurent, San Francisco

FabSugar — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:44:44 PDT

While Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, and Catherine Deneuve paid their last respects to Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent by attending his funeral, Fab and PartySugar got dressed up in YSL-inspired outfits and visited the boutique on Maiden Lane in San Francisco. Our intention wasn't to shop (we swear!) but rather to be as close to Yves as humanly possible through the brand's groundbreaking, fabulous-beyond-words goods. I was inspired by Stefano Pilati's Spring '08 collection, and of course couldn't resist throwing on my Yves Saint Laurent Mini Star Bracelet as a finishing touch. Alas, we did walk out with bags - trois to be exact - but who can resist YSL anything (especially on sale)? Want to see what went down? Take a Fab field trip with us. Oh! And you didn't think we'd go without picking up something for you - stay tuned for a YSL handbag giveaway!

To see what we purchased and for some fun photos of our field trip,

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Sugar Shout Out: August Must Haves

PopSugar — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:55:00 PDT

Gisele Bundchen Sticks to Her Workout Routine Despite the Rising Summer Temps

Katie Henry — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:22:58 PDT

Gisele Bundchen left the gym in LA this morning carrying her favorite eco-friendly water bottle. She's not the only one in her family keeping fit this Summer; Tom Brady was spotted working out with his throwing coach at an LA training facility earlier this week. The NFL lockout is still happening, so instead of hitting the field with his New England Patriots it seems the all-star quarterback is making the best of his time on the West Coast with Gisele and his sons, Benjamin and Jack. It's been a while since we've seen Gisele slip her supermodel frame into a tiny two-piece, but Fab has the skinny on how to get Gisele's chic bikini beach style for your next trip to the shore!