Catherine Deneuve’s iconic black-and-white dress from the classic film Belle de Jour is now on display at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). This dress, designed by Yves Saint Laurent, is part of the exhibit Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression, showcasing 46 of the famed designer’s looks. The exhibit runs through October 27.
In Belle de Jour, Deneuve’s character, Séverine, a bored housewife, wears a little black dress with a rounded white collar and cuffs designed by Saint Laurent, inspired by Coco Chanel’s design. The dress is featured in a memorable scene where Séverine attends to her blind and paralyzed husband, Pierre, in their Paris apartment. This film is often regarded as Deneuve’s best and significantly boosted her career, solidifying her status as a leading lady in French cinema.
Gaël Mamine, the co-curator of the exhibit, notes that Deneuve and Saint Laurent became fast friends, with the designer dressing her both on and off-screen. The exhibit includes photographs, jewelry, and haute couture garments spanning Saint Laurent’s career from 1963 to 2002. Visitors can admire the clothing and also view Saint Laurent’s evocative line illustrations, which capture the essence of his fabric choices and design process.
Highlights of the Exhibit:
- A surah silk cocktail dress with glacé collar and cuffs from the YSL Spring Summer 1963 haute couture collection, worn by Deneuve in Belle de Jour.
- A comprehensive collection of Saint Laurent’s sketches from the 1960s to 2002, providing insight into his creative process.
- A floor-length evening ensemble sketch from the Spring/Summer 1988 Haute Couture collection, showcasing his signature style and evolution.
Saint Laurent’s early career is also highlighted, including his time at Christian Dior, where he was hired at just 19 years old and later named Dior’s successor. Despite an initial challenge to find his unique style, Saint Laurent eventually started his own studio in 1962 with the encouragement of his partner, Pierre Bergé. This marked the beginning of a new era in French fashion, characterized by innovative designs and artistic influences such as Mondrian and pop art.
Exhibit Information:
- Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression
- Location: Orange County Museum of Art, Costa Mesa, California
- Dates: Through October 27
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This exhibit is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and fans of both Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint Laurent, offering a rare glimpse into the legacy of one of the most influential designers in fashion history.
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