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January 30, 1958
First Collection and First Success

Related to Fashion

For his first collection, Yves Saint Laurent set himself apart from the master. Instead of Dior’s signature cinched waist, he created a more fluid silhouette under which the body disappeared. The Trapeze line was born. Saint Laurent made his mark with less fabric and a lighter approach that changed the course of fashion. It was a success.

Galerie

Yves Saint Laurent on the balcony of the house of Christian Dior after presenting his
Yves Saint Laurent on the balcony of the house of Christian Dior after presenting his "Trapeze" collection, 30 avenue Montaigne, Paris, January 30, 1958. Photograph by Louis Dalmas.
© DALMAS/SIPA
"Bonne conduite" dress, Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior spring-summer 1958 haute couture collection, known as the "Trapeze" collection, Paris, 1958. Photograph by Willy Maywald.
© Association Willy Maywald / Adagp, Paris 2017
Sketch for the design
Sketch for the design "Muguet," with the annotation "Trapeze Line." Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior spring-summer 1958 "Trapeze Line" haute couture collection.
© Yves Saint Laurent
Research sketch for the design
Research sketch for the design "Bonne Conduite." Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior spring-summer 1958 "Trapeze Line" haute couture collection.
© Yves Saint Laurent