Yves Saint Laurent: Four Decades of Elegance Through the Len

This summer, the timeless artistry of Yves Saint Laurent takes center stage at Les Rencontres d’Arles, as Kering presents the Yves Saint Laurent and Photography exhibition. Running from July 7 to October 5, the exhibition celebrates the legendary couturier through the gaze of iconic photographers — Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, and others — whose lenses have immortalized his creations over four transformative decades of fashion history.

Curated with a masterful eye by Anthony Vaccarello, the exhibition reveals the intimate dialogue between Saint Laurent’s designs and the photographic art form — a conversation of light, texture, and timeless allure. From striking editorial portraits to rare behind-the-scenes captures, each image tells a story of innovation, femininity, and the enduring power of style.

In parallel, Phaidon releases a landmark book dedicated to this extraordinary visual journey, offering a collectible volume for admirers of both haute couture and fine photography. The book is available exclusively at Saint Laurent Babylone, 9 rue de Grenelle, Paris — a fitting address for a legacy so deeply woven into the fabric of French elegance.

Through Kering’s Women in Motion program, this exhibition is more than a tribute; it is a celebration of creative vision and the women who have defined it, continuing Yves Saint Laurent’s influence for generations to come.