Iconic French Actress Catherine Deneuve’s YSL Collection Will Auction At Christie’s Paris
During Paris Couture Week, the much-loved French actress and longtime muse to Saint Laurent will sell 300 pieces by the late designer on 24 January
Taking place tomorrow, 24 January, at Christie’s Paris in the midst of Haute Couture mayhem is the historic sale of the elegant gowns, suits and accessories belonging to the legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve made by Yves Saint Laurent. The sale, which offers 120 lots in a live auction and 180 online, includes predominantly haute couture items with several Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche pieces created between the late 1960s and the designer’s last show in 2002.
Courtesy of Christie’s
In the sale are several iconic pieces by the designer, including several evening dresses that Deneuve wore in Cannes, Venice and Hollywood. There are also trench coats, vibrantly coloured dress suits and the signature Le Smoking suit – Deneuve was the first woman to ever wear it. The online-only sale offers daywear and cocktail dresses.
Courtesy of Christie’s
“This auction reunites two emblematic French personalities, which had their mark on the worldwide culture,” says Camille de Foresta, a sales coordinator at Christie’s Paris. “When they met in 1965 both were at the beginning of their respective careers, Saint Laurent to become on the world’s most iconic fashion designer and Catherine to became Catherine Deneuve, the famous actress. Their friendship lasted for 40 years and was built on respect, love and admiration for each other.”
Courtesy of Christie’s
The sale also tells the tale of Deneuve’s life and career through fashion.“The sale of 300 lots retraces Yves Saint Laurent’s career from 1969 to 2002, when his last fashion show took place,” adds de Foresta. “From the red carpet to every day wear these lots allow also to retrace Catherine’s life.”
Courtesy of Christie’s
“His supreme gravitas during the fittings alongside his shy charm outside the atelier made all the years we shared so enchanting,” said Deneuve of Saint Laurent in a statement. “I was only 20 years old when I had the privilege of receiving access to this world of luxury, to train my eye and my taste by his side. He dressed me several times for films, and I believe that Belle de Jour owes a great deal to him. Now I am leaving my house in Normandy, where I kept this wardrobe — not without a certain sadness — these are the creations of such a talented man who only designed clothes to beautify women.”
A top lot is a stunning short, beaded dress designed by Saint Laurent for the Spring/Summer collection in 1969. It was that very evening dress that Deneuve wore when she met Alfred Hitchcock in 1969. It is estimated to sell for $3,400 to $5,600.
Press play to see 11 ways to wear Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter collection.