Yves Saint Laurent only in Denver

Last year, after being sworn to secrecy, I heard from a trusted source that a retrospective of master designer Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) was coming to Denver. My first reaction was desbelief, which quickly turned into excitement. The Denver Art Museum is the only venue in the United States to show Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective featuring 200 haute couture pieces chronicling 40 years of fashion design genious. 

The Denver Art Museum is one of only a few art museums presenting exhibitions such as this one, and by doing so acknowledging that fashion is a true artform. Balenciaga and McQueen were featured last year in art museums and the response was phenomenal. This retrospective is an unprecedented affair that undoubtedly will bring great attention to our city.

The time has come...last Wednesday night  in a swanky ticket-release soiree at Residence XXV of the Ritz-Carlton Denver, fashionistas and art lovers celebrated the upcoming show. Delicious hors'doeuvres, wine, champagne and signature cocktails were enjoyed by a stylish crowd. 

Denver Art Museum's Director Christoph Heinrich is the man responsible for bringing YSL to Denver. Since appointed director in late 2009, Heinrich has brought a unique and fresh approach to the museum's programming and curatorial projects. 

Michelle Heacock-Webster and Nicole Hansen represented Neiman Marcus.

With renowned fashion illustrator Jim Howard and fabulous Ashley Pritchard, Denver Art Museum's Communications Associate. Jim got my vote for most dapper gentleman of the evening. I am wearing a dress by Puertorican modiste Nidia Joy.

"Our beautiful Hamilton Building is a perfect spot to display gowns and dresses that are themselves works of art.", said Heinrich to guests. I couldn't agree more.

Chatting about Colorado's upscale MAX stores with Jayne Buck, VP of Tourism, VISIT Denver-Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mr. Max Martinez himself, and graphic designer and dear friend Kristi King, whom I consider one of the most stylish women in the city. I've been a fan of Max for years. In business since the 1980s, Max has been called a "charitable force" in Denver. Got to love a man with style and a big heart. 


Kristi with public relations gals from Karsh\Hagan agency Linds Johnson and Anne-Marie Salcito.

Elegant simplicity was the evening choice for Allyson Fredeen, Senior Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator for Ritz-Carlton Denver and Dana Lauren Berry, Director of Public Relations for Four Seasons Resort Vail. 

PEEK INTO

YVES SAINT LAURENT: THE RETROSPECTIVE

In addition to 200 haute couture outfits, the exhibition will include photographs, drawings and films to trace Saint Laurent's career from his first days at Dior in 1958 to his final runway collection in 2002.

I am especially looking forward to...





Yves Saint Laurent, Tuxedo with pants, haute couture collection, Fall-Winter 1966. Black barathea and satin silk, white organdy blouse. © Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris / Photo A. Guirkinger.



...a wall of more than 30 tuxedos. Saint Laurent is credited for the women's tuxedo, or Le Smoking (the French term for tuxedo), the trenchcoat, safari jacket, trouser suit and the iconic dress inspired by the color grid paintings by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian (1872-1944).

Yves Saint Laurent, Short cocktail dress, tribute to Piet Mondrian, haute couture collection, Fall-Winter 1965. Ecru wool jersey, encrusted with black, red, yellow and blue. © Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris / Photo A. Guirkinger

Piet Mondrian, Composition II in Red, Blue and Yellow, 1930

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mondrian_Composition_II_in_Red,_Blue,_and_Yellow.jpg

...Saint Laurent's homage to French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954)

Yves Saint Laurent, Long evening dress, inspired by Henri Matisse, haute couture collection, Fall-Winter 1980. Black velvet and moiré faille, multicolored satin appliqué leaves. © Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris / Photo A. Guirkinger.

Henri Matisse, Snow Flowers, 1951

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1999.363.46

...exotic and ornate works inspired by Chinese, Russian and Indian cultures

Yves Saint Laurent, Long evening ensemble, haute couture collection, Fall-Winter 1976. Emerald and sable velvet bolero; peacock blue-and-gold chiffon; Prussian blue Ottoman skirt. © Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris / Photo A. Guirkinger.

...and the gown I wish I could wear to the biggest party in town this March.  Any dressmakers out there brave enough to make it for me?

Yves Saint Laurent, Long evening dress, Rive Gauche collection, Fall-Winter 1991. Draped gold lamé. © Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris / Photo A. Guirkinger.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective is not to be missed. It will be on view March 25 through July 8, 2012. Presented by the Denver Art Museum and Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent. 

Here's Denver Post's columnist Joanne Davidson and her coverage of the evening. I am honored to be included.

Read more: Davidson: Yves Saint Laurent retrospective stirs up advance excitement - The Denver Post  http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_19778499

Until next time art lovers and fashionistas!