Glamorous and Free Spirited ... Saint Laurent SS18 Collection

There is a strong feeling that the spirit of the late Yves [Saint Laurent] could be present on the runway. Spiritually evoked by the maison’s Creative Head Anthony Vacarello’s, Saint Laurent’s summer 2018 ready-to-wear collection certainly screams individuality, freedom and fantasy. 

Imbued with quirkiness and further elaborated with eccentric detailing, riotous palettes and prints amidst monochromatic milieu, Vacarello smartly woven the looks within the maison’s vast archive with nuances of free spirit and pragmatism, resulting a parade of copious glamour and libertine. 
  

String bikini, baby doll and sheer tops with bohemian elements evokes the carefree spirit of the 60s and the 70s where French style icon and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot garnered the world’s attention with her inevitable sensuality. 

Nuances of folk styling are evident in meticulous macramé appliques whilst the glorious days of Studio 54 is relived through a selection of mesmerising disco-esque getups such as printed belted jacket with gilded floral prints, brocade belted one shoulder dress, pleated front plunging v-neckline dress with sequin-drenched bow dress and a short cut-out dress with fringed hem and front pockets.

In between, it can be said that all eyes are also focused on the plethora of accessories that accompany the presented looks. Soon to be clamoured by fashionistas and editors alike come summer are the knee-high marabou covered boots, minimalist high heeled sandals with multiple thin straps, lacquered square earrings and embellished buckled belt. Bold animal prints such as zebra and leopard act as an homage to Saint Laurent’s earliest prêt-a-porter collection for his Rive Gauche boutique. 

Towards the end of the show, Vacarello released a selection of avant-garde confections crafted out in yards of voluminous tulle and tooled leather, froufrou embellishments on the hemlines and satin off-shoulder tops that are billowed to epic proportions.

For men, the bold soul of Saint Laurent man is projected through uber-masculine pieces such as jacket replete with colourful embroidered butterfly appliques, zip-up jacket with glitter floral embellishments and paired with straight cut jeans and braided leather belt as well as a sheer deep v-neckline shirt with a long jacket worn over it.

Saint Laurent Summer 2018 ready-to-wear and accessories will be available at Saint Laurent Paris stores and select multi-brand retailers worldwide next year.

*Photos courtesy of Saint Laurent Paris

Saint Laurent Paris: Lot 2.14 and Lot 3.16, Pavilion 35, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur; G06, Ground Level, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur