Saint Laurent

With its edgy, sensual and feminine aesthetic, its provocative spirit, and a name respected around the world, the Saint Laurent style has been shaping French fashion since 1966. Now led by artistic director Anthony Vaccarello, the Parisian house has lost none of its cachet - quite the contrary. If its founder, Yves Saint Laurent, enabled the empowerment of women by breaking down barriers and upsetting the status quo of the 1960s and 1970s, his successors have made sure to perpetuate his legacy. From the Ballet Russes and Sahariennes shoes, to Mondrian dresses and transparent effects, the Saint Laurent label has always stood out for its ability to reinterpret cultural codes and give them a modern twist. Opulent and subversive, its story is anything but classic. Maison Saint Laurent was born when its creator was just 26 years old and set his sights on completely shaking up women's clothing habits of the time. This famously included dressing them in androgynous tuxedos, frequently photographed by illustrious fashion photographer Helmut Newton. It's a style that quickly impressed and intrigued icons of stage and screen, such as Catherine Deneuve and Laeticia Casta, as well as private clients. The label then gradually expanded to create other luxury products, like its celebrated fragrance line, while continuing to showcase its designs in spectacular catwalk shows. With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, current collections designed by Anthony Vaccarello consist of contrasting blacks and whites, laminated leopard dresses, plunging necklines, latex, faux furs and sumptuous silks. Equally bold and feminine, Saint Laurent sunglasses are always a statement piece. Whether oval or cat-eye, they give you an immediate Parisian style that can easily be exported from LA to New York via Tokyo. More original and unique, the brand's signature frames take the shape of hearts and are available in incandescent pink, beige or black, for a day or night-time look.