Although Saint Laurent closed its couture atelier in 2002 when the designer Yves Saint Laurent retired, it plans to debut a new hand-sewn "Yves Saint Laurent" Couture ivory silk label. The line will not be shows during couture week, but its monochromatic ad campaign will appear in magazines next month. It is planning to include long, slinky, strapless black gowns with a fan of pleats at the throat and tuxedo suiting.
Not just any rich person can have a YSL Couture garment, in other words. Only people Mr. Slimane approves can have one. As to what the qualifications for that are — well, no one knows. Though examples may be “certain looks worn at the Oscars, Cannes or for the stage,” the executive said. Will it make the brand more attractive or will it just make people mad? We'll just have to wait and find out.

A campaign picture of the “Yves Saint Laurent” Couture ivory silk label. Credit Hedi Slimane, via Yves Saint Laurent

Images via Yves Saint Laurent. Text Miles Socho