TFG Exclusive: Book of the Month

It's the beginning of August, and given that a number of loved ones, including my fiancé and I, have our birthdays only a few days apart, TFG's book of the month celebrates the theme of the Leo and fashion. Coco Chanel was a proud Leo, who not only revolutionized womenswear with her little black dress and her general infusion of menswear details, but also named her iconic perfume Chanel No. 5 because Leo is the fifth astrological sign. Yves Saint Laurent was another Leo that took the fashion world by storm as the first couture house to launch the modern concept of luxury ready-to-wear clothing. TFG has already covered Coco Chanel's biography in a previous book of the month post. And since Yves Saint Laurent and I share the same birthday and the French fashion house has been a hot topic this summer, TFG would like to encourage its readers to pick up a copy of Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution.

The book explores Laurent’s progressive approach to fashion, highlighting the cultural impact of the brand, especially its influence on women during the late ’60s and ’70s. In a time when women were beginning to take over the work force, Yves Saint Laurent filled a gap in the market, creating a fashion line with ready-to-wear, male-inspired pieces- think tuxedo jackets and trouser suits. 

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution gives readers an insight into the French fashion house and how it defined an era and grew to be a global brand. The book contains three insightful essays and a wide array of visual material. With all the hoopla over the Slimane re-branding, perhaps a look back will give us a deeper understanding of YSL's roots. To purchase a copy of the book, click here.