hat

Yves Saint Laurent, Paris 1936 - 2008

Summary

A 'Russian Collection' hat The 'Russian' or Ballets Russes collection of AW 1976-7 was one of St Laurent's most spectacularly successful and influential collections. Inspired by the opulent Bakst costumes of the Ballets Russes and a nod to Slavic influences generally, this collection repudiated the pared down and functional look prevalent on the high street and relaunched a more colourful and embellished 'ethnic' look. Intensely popular in the diffusion range Rive Gauche pieces as it the catwalk, this is one of the most iconic looks of the 1970s. The fur hats paired with the jackets, skirts and full pantaloons are the most visually dramatic and iconic.