Asia has long fascinated European artists. The gradual arrival of art objects and textiles from the Orient were inexhaustible sources of inspiration for painters, sculptors and of course couturiers. Yves Saint Laurent was no exception. He proposed both a literal and imaginary vision of Asia, based on a solid knowledge of its history, culture and arts, as evidenced by his personal library and the collection of works of art that he brought together with Pierre Bergé.

Yves Saint Laurent’s exhibition Dreams of the Orient brings together some fifty models, accompanied by original drawings, jewelry and Asian objects that will demonstrate the process of creating clothes while establishing a visual link with their sources of inspiration. Objects from the Musée Guimet in Paris (Asian Arts Museum) and the Samuel Myers collection will be on display alongside the designer’s creations

Table of Contents

Introduction • India • China • Opium • Japan