A journey into the world of a fashion genius. From January 31, 2025 to February 4, 2026, the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum (mYSLm) presents a unique exhibition entitled Yves Saint Laurent : The Hamish Bowles Collection. This carte blanche offered to Hamish Bowles, distinguished collector and fashion historian, explores the work of the master couturier from a unique angle: that of a passionate and expert gaze, coming from one of the greatest connoisseurs in history clothing.
The 55 pieces on display, all from Bowles’ personal collection, stand out for their provenance outside the institutional archives. They reflect an intimate dialogue between the collector and the work of Yves Saint Laurent, creating a personal and emotional vision of the couturier’s genius.
Designed by the Anglo-Irish director Patrick Kinmonth, the exhibition design offers a journey through three key periods in Yves Saint Laurent’s career:
-The beginnings at Christian Dior (1958-1960), a period where the young prodigy designed iconic models that redefine femininity.
-The Maison Yves Saint Laurent (1961-2002), marked by creations that have become timeless symbols of modernity and audacity.
-SAINT LAURENT left bank, which embodies the democratization of luxury and the rise of ready-to-wear.
Thanks to a colorful display, visitors are invited to explore these eras through a collection that combines haute couture and iconic everyday pieces, enriched by sketches, workshop sheets and photographs from the museum’s archives. .
The models on display illustrate the timelessness of Yves Saint Laurent’s style and his ability to capture trends while surpassing them. Among the key pieces, we find:
-An autumn-winter 1957 cocktail dress, made at the time when Yves Saint Laurent was at Dior.
-A blue jumpsuit Yves Saint Laurent Left Bank worn by the muse Betty Catroux.
--A patchwork set from 1969, homage to the Moroccan inspiration omnipresent in the couturier’s work.
Each outfit tells a story, whether worn by iconic figures like Nan Kempner and Lily Safra or by anonymous people, testifying to the universal and timeless scope of Yves Saint Laurent’s vision.
This exhibition transcends a simple retrospective homage. It offers a lively and contemporary perspective on the influence of Yves Saint Laurent, while paying homage to Morocco, a major source of inspiration in his work. The Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum, located near the Majorelle Garden, strengthens through this event its role as a cultural bridge between Morocco and the world.
The exhibition, accompanied by a richly illustrated bilingual catalog and a making-of by David Boatman, is an ode to the legacy of the master couturier. It reflects the Jardin Majorelle Foundation’s commitment to promoting culture, fashion and heritage in Morocco.
Practical information
-Exposition : Yves Saint Laurent : The Hamish Bowles Collection
-Dates: From January 31, 2025 to January 4, 2026
-Location: Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech, Majorelle Garden
-Hours: Open every day except Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.)
