The collection presented at the YSL Marrakech museum comes from the private dressing room of Hamish Bowles.
By offering a personal vision of the genius of Yves Saint Laurent, this exhibition, richly documented by a making-of film produced by David Boatman, celebrates the timeless modernity of the designer’s works, while inviting Moroccan and international visitors to delve into a unique heritage, captured through the passionate gaze of an outstanding collector.
The Hamish Bowles Collection is not limited to the designer’s heritage, it embodies a fluid continuity between everyday models and exceptional fashion shows. Each piece tells a story, each silhouette an emotion, paying homage to the timelessness of Yves Saint Laurent’s genius. This exhibition goes beyond a simple retrospective look to offer an immersive and thought-provoking experience, inviting the viewer to understand and celebrate the timeless influence of the fashion master.
From the fall-winter 1957 cocktail dress (Dior era) to the blue Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jumpsuit worn by Betty Catroux, 55 models, accompanied by sketches, workshop sheets and illustrations from the museum’s collection, reveal the unique fusion between the life and work of the creator. Outfits worn by iconic figures like Nan Kempner and Lily Safra mingle with those of anonymous women. Finally, a patchwork ensemble from 1969 evokes the influence of Marrakech on his creations, highlighting the particular aura of Yves Saint Laurent, who continues to inspire women, from yesterday to today, all over the world.
