Yves Saint Laurent

I tell myself that I created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman, that I participated in the transformation of my times.

Fashions fade, style is eternal.

Poiret made clothes for individual customers, but I wouldn't like to make a dress just for its own sake.

We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.

Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.

It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion.

I couldn't love a woman who inspired me to be totally disinterested. If I fell in love with a woman for an artistic reason, or from the point of view of my work, I think it would rob her of something.

I am very happy to design haute couture. It's a love story between couture and me.

I live in solitude. I have need of solitude to do the next day's work. I can't be to parties where the noise tires me. I can't speak on the telephone. I must have complete calm.

Basic clothes are for all women, to last for decades and decades. They are the future and will never change. I am persuaded of that.

A visit to Marrakesh was a great shock to me. This city taught me color.

I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style.

I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.

I had noticed men were much more confident in their clothes. So I sought through trouser suits, trench coats, tuxedos, and pea coats to give women the same confidence.

I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.