I tell myself that I created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman, that I participated in the transformation of my times.
Yves Saint LaurentRead
We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Elegance is about taste and style, while snobbery is an attitude of superiority. The quote warns against mistaking one for the other.
Yves Saint Laurent's quote emphasizes the distinction between true elegance, which embodies grace and sophistication in aesthetic choices, and snobbery, which conveys a sense of elitism and disdain for those deemed inferior. This serves as a reminder that appreciating beauty and style should not come with a sense of superiority, highlighting that genuine elegance is inclusive and accessible rather than exclusive and pretentious.
Themes
EleganceSnobberyStyleAttitudeSophistication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about fashion, I would reference this quote to highlight the importance of humility in style.
More from Yves Saint Laurent
All quotes βFashions fade, style is eternal.
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Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.
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It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion.
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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.
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