Colourful behind-the-scenes polaroids from new YSL accessories book

[A]ccessories can transform an outfit – be it joining the baker boy cap club for Fall (very Dior) to adorning super chunky jewellery to elevate an otherwise MEH ensemble on a Friday night. But the crème de la crème of the A-list? Those knee-high glitter power boots spotted on the YSL runway earlier this year. The United Nations of fashion were in firm agreement – even the most glitter-immune found themselves seduced. “One can never overstate the importance of accessories,” Yves Saint Laurent proclaimed quite simply in 1977. “They are what turn a dress into something else. I like dresses to be sober and accessories to be wild.”

For the first time, a new book Yves Saint Laurent Accessories, published by Phaidon, will offer a rare glimpse into the closely guarded archives of the master couturier’s jewellery, hats, belts, gloves, shoes and handbags.

Designed and edited in close collaboration with the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent in Paris, the title features colourful polaroids of models, sketches and portraits of the late designer at work, from his inaugural collection in 1962 to his final presentation in 2002. Highlights include shoes designed with Roger Vivier for the Mondrian dress to his Braque-inspired bird-shaped earrings alongside less-known designs.

The 400-page tome pictures itself as a deep blue jewellery box, looking at Saint Laurent’s accessories thematically: hand, staging, impressions of Africa, hybrid motifs and good-luck charms. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect and the book is available to buy here…