Elephant Blanc, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008), short evening dress. Spring- Summer 1958 Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior haute couture collection, known as the Trapeze Collection. Trapeze dress of white tulle embroidered with silver metallic thread and rhinestones. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger.

Evening gown, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008). Spring-Summer 1971 haute couture collection. Blue and black crepe de chine with pattern of ancient Greek figures; short sleeved bodice with empire waist emphasized by black silk crepe bias tape; skirt with sunburst pleating. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Sophie Carre.

Evening Ensemble, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008). Spring-Summer 1981 haute couture collection. Blue silk taffeta gown with train and white silk taffeta flounces; trimmed with black braiding. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Sophie Carre.

Hommage to Piet Mondrian, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008), cocktail dress. Fall-Winter 1965 haute couture collection. Wool jersey dress with ivory, black, blue, red, and yellow incrustations. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger.

Hommage to Tom Wesselmann, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008), evening gown. Fall-Winter 1966 haute couture collection. Straight dress of purple wool jersey, pink wool jersey applique. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger.

SOIR Spring-Summer 1971 haute couture collection board, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008). Mixed media on thick grid paper pinned with fabric swatches. © Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris.