Au revoir, Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent!

The news of Yves Saint Laurent's death slightly affected me.

No, I never met the man. However, I worked as the Brand Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Fragrances and Cosmetics in the Philippines (Rustan Marketing Corporation) for three (3) years. This was my last job before I became a stay-at-home wife and mom. So, in a way, I feel that I have a connection with Yves Saint Laurent. If not with the man, then definitely with the brand.

Of course, to work on YSL is to know YSL. I got to know him through the various training sessions I attended and conducted. I was always proud to orient newly-hired salespeople. It was exciting to relay bits of information about M Saint Laurent...that he wasn't born in France but Algeria; that he was Christian Dior's successor; that he created the first tuxedo for women. Bold, Audacious, Confident, Sensual, Luxurious, Glamorous, Haute Couture - these were words associated with YSL.

Handling YSL allowed me to take a peek into a world I didn't really want to step into. The world of glamour and luxury. I felt out of place in that world. It made me feel uncomfortable. Not a place I would want to go back to. However, I did enjoy and I am grateful for the experience. If it weren't for YSL, my photo wouldn't have landed on Maurice Arcache's article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer!

In a French radio program Pierre Berge, M Saint Laurent's close friend, said that "Chanel gave women freedom," and Saint Laurent "gave them power." If you were familiar with M Saint Laurent's work and how he revolutionized fashion, you will most definitely agree.