From January 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum unveils a new dimension of the work of the little prince of haute couture. The museum will host an exceptional collection on loan from Hamish Bowles, a prominent collector and renowned fashion historian. This carte blanche is an opportunity to explore, for the first time, a collector’s point of view on Yves Saint Laurent’s pieces.
The 55 vintage pieces that will be on display at “Yves Saint Laurent: The Hamish Bowles Collection” come from Hamish Bowles’ private wardrobe. This exceptional character, graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins school, is known for his discerning eye and his encyclopedic knowledge of the history and manufacture of clothing. Bowles’ inexhaustible obsession with clothing has marked his career as a fashion editor, journalist, historian, and curator. Through a journey developed by Anglo-Irish opera director Patrick Kinmonth, the exhibition invites the viewer to an immersive experience, mixing three emblematic periods of Yves Saint Laurent’s creations: his debut at Christian Dior (1958-1960), La Maison Yves Saint Laurent (1961-2002), and the evolution of Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Offering a personal vision of the genius of Yves Saint Laurent, this exhibition richly documented by a making of directed by David Boatman celebrates the timeless modernity of the couturier’s works. It invites Moroccan and international visitors to dive into a unique heritage, captured through the passionate gaze of an outstanding collector.
The Hamish Bowles Collection is not limited to the couturier’s legacy, it embodies a fluid continuity between everyday models and exceptional fashion shows. Each piece tells a story, each silhouette an emotion, paying tribute to the timelessness of Yves Saint Laurent’s genius. This exhibition goes beyond the simple retrospective look to offer an immersive and stimulating experience, inviting the viewer to understand and celebrate the timeless influence of the master of fashion.
From the autumn-winter 1957 cocktail dress (Dior era) to the blue Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jumpsuit worn by Betty Catroux. 55 models, accompanied by sketches, workshop sheets, and illustrations from the museum’s collection, reveal the unique fusion between the life and work of the creator. Outfits worn by iconic figures like Nan Kempner and Lily Safra mingle with those of anonymous women. Finally, a 1969 patchwork set evokes the influence of Marrakech on her creations, highlighting the particular aura of Yves Saint Laurent, who continues to inspire women, from yesterday to today, all over the world.
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