Happy Birthday to the one and only Yves Saint Laurent, who would have turned 86 today. Helmut Newton took this portrait of a young and aspiring shooting star of the fashion world in 1969. The French designer transformed the fashion industry from the first minute he joined the circle. Not only did he use non-european references in his work, or hired unusual models for his shootings, but he also invented „Le Smoking“, which was the first tuxedo for women. Inspired by his personal androgynous style, he combined pieces of men ́s suits and women‘s clothes and turned them into this revolutionary, meanwhile iconic, piece of fashion. „Chanel freed women, I empower them“ he once said. In 1975, Helmut Newton and Yves Saint Laurent teamed up and staged „Le Smoking“ on Rue Aubriot. A fashion icon was born. Until today, the French fashion house remains surprisingly modern and high fashion at the same time. But see for yourself and have a look at the astonishing YSL couture shows! Helmut Newton, Yves Saint Laurent, Paris 1969, courtesy Helmut Newton Foundation #happybirthday #ysl #iconic #designer #revolutionary #artist #lesmoking #fashionicon #breaking #norms #highfashion #classy #helmutnewton #helmutnewtonfoundation