Saint Laurent's FW22 Collection Gives Elegance an Avant-Garde Edge

Presented under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Fashion Week, Saint Laurent's Fall/Winter 2022 collection pays homage to the art deco style that was deeply appreciated by Yves Saint Laurent himself. The inspiration is not literal, shares the brand's press release. Instead, it is more visible in its essence and "overall outline than in direct quotations."

The designs were worn by models of different age groups and drew references to Nancy Cunard, who served as the template for the collection. Cunard was a British writer, activist and heiress who "dressed audaciously ahead of her time." She was known for her "wild elegance," and wore African bangles during a time when anything of the sort was wrongfully referred to as "barbaric." Several looks from the collection, like minimalist gowns worn with heavy bangles, evoke Cunard's bold attitude. The brand describes the look as "volume shifted for a strong sloped shoulder, while a thin elongated impression is interrupted with brash, elemental jewelry: stacks of bracelets cast in silver, gold and bronze."

Creative director Anthony Vaccarello paired paletot-style coats -- the double-breasted business overcoat notoriously worn by men --- with flute-like dresses to bring a perfect balance of masculine and feminine energy. The designer also added an innovative touch to the range with extravagant faux furs that complement the ethereal evening gowns and chunky accessories.

See our favorite looks from Saint Laurent's FW22 collection above.