Is YSL Same as Saint Laurent Paris?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you might have come across two names in the fashion industry that sound quite similar: YSL and Saint Laurent Paris. It’s not uncommon for people to get confused between these two brands, which is why we’re here to clear the air.

What is YSL?

YSL is an abbreviation commonly used for Yves Saint Laurent, a luxury fashion house founded by Yves Saint Laurent himself in 1961. The brand gained popularity for its iconic designs that revolutionized the fashion industry. Yves Saint Laurent was known for his remarkable contributions to the world of haute couture, including introducing women’s tuxedos and safari jackets.

What is Saint Laurent Paris?

Saint Laurent Paris, on the other hand, is a luxury fashion brand that originated from YSL. After the death of Yves Saint Laurent in 2008, the brand was rebranded as Saint Laurent Paris by its new creative director Hedi Slimane in 2012. The rebranding caused quite a stir in the fashion industry as many people were skeptical about changing such an iconic brand name.

Are they the same?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Yes, because technically speaking, both brands belong to the same parent company Kering (formerly known as PPR). However, there are some significant differences between these two brands that set them apart from each other.

Brand Name

The first and most noticeable difference between YSL and Saint Laurent Paris is their name. While one uses the initials of its founder’s name (YSL), another uses his full name (Saint Laurent Paris). This distinction has caused some confusion among consumers who are not familiar with the history of both brands.

Product Range

Another difference between these two brands lies in their product range. YSL offers a wide range of products, including clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories, while Saint Laurent Paris mainly focuses on ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

Design Aesthetic

Finally, the most significant difference between these two brands is their design aesthetic. YSL is known for its bold and daring designs that push the boundaries of fashion, while Saint Laurent Paris has a more minimalistic and sophisticated approach to design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while YSL and Saint Laurent Paris are technically the same brand, they have distinct differences that set them apart from each other. Whether you prefer one over the other is entirely subjective and depends on your personal taste in fashion. However, it’s essential to understand the history behind both brands to appreciate their unique qualities fully.