Yves Saint Laurent is set to return to the spotlight this week with the opening of a UK exhibition focusing on the French fashion designer's work and life. 

"Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal" will highlight the talented creative's vision and its lasting influence on womenswear. The show will feature 50 iconic garments, including pieces from his Russian Collection, the Mondrian dresses and the Tuxedo.

The designer, who co-founded his fashion house with partner Pierre Bergé and put on his first catwalk show in 1962, is known for creating many of the quintessential items of the modern woman's wardrobe, such as the pea jacket and trench-coat, the first tuxedo, the safari jacket and the first trouser suit. Many of these pieces have stood the test of time and remain current today. 

After all, as Saint Laurent himself once said: "Fashion fades, style is eternal." 

Yves Saint Laurent in his studio, 5 avenue Marceau, Paris, 1986

Cocktail dress inspired by Pop Art, Haute Couture collection Fall-Winter 1966

Tribute to Pablo Picasso, Haute Couture collection Fall-Winter 1979

Long evening ensemble, Haute Couture collection Fall-Winter 1978

Short cocktail dress. Tribute to Piet Mondrian, Haute Couture collection, Fall-Winter 1965

Evening outfit inspired by Cubist movement. Tribute to Georges Braque, Haute couture collection Spring-Summer 1988

Pantsuit, Haute Couture collection Spring-Summer 1967

Marina Schiano wearing short evening dress, Haute Couture collection Fall-Winter 1970

Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal will run at The Bowes Museum from July 11 - October 25. For more information see thebowesmuseum.org.uk.

(Source: AFP Relaxnews; Photos: 'Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal' exhibition)

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