There have been many women who have been described as muses within the fashion world, but none have had such a longstanding title as Betty Catroux. Having stood by the side of Yves Saint Laurent for 35 years, the model, who was rumoured to have been christened with perfume rather than holy water, was described by Yves as his twin sister, and was the inspiration for the slightly androgynous, but ultimately rebellious aesthetic the brand has built itself on.

And it seems it wasn’t just Saint Laurent himself who was inspired by Catroux. Anthony Vaccarello, the current Artistic Director of the French fashion house, is equally as fascinated as the originator, as he’s curated an exhibition of Catroux’s signature SL outfits in her honour. Betty Catroux, Yves Saint Laurent – Feminine Singular opened in the The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris at the beginning of October, and is a special exhibition that’s devoted to Betty Catroux. Using the iconic Saint Laurent pieces that Betty Catroux donated to the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, Vaccarello has selected pieces that best reveal her unique personality and ongoing influence on the label’s signature style.



And for those who are unable to attend the exhibit, or for those who have but want to keep a literary memento, the gallery has released a photographic tome of the same name that’s filled with exclusive imagery and interviews. Expect never been seen before snippets into the relationship between Yves and Betty, from copies of handwritten letters to illustrations detailing how detrimental Catroux was for the brand’s identity. Have all the inside scoop of one of fashion’s greatest partnerships, at home, resting on your coffee table. 

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