The calculated regime of cool that once defined Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent man has softened, with his recent shows - relocated to Paris’ hipster heart of Marais - beginning to speak more and more of Yves’ heady exoticism (albeit through Slimane’s LA lens). His latest collection was titled ‘Psych Rock’ after the 1960s American musical movement he has seen make a clamourous return of late, with theatrical clothes and swirling bohemia paraded anew. Models wore the embellished finery of Jim Morrison’s dreams – from studded suede jean jackets on bare torso to starry velvet bombers and tasselled kaftans, their colours rich in earthy stripes and peasant florals. Borrowing arts and crafts embroideries from a myriad of mystic cultures, Slimane’s opulent outerwear and fluid blouse shirts topped the ubiquitous Saint Laurent skinny jean once more, its only variation traced in Navajo silver buckles or gilded brocade down the leg.
Photography: Jason Lloyd-Evans
