VIBE

Pretty much from the moment Dior’s precocious protogé Yves Saint Laurent launched his own line in 1961, he was the darling of the fashion in-crowd. YSL’s signature designs include feminine twists on masculine classics (like tuxedos and pant suits), and retro looks inspired by the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s. Since 2004, the line has been headed up by Stephano Pilati, who lead a sexy revamp of the Left Bank flagship store shortly after taking the helm; expect a mix of the classic (historic stonework) with the new and exotic (vivid red lacqured walls and Asian-inspired furnishings).

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Red carpet wear; looking Parisian chic

WHY WE LIKE IT

The fashions are the epitome of chic. Plus, those plush changing rooms are hard to leave…we could stay all day lounging in the spa-like surrounds.

GOOD TO KNOW

YSL was the first Parisian couture house to launch a prêt-à-porter line (in 1966).

OTHER LOCATIONS

7th Arr. (Paris); 8th Arr. (Paris); 60+ boutiques in major cities worldwide

CLOSEST COMPS

Chanel (Paris); Christian Dior (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris