Suit of the day: Le Smoking

The great couturier, Yves Saint Laurent changed evening wear forever when he introduced 'Le Smoking' to world of fashion in 1966. It is no wonder that this iconic piece, in it's minimalist form is the first ever Suit of the Day. No more did women have to fear restrictive, overly feminine evening dresses when they could be just as powerful, if not more powerful in a tuxedo.

For Saint Laurent: "Le Smoking gave freedom to women." and without a doubt the confidence that they needed to feel compelling and beautiful. It is no wonder that no one is able forget Helmut Newton's infamous photograph of Le Smoking in 1975, one that we are so familiar with today that captures female empowerment in it's entirety. Without it, we may not have seen the power suit that made it's way into mainstream fashion becoming the epitome of womenswear in the eighties and nineties. 

In a post-modern world, Saint Laurent captivated the essence of androgyny without veering too masculine. In his creations there was always beauty, a part of his true genius and ability to create and design without the use of illusions or trickery. Most of all, the tuxedo is one item that can be thrown on in a matter of minutes, for men and women alike. Le Smoking is an indispensable garment that will never find itself out of style. 

(Photograph by Helmut Newton, 1975)