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Those who followed in the legendary shoes of Yves.

The brand lives on
Albore Elbaz
1998 | 2000
Born on June 12, 1961 in Casablanca, Morocco, Alber Elbaz graced the world with his undeniable talent. Studying at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Ramat Gan, this allowed Elbaz to gain the brilliant eye for construction he is so well known for. In 1985 Elbaz moved to New York City, working for a manufacturer of Mother-of-the-bride clothing. After George F Couture, for the next 7 years Elbaz would really come into his own, honing in on his true aesthetic from inspiration and employer, Geoffrey Beene. Just before receiving the opportunity to work for YSL, through retailer Dawn Mello, was hired by the firm of Guy Laroche. Though the aesthetic of this enterprise had become extremely drab and almost “grey” feeling, that Elbaz felt as though he would not be able to grow creatively in his position there. Finally, came the chance to work for the legendary and one of the most renowned fashion houses in the world, YSL. This was a choice made by Yves himself, in his preparation to step down from his company, which left people with the hope that the brand would stay true to its original vision. The respect and following that the YSL brand had gathered, paired with Elbaz’s unique rejection of trends and masterful drape and fit, created pure brilliancy. Unfortunately, having only created 3 collections for YSL, the Gucci group bought the YSL Reeve Gouache line and design director, Tom Ford, dismissed Elba from his post. A sad day to say the least, as Alber Elbaz was a true talent and brought many brilliant pieces to the YSL brand. He was able to keep the original aesthetic in tact, while also infusing his own unique touch, growing the brand into something even more grandiose then its original success. 
Stefano Pilati
2004 | 2012
Born Born 1965 in  Milan, Stefano Pilati was born with a true love for fashion and design and a drive like no other, that would bring him the success his name holds today. Having seen his hometown grow into a fashion hotspot in the 1980s, Pilati sought out all the knowledge there was to gain in regards to ready to wear apparel and all of the materials and production that comes along with it. Getting his first opportunity from a velvet manufacturer, only months later Pilati was designing the companies entire collection and presenting it to, not only Milan’s, but all of Europe’s top ready to wear names. From there, Pilati’s career truly skyrocketed straight to success, as one unbelievable and well deserved opportunity followed the next. It started with Giorgio Armani’s offer to assist the men’s ready-to-wear department in 1993, followed by running Prada’s fabric research and development sector in 1995, to then only be promoted as head designer at Miu Miu. Though the most relevant of offers, was one made by YSL- to be the head designer, replacing Tom Ford. This was thought to be a “match made in heaven”, as Stefano Pilati exuded the pure essence of what YSL stands for. Although there was a hype like no other for Pilati to start his time as YSL, he did not let the pressure fog his creativity. In fact, Pilati thrived in this environment and is credited to this day for the creation of YSL staples such as; the Tulip skirt, as well as extremely successful accessories such as the Muse bag and the YSL Tribute sandal. Pilati spent nearly 12 years working for this iconic brand and truly helped bring it to the forefront it sits at today. His innovative designs and pure passion for architecture and design, brought about a side of YSL that has changed not only the brand but the world of fashion forever. 
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