YSL and Photography: Iconic Exhibition at ICP New York

Fashion goes pop! How Yves Saint Laurent created photography magic – in pictures. Yves Saint Laurent understood the power of photography to push boundaries and take risks that resonated in the fashion world and beyond. The new exhibition Yves Saint Laurent and Photography, at New York's International Center of Photography (ICP), showcases nearly 300 iconic photographs and archival objects, featuring images by renowned artists including Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Irving Penn, Andy Warhol, and others.

Exhibition Highlights

Pairing photographs with contact sheets, campaign materials, magazines, and personal images, the exhibit demonstrates the vital role images played in the legacy of the Yves Saint Laurent brand. Curated by Briana Ellis-Gibbs, the exhibition runs from June 17, 2026, offering a deep dive into the interplay between fashion and photography.

Featured Works

Spring/Summer 1966 Haute Couture Collection: Models photographed by James Moore for Harper’s Bazaar, March 1966.
Ensemble worn by Edia Vairelli: From the haute couture spring/summer 1982 collection, captured via Polaroid by Yves Saint Laurent himself.
Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 1957: A portrait by Irving Penn, courtesy of The Irving Penn Foundation.
Cocktail dress from Fall/Winter 1965: Known as the Tribute to Piet Mondrian, photographed by Peter Knapp for Elle France.
Evening dress from Fall/Winter 1984: Photographed by Dominique Issermann for Vogue.
Tailored suit worn by Anna Karin: From the haute couture fall/winter 1991 collection, another Polaroid by Yves Saint Laurent.
Yves Saint Laurent, 1966: A portrait by Harry Meerson.
Cocktail dresses: Homage to Pop Art: From the fall/winter 1966 haute couture collection, photographed by Jean-Claude Sauer for Life magazine.

The exhibition underscores how Saint Laurent's collaborations with top photographers created timeless images that transcended fashion, influencing art and culture. Visitors can explore the creative process through contact sheets and archival materials, gaining insight into the making of these iconic visuals.

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