If obtaining invitations to Paris’ mesmerizing catwalks during the Paris fashion week may prove rather tricky, visiting the beautifully renovated Yves Saint Laurent museum is an easy way to educate your little princess’ eyes to French style and good taste. A nice mother and daughter activity to enjoy together.

YSL museum- visit Paris with kids - French boutique

The museum located in a second Empire mansion on the Left Bank was home to the designer and his team for more than thirty years from 1974 to 2002. It is in this splendid house that Yves Saint Laurent gave birth to some of his most legendary designs. Across 450m2, are displayed his iconics pieces, sketches, pictures and prototypes in beautifully decorated rooms. The interior design of the museum is a work of art to itself!

Temporary exhibits are also hosted all year around highlighting specifics sources of inspiration or particularly spectacular collections.

The most impressive part of the visit is Yves Saint Laurent ‘s personal studio. Recreated exactly like the original one, it still features the designer’s real glasses, his pot of pencils, his drawings and photo of Catherine Deneuve... One has the impression that Yves is just around the corner and will reappear within minutes sitting behind his desk!

To brush up on your fashion culture and impress your child before the visit here are a few facts on Yves Saint Laurent :

Yves was born in a French family in Oran ( French Algeria) in 1936
At the age of seventeen, his first fashion drawings were published by Vogue
He worked as art director for Dior and met a huge success with his Trapèze line
In 1960 his “Beatnik” collection with motorcycle jackets made of crocodile leather made a scandal at the classic couture house of Dior and he was fired
In 1962 he launched his own brand with the help of Pierre Bergé
Considered as one of the most influential designers of his time he introduced the smocking suit, the reefer jacket, the sheer blouse and the jumpsuit
In 1965 he surprised the world with his revolutionary Mondrian dress, an A-line dress with geometric pattern by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian
In 1966 he opened his first ready-to-wear boutique
In 1971 he presented his famous Opium perfume
He retired in 2002
He died after a long illness in 2008