YSL's Le Smoking
YSL's Le Smoking
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Le Smoking, introduced by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966, was
more than just a tuxedo suit for women—it was a
statement. It defied traditional expectations of women’s
evening wear, challenging the dominance of dresses and
gowns. This groundbreaking design blended the authority
of menswear with the grace of feminine tailoring, giving
women a new way to express themselves.
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Saint Laurent was obsessed with every detail: the sharp
shoulders, the satin lapels, and the perfect cut of the
trousers. The jacket was tailored to enhance the female
form while maintaining the powerful silhouette of
menswear. The trousers were cut to elongate the leg while
ensuring movement and comfort. He insisted on using the
finest materials: grain de poudre wool for the suit, silk
satin for the lapels, and mother-of-pearl buttons that
caught the light perfectly. Each element was carefully
considered to strike a balance between masculine
authority and feminine elegance.
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From its inception, Le Smoking was viewed as a political
and cultural statement. It symbolized a shift toward
gender equality and reflected the growing feminist
movement of the 1960s. Women wearing Le Smoking
exuded power, independence, and confidence, often
sparking both admiration and controversy.
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Celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Bianca Jagger, and
Tilda Swinton embraced the design, solidifying its status as
an iconic piece. It transcended fashion to become a
symbol of rebellion and empowerment for women.
Decades later, Le Smoking continues to influence
designers and remains a timeless classic, epitomizing both
elegance and audacity.
Instructions: Read the text about Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking carefully. Then, choose the
best answer for each question.
3. What specific feature of Le Smoking made it distinct from traditional women's evening wear?
a) The use of silk chiffon
b) The inclusion of a tailored tuxedo jacket with trousers
c) The long flowing gown with a train
d) The use of metallic embroidery
4. Which material did Yves Saint Laurent primarily use to create the iconic Le Smoking look?
a) Velvet
b) Wool
c) Satin
d) Silk
5. What element of Le Smoking did Yves Saint Laurent incorporate to emphasize masculinity?
a) A bow tie
b) A deep V-neckline
c) A sleek, structured tuxedo jacket
d) A long cape
6. Which aspect of Le Smoking challenged the conventional femininity in fashion at the time?
a) The addition of bold floral prints
b) The structured, masculine silhouette with trousers
c) The use of transparent materials
d) The oversized sleeves
7. How did Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking change the perception of women’s fashion in
public spaces?
a) It made women appear more sexualized
b) It reinforced traditional female roles
c) It allowed women to enter male-dominated, formal social settings
d) It limited women to the home or private events
1. Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking was a sophisticated, ________ suit that introduced a new level of
formality for women, combining traditional elements with modern flair.
2. The ________ of the jacket was key to the garment’s overall aesthetic, giving it the confidence and
elegance of a traditional tuxedo while remaining distinctly feminine.
3. The ________ used for Le Smoking was high-quality satin, a fabric that added a luxurious sheen to the
look while maintaining the refined aesthetic of the design.
4. The jacket of Le Smoking featured sharp, clean lines and ________ shoulders, creating a structured and
masculine look that was a departure from typical women’s evening wear.
5. Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking was a quintessential example of ________ fashion, a design approach
that merges fine, handmade garments with high-fashion craftsmanship.
6. The ________ of the suit’s jacket were crafted with precision, adding an air of sophistication and
masculinity to the overall design.
7. The ________ of the suit was highly flattering and emphasized the strong lines of the body, giving it a
sharp and defined look.
8. Le Smoking included a ________ blazer with a classic, wide-cut that formed part of its elegant yet bold
silhouette.
1. Double-breasted jacket
2. satin notched lapels
3. pocket square
4. padded shoulders
5. French cuffs
6. white dress shirt
7. slim fit sleeves
8. black pointed-toe heels
9. tailored straight-leg trousers
10. crease line
Homework