Once When I Was

Stefano Pilati’s final collection for Yves Saint Laurent was heavy in symbolism.  From the white calla lilies to the body armor of chain mail dresses there was a sense of finality.  It is believed that the calla lily represents purity, death and rebirth while chain mail was used to protect the body from death in the middle ages. 

I personally found all the leather pieces to be too heavy and severe but I thought the capes and knit capelet above were so elegant.  It is as if the skin slashes through the garments.  As usual, the shoes were stunning in sculptural metallic designs.

I think it’s lovely how delicate the heavy metal dresses can look. 

You can view the full collection @ NYMag where I culled these images from and the detail shots from the excellent detail gallery visit Style.com.