Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent, founded in 1961 by the audacious Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, revolutionized fashion by giving the world the tuxedo jacket for women, better known as "Le Smoking." This French luxury house became the emblem of high fashion and rebellious sophistication, redefining women's wear with bold silhouettes and gender-bending designs. The house's defining moments include Yves' controversial 1971 "Scandal" collection, which was panned by critics but adored by the avant-garde. Today, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent rakes in around $2 billion annually, maintaining its status as a juggernaut of Parisian chic. But it's not all runway glamour; the brand has seen its fair share of drama. From Yves' notorious temper tantrums to Hedi Slimane’s controversial rebranding of the house name to just "Saint Laurent," the label is no stranger to scandal. Accomplishments are plenty, including numerous awards and red carpet dominations, yet it’s the scandals that often steal the spotlight. Current CEO Francesca Bellettini leads the charge, navigating this storied brand through the fickle waves of fashion with a blend of reverence for its rebellious roots and a keen eye on future trends.