Marrakech, Morocco – The tweet from "ol’ stocky ⛳️" highlighting the "Library of Yves Saint Laurent" refers to the significant research library located within the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm). Opened in October 2017 as part of the museum complex, this specialized library serves as a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts, reflecting the profound connection between the legendary designer and Morocco.
The library’s collection comprises over 6,000 volumes, including rare books dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. Its holdings are diverse, encompassing Moroccan history, literature, traditional arts, and a substantial collection dedicated to the Berber people. Additionally, it features books on gardens, landscaping, botany, and, of course, the extensive work and life of Yves Saint Laurent and the broader history of fashion.
The establishment of this comprehensive library was a key wish of Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint Laurent's long-time partner and business associate. He envisioned it as a crucial research center, welcoming a wide range of users including Moroccan and international researchers, anthropologists, historians, and university students. The library underscores the intellectual depth and cultural influences that shaped Saint Laurent's creative vision.
The mYSLm itself, designed by Studio KO, is a 4,000 m² complex situated near the iconic Jardin Majorelle, which Saint Laurent and Bergé acquired in 1980. Beyond the research library, the museum features a permanent exhibition space showcasing Saint Laurent's haute couture, a hall for temporary exhibitions, a 140-seat auditorium, a bookshop, and a terrace café.
This institution in Marrakech complements the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, collectively preserving and presenting the immense legacy of the fashion house. The library, in particular, offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the historical, cultural, and artistic inspirations that were central to Yves Saint Laurent's groundbreaking designs and his enduring love for Morocco.