My Love Affair with Saint Laurent: A Journey of Style and Self-Discovery

Bonjour! Let’s talk about Saint Laurent. Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent more time inside a Saint Laurent store than I have cooking meals for myself—and honestly, no regrets. My introduction to Saint Laurent happened about 12 years ago on my first trip to Paris. While I didn’t purchase anything then, that experience ignited my journey into the world of luxury brands. It got me thinking about how I could blend luxury’s allure with my background in healthcare strategy—a thought-provoking intersection of art, design, and experience.
Since then, I’ve explored countless luxury stores, searching for exquisite pieces, but as the initial excitement faded, my interest evolved into a deep passion for understanding the history of iconic fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. There's so much history woven into their seams. During my years in Houston, I decided to immerse myself even further into Saint Laurent, learning about the brand’s products, style, and its legendary founder. I even had the chance to visit the stunning Maison in Marrakech, a true testament to the brand’s enduring allure.

Now back in Paris, I’ve been refining my personal style, staying true to my American and Caribbean roots while reconnecting with my New York sensibilities. I’m blending these elements with Parisian luxury, but I’m still defining exactly what that looks like. Each visit to Saint Laurent feels like another step closer to the vision of my evolving style. On one of these visits, my cousin and I were together, and she asked if I wanted to go into the store. I was surprised to see a Saint Laurent boutique on the Champs-Élysées, so I hesitated. She encouraged me, asking if I wanted to go in and ask "the question." I paused, trying to remember which question she meant, and then she reminded me: I love to ask, “What is something I can get here that I cannot find anywhere else?”
It's a whole experience to be cherished. I often find that I connect with the right people at these boutiques—nine times out of ten, I’m paired with someone who truly enhances the experience. This time was no different. Our sales associate, impeccably stylish, patient, and warm, guided us through a curated journey of ready-to-wear pieces.
Walking into the store, you’re immediately assigned an associate, and when I asked about their offerings, his response was everything: “Exotic pieces and ready-to-wear on the third floor.” Without missing a beat, I knew that was exactly where I was meant to be. It’s moments like these that make each visit to Saint Laurent not just a shopping trip, but an exploration of luxury, history, and my own sense of style.

BIKER COAT IN LAMBSKIN, I adored its dramatic length and the way it hugged me with every step—it felt like a statement, a bold declaration of presence. There’s a confidence that comes with slipping into this jacket, paired with an immediate nostalgia for my days in New York City. It reminded me of my older cousin’s coat with that unmistakable Brooklyn edge. The jacket’s softness and the way the belt cinched my waist made it feel like it could double as a dress, adding to its allure.

Saint Laurent, SHORT JACKET IN LAMBSKIN. Initially, this jacket wasn’t my first choice. My eyes were set on the stunning BIKER JACKET IN LAMBSKIN. However, this short jacket exuded that quintessential Saint Laurent edge. I looked at both on again and I realized the shorter jacket was speaking to me in a different way. The way it hugged my body—tailored yet effortless, with just the right amount of structure—felt like it was made for me. It was strong yet soft, much like how I see myself. It wrapped around me like a second skin, making me feel both powerful and feminine, a balance that’s not always easy to capture in fashion.

The sleeves are designed to be ruched, and the material is made to remain luxurious over time. I have small wrists, so my SA suggested tapering the wrist opening and adding another button clasp. At this store, a tailor is available on-site to make adjustments if needed. The alterations took just a day or two. When I returned to try on the jacket, the sleeve opening fit much better, and that’s when we decided to add the extra button clasp, which was done in about 15–20 minutes. Now, I’m just waiting for winter to wear my jacket.

Luxury is choice. One thing I look for when shopping is that my SA brings me multiple options that align with my reason for being in the store. Yes, I may come in for a specific item, but I appreciate being asked thoughtful questions and presented with a variety of options. Although I wasn’t initially searching for a winter coat, my SA brought me the most beautiful, incredibly soft cashmere coat. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love again! I had decided on the short jacket, but living in Paris, where winters are real, I’ve been thinking about adding a cashmere coat to my wardrobe. I couldn’t stop smiling when I tried it on—he even knew the perfect size for me. The tailoring was exquisite, and I wish I could fully convey the softness of the fabric. He suggested shortening the sleeves for a better fit, which is quintessential Saint Laurent: impeccable tailoring, the finest materials, and a style that will endure. This coat can be styled in so many ways, dressed up or down. I can already imagine wearing it in both settings.

At the final moment, when the store had officially closed, my cousin and I had our photo taken in full haute couture. It was such a special day! Being able to try on different looks and just enjoy the experience is exactly what I’ve come to expect from a luxury boutique. I also left with this stunning wrap pencil skirt in lace. Lace is a significant part of the current 2024 collection and will undoubtedly stand the test of time. With Saint Laurent lace pieces, meticulous care is taken to ensure the lace aligns perfectly, so even with the stitches, you see one seamless pattern, one uninterrupted flow. That is luxury. I’m still debating on the shoes—they’re definitely dinner shoes, not meant for walking on concrete! I loved the gold tones on my cousin; everything fit her so beautifully. Her dress accentuated her figure perfectly, and the warm gold of her jacket combined with the satin of her shoes pulled the entire look together in a way only Saint Laurent can achieve. Lastly, when I see the combination of textures and materials in this photo, I’m truly in awe.