Fusion plays a role in most of the best designs. Whether it's the combination of hard lines with sofa furnishings, modern style with antiques, or seemingly contrasting colors, a combination of seemingly disparate elements is a definite way to create stunning interiors. In Yves St. Laurent's apartment, the fusion was between French and North African design.
The iconic Parisian designer was enthralled by Moroccan design from his first trip to Marrakech in 1966. So much so that after just a few days in the Ochre City, he and his partner, Pierre Bergé, purchased their first home in the historic medina. As you would imagine, the home combines traditional European furnishings with gorgeous Moroccan details. From zellige tiles to kilim rugs, their homes were full of warmth and character.
Recently, the Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent opened Villa Oasis, their home in the Marjorelle Gardens, to visitors, according to Tatler Travel, making it the perfect time to step back in time and explore one of their stunning Marrakech homes. Here is Saint Laurent, working in his bedroom in August 1980.
Bold blues, reds, and yellows fill the space, showcasing the bright colors of the city.
'Yves was influenced artistically by the colors he encountered in Marrakech, the colours of nature and of the clothes he saw about him,' Berge told the BBC. 'It was always the colours more than the designs. Actually, he loved the mix of colours: he said before Marrakech he saw only in black and white.'
Shop the Edit
This set of four stylish cushions is the ideal complement to a neutral sofa or a bolder Moroccan rug. It would be perfect with a traditional interior, like Yves St. Laurent's.
Made in collaboration with American designer Justina Blakeney, this 'Eartha' rug was skillfully illustrated by Justina to feature wild leopards in a warm terracotta and chocolate palette. Plus, it is entirely machine-washable.
This stunning wooden desk has a stylish amount of open space, just like the one Yves uses in his home. The dark wood would work well in any space.
Yves pairs the rich Moroccan textiles and tiles in the bedroom with more traditional Parisian interiors. Striped curtains, a wooden writing desk, and a gold lamp bring in a French feel. The dark wood mirror above the fireplace grounds the space. Overall, the combination creates a beautifully rich bedroom.
Turning to the great interiors of the past is a great way to brainstorm for how to design our own homes. What better place to look than the space of a fashion designer?
