Originally posted by Fashion Wire Daily Paris July 7@ 2003
Saint Laurent Speaks
By Godfrey Deeny
In his first public comments on the collections designed by his ultimate successor, Yves Saint Laurent did not mince words.
"Il fait ce qu'il peuve, le pauvre," the legendary French designer told FWD when asked his opinion on American designer Tom Ford. That roughly translates to, "He does what he can, the poor thing."
Asked whether he thought Ford's designs were in the spirit of Saint Laurent, the retired designer peered over his tortoise shell glasses and said simply: "Oh, you know I can't respond to a question like that." It's understood that under the terms of the agreement by which the Gucci Group bought YSL, both Saint Laurent and his longtime partner Pierre Berge are prevented from publicly commenting on the house they used to own.
Speaking at a party in the boutique of his former muse and accessories designer Loulou de la Falaise in Paris Monday night, Saint Laurent sounded almost like James Bond when he hinted to a posse of journalists that he might just consider designing another collection.
"I can't see it happening in the near future," said Saint Laurent in an interview in the boutique with French TV channel France 2 about rumors that he's mulling some sort of return. "But," he added with an arch wink, "I have to say, never say never, eh!"
Attired in a green cotton jacket and khaki pants, the famed designer emphasized to reporters that he's been kept busy taking drawing classes and resting up since his retirement last year from the house he founded.
"Of course I keep up to date with what's happening in fashion. But when I look around I have to say I'm not impressed. It makes me sad," said Saint Laurent.