38 Years of Yves Saint Laurent Love Posters

Today in our Fashion Book Club, we will be presenting the book Love – Yves Saint Laurent by Patrick Mauriès, éd. La Martinière, which brings together the extraordinary story of the iconic Saint Laurent Love Posters.

For thirty-eight years, the world awoke each February to a new declaration of love from Yves Saint Laurent. It was not whispered in hushed tones or hidden in private letters, but boldly displayed in vibrant colors, printed on posters, and sent to friends, muses, and admirers across the globe.

It all began in 1970 when the iconic French designer, deeply inspired by the joyful art of Henri Matisse and the playfulness of collage, decided to create a New Year’s card unlike any other. Using cut-out shapes and bright hues, he crafted a message of love, signed with his initials: YSL. The idea took root, and each year thereafter, he designed a new Love Poster, a personal and artistic way to welcome the year ahead.

These posters were not merely graphic designs; they were declarations of passion, bursts of optimism, and reflections of Saint Laurent’s evolving inspirations. Some featured doves, symbols of peace and unity. Others showcased hearts, stars, and abstract compositions that seemed to pulse with energy. No two were alike, yet they all carried the same essence—love, warmth, and a touch of mystery.

For those who received them, these posters were treasures. They adorned the walls of fashion ateliers, art studios, and stylish Parisian apartments. Collectors sought them, art lovers analyzed them, and Saint Laurent’s inner circle awaited them with anticipation each January.

As the years passed, the Love Posters became more than just a tradition—they became part of Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy. They were a reflection of his soul, his emotions distilled into paper and ink. Even as the world around him changed, as fashion trends shifted and empires rose and fell, his love posters remained constant, a testament to his enduring passion for beauty and sentiment.

The final Love Poster was created in 2007, the last in a series spanning nearly four decades. When Saint Laurent passed away in 2008, the tradition ended, leaving behind a rich collection of artistic love letters to the world. Today, these posters remain iconic, displayed in galleries, auctioned as rare collectibles, and cherished by those who understand their meaning.

Yves Saint Laurent once said, “I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style.” Perhaps that was what his Love Posters truly embodied—not just innovation, but perfection in the purest, simplest form of love: a message from the heart, sent out into the world, year after year.

For those who enjoyed admiring the original collection of Saint Laurent Love Posters, feel free to visit our Parisian boutique, where you can find the complete collection.