A legendary address

In the heart of Paris's prestigious 7th arrondissement, at 55 Rue de Babylone, stood one of fashion's most legendary private residences—the home of Yves Saint Laurent. For over three decades, this address wasn't merely a place where the iconic designer lived; it was a sanctuary that reflected his extraordinary vision, artistic sensibilities, and the revolutionary spirit that defined his work in fashion.

The Acquisition of 55 Rue de Babylone

Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, both in business and life, Pierre Bergé, purchased the duplex apartment at 55 Rue de Babylone in 1970. This period marked a significant chapter in Saint Laurent's career—having founded his eponymous fashion house in 1961, he was already revolutionizing women's fashion with his innovative designs, including the iconic "Le Smoking" tuxedo suit for women.

The selection of this particular address was no accident. The 7th arrondissement represented old-world Parisian elegance, discreet luxury, and was home to many of the city's intellectual and cultural elite. For Saint Laurent, who was born in Algeria and had risen meteorically through Paris's fashion world, establishing a home on this street represented both personal achievement and his deep connection to Paris.

A Museum-Quality Interior

What made 55 Rue de Babylone truly exceptional was its interior. Under the guidance of Saint Laurent and Bergé, the apartment evolved into what many considered one of the finest private art collections in Paris. The space was meticulously curated with:

• Works by master painters including Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, and Braque
• Extraordinary Art Deco furniture pieces by Eileen Gray, Jean-Michel Frank, and Pierre Legrain
• Ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts
• Renaissance bronzes
• An exceptional collection of mirrors from various periods
• Remarkably preserved 18th-century French furniture

The apartment's décor embodied Saint Laurent's distinctive aesthetic—a harmonious fusion of different periods and styles. Each room told a story: the music room with its Monet paintings; the library lined with thousands of rare books; the grand salon with its collection of Léger and Picasso works. These spaces reflected not just wealth, but a profound understanding of art history and design.

A Creative Sanctuary

For Saint Laurent, Rue de Babylone was more than a showcase—it was a creative sanctuary. Friends and associates often noted how the designer would retreat to this space to find inspiration and solace. The apartment's atmosphere directly influenced many of his collections, especially his use of color and his references to art history.

Jacques Grange, the interior designer who worked with Saint Laurent on the apartment, later recalled how the couturier would spend hours adjusting the placement of objects until they achieved perfect harmony. This meticulous attention to detail mirrored his approach to fashion design.

Legendary Gatherings

The apartment at Rue de Babylone became famous for hosting some of Paris's most exclusive gatherings. Saint Laurent and Bergé entertained artists, writers, musicians, and fashion luminaries in their salons. Guests included Andy Warhol, Paloma Picasso, Loulou de la Falaise, Catherine Deneuve, and Bianca Jagger, among many others.

These soirées became legendary in Parisian social circles—intimate affairs where intellectual discussion flourished amid unparalleled surroundings. For many, an invitation to Rue de Babylone represented arrival in Paris's most rarefied cultural circles.

The End of an Era

Following Saint Laurent's death in 2008, the contents of the Rue de Babylone apartment became the focus of what Christie's called "the sale of the century." In February 2009, the extensive collection was auctioned over three days, generating over €373 million and breaking numerous records for decorative arts.

The sale represented the dispersal of one of the most significant private collections of the 20th century. Art that had once adorned the walls of Rue de Babylone now hangs in museums and private collections worldwide, carrying with it the provenance of having belonged to one of fashion's greatest visionaries.

Legacy on the Street

Today, 55 Rue de Babylone remains an address of almost mythical status in fashion history. Though the apartment's contents have been dispersed, the building itself remains a site of pilgrimage for fashion enthusiasts.

The street's connection to Saint Laurent continues to enhance its prestige. Other fashion luminaries, including Catherine Deneuve (who was both a client and friend of Saint Laurent), have chosen to live on Rue de Babylone, furthering its reputation as one of Paris's most fashionable addresses.

Rue de Babylone in Saint Laurent's Creative Work

The story of Yves Saint Laurent and 55 Rue de Babylone represents a unique chapter in Parisian cultural history—a perfect alignment of person and place. Through his three decades on this elegant street, Saint Laurent transformed a Parisian address into an icon of taste, creativity, and artistic vision. Today, even without its famous resident, Rue de Babylone remains indelibly linked to the legacy of a designer who forever changed the landscape of fashion while creating one of the most extraordinary private spaces Paris has ever known.