SS16 saw Hedi Slimane taking his holistic vision to the sun-kissed LA beach for a Surf Sound collection. Translating Californian’s hot sand to the catwalk in immaculate splendour, the show was soundtracked by a specially composed track from Californian garage band Swimmers’ titled Like Harry Dean Stanton – instantly making our minds turn to the sparse, stunning cinematography of Paris, Texas.

Today, the collection’s campaign, photographed by Slimane has been unveiled, starring Jack Kilmer (for the successive season) and breakout actress Klara Kristin, who stars in Gasper Noe’s provocative film Love, set for release later this year. Appropriately set in a house on the LA coast, the campaign features both men’s SS16 and women’s cruise collections.

Considerably lighter than last season’s FW15 Parisian beatnik inspired collection SS16 saw Slimane head back to his Cali home. Inspired by SoCal artist Billy Al Bengston, who during the 1960s was closely aligned with the surf and motorcycle scene, Slimane infused the collection with Bengston’s subcultural approach to his vivid creations, informed by pop sensibilities.

Stylistically, socially, historically, Slimane possesses all the ingredients for a re-imagining of the Yves Saint Laurent DNA, mirroring Yves’ own forward-thinking ethos.

“I adore America”, Yves Saint Laurent once said. “It’s an extraordinary country. A new country.” From the heatwave deserts to the sprawling beaches, this passion is hard wired to Slimane’s DNA.

SAINT LAURENT
SURF SOUND COLLECTION
SPRING SUMMER 2016
YOUNG ACTRESS KLARA KRISTIN AND ACTOR JACK KILMER
SUMMER PART 1
CALIFORNIA, JUNE 2015

The Saint Laurent SS16 Surf Sound collection will be in stores from January 2016.