THE OLFACTION And what better than a flamboyant scarlet rose to turn the luxurious fabric into a scent? “I saw a rose that I wanted to recreate. In a way that can only be achieved in a perfume, I wanted mine to express the beauty, the feel and the strength of this unique rose”, confides VELOURS’ author, Carlos Benaïm. What initially inspired the Master Perfumer was a couture ingredient custom-made for YSL: the spectacular Damascena Rose. Drawn from the essence of roses gathered at dawn, the precious ingredient is refined in Grasse through a high-tech process that preserves all the fragrant molecules from the rose. Fresher and greener than rose essence, more modern and transparent than rose absolute, the sustainable, fair-trade material “has the strength and clarity of a beautiful red rose, as natural-smelling and petal-fresh the flower on the stem”, Carlos Benaïm enthuses. THE INSPIRATION What material, better than velvet, can magnify the intensity of the most flamboyant passion? From the sumptuous jet-embroidered bolero of the “Ballets Russes” collection (F/W 1976) to today’s sharp-cut blazers worn on sexy bare skin, velvet has always embodied Monsieur Saint Laurent’s flair for sensuality and eroticism. Velvet possesses an inherent drama, its texture catching the light and creating a sense of movement and depth. This dramatic quality aligns perfectly with YSL's style penchant for theatricality and bold statements in design. The YSL velvet isn't for the faint of heart. It commands attention, and it’s made for those who live life with a vibrant, unapologetic flair. It embodies the flamboyance of the YSL spirit in every facet.