![]() ![]() Next he produced a small volume, Chamfort’s “Maxims,” from a hard case, and explained that it belonged to the 19th-century French writer known as Stendhal, who is said to have trimmed its cover so he could stuff it in a pocket, and who filled it with his thoughts in florid script. There’s a back story, and I love that,” he marveled. “For me, it’s very moving to think that, first of all, this is a first edition, the first time it was printed, and this is the copy Victor Hugo owned and the one he read. ![]() What fascinates him is the journeys made by these ancient books, passing over generations through many hands, some famous - and likely some who never even read them, owning them for prestige “or because it’s chic,” he winked.įor example, he showed off a copy of Gustave Flaubert’s “Madame Bovary,” remarkable not for its printing wizardry, but for what’s written in fountain pen on the first page: a dedication to Victor Hugo. While Bergé appreciates the longevity and beauty of his oldest volumes, pointing out the challenges of publishing and printing books amid strict social mores and technical challenges, he acknowledged that “the text is the text” and to read a paperback version and a more modern translation is more practical. The wooden cases reflect an eclectic taste for grand literature across multiple languages, including Russian, English, Italian, Portuguese and German.īergé was emphatic that the late Saint Laurent had no interest in his literary leanings, and left him free to assemble the library according to his interests and tastes. Augustine’s “Confessions,” printed around 1470, to William Burrough’s “Scrap Book 3” from 1979. Today, it spans everything from a first edition of St. The money he would amass running Saint Laurent’s global fashion empire would help him build the collection, starting in earnest at age 40. “It was not a paperback,” he said with a smile. His first important purchase, at age 21, was Gallimard’s complete works of Marcel Proust. “All the same, I learned things, and I never forgot the experience.” “I can’t tell you that I learned everything in one year, that’s not possible,” he said. Among his tasks were to scour the booksellers that rim the banks of the Seine, known as “ bouquinistes,” and search for treasures that could be resold. It’s decided and organized, but I prefer to take care of it myself while I’m still alive,” he added.īergé became acquainted with antique books at age 17: His first job was at L’Originale, a bookshop owned by Richard Anacréon on the Rue de Seine. “I have no heirs, so I’ve willed this library to the foundation. Proceeds from the auctions, to be conducted in collaboration by Pierre Bergé & Associés, are ultimately destined for the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, which is to transform into permanent YSL museums in Paris and Morocco in 2017. “Because I’ll be 85 before the end of the year and one has to be conscious of one’s age and think of the future,” he shrugged, seated at the leather-topped table in the center of the room. Bold Shoulders Empower Menswear for Spring 2024 ![]()
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