Hedi Slimane adds an African accent to a new private salon at Saint Laurent’s Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship

Saint Laurent’s Faubourg Saint-Honoré outpost is the latest of the Parisian brand’s stores to undergo a monochromatic makeover dovetailing with creative director Hedi Slimane’s modern vision for the maison.

Showcasing ready-to-wear womenswear alongside accessories, the revamped 390 sq m space displays all of the hallmarks of the brand’s now established Art-Deco-inspired architectural concept, which was conceived by Slimane upon his arrival at the label in 2012. Mirrored panels and vast slabs of ’noir soie’ and ’blanc statuaire’ marble span the walls and floors. Lines are kept clean, rhythmic and straight while in the private salon - a VIP area which is accessed by a mirrored elevator - warm touches come in the form of mirror polished brass furniture and exacting upholstery designed by Art Deco Modernists such as Danish furniture craftsman Theo Ruth and French designers Jacques Adnet, André Sornay and Alfred Porteneuve based on drawings by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

Notably, a collection of Bamana Suruku masks from Mali make a pleasant if unexpected addition to the private salon and continue the African undercurrent that Slimane first introduced at the brand’s Hôtel de Sénecterre atelier in January of last year - a nod to Yves’ love of African art and the pieces he collected together with Pierre Bergé.

Saint Laurent’s nearby menswear location at 32 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is currently undergoing a similar renovation, which will complete Slimane’s overhaul of the brand’s Parisian stores when it opens later this year.